Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes — Kalimba Tabs & Number Notation

About Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes is a children’s action song that translates beautifully to the kalimba because of its repetitive, stepwise melody. It’s a beginner-level piece in C major, played at 130 BPM—a cheerful, bouncy tempo that matches the playful nature of the song. What makes it special for kalimba players is that the melody mainly moves by step (up or down one key at a time) with a few small leaps, so it’s an excellent first song for learning to navigate the instrument without looking at every note. The song’s structure is simple: two nearly identical phrases, each descending then ascending. The first phrase covers 'Head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes'—that descending line from high G down to middle C gives you a natural feel for the kalimba’s scale layout. Then the second phrase repeats the pattern with slight variation on 'Eyes and ears and mouth and nose'. This repetition is a gift for beginners because you can conquer the first phrase and then apply the same thumb movements to the second with minimal adjustments. I often recommend this song to adults learning kalimba for fun with their kids, or to anyone who wants a low-stress piece to build confidence. The 130 BPM tempo sounds fast, but the melody notes are all quarter notes or eighth notes—no tricky syncopation. The single-note approach means you don’t have to worry about chords or harmony. Plus, the song is short (41 seconds at full speed), so you can repeat it many times without fatigue. It’s also a great warm-up for more complex pieces later because it reinforces the thumb-alternation habit at a moderate pace.

How to Play Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes on Kalimba

To play Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes on a 17-key kalimba, start by locating the high G (key 8) and the middle C (key 1). The melody begins on high G and descends stepwise: G (8) → F (7) → E (6) → D (5) → C (4) for 'Head, shoulders, knees and toes', then repeats C (4) → D (5) → E (6) → F (7) → G (8) for 'knees and toes'. Use your right thumb for the higher notes (G, F, E) and your left thumb for the lower ones (D, C) to alternate smoothly. Specifically, right on G, left on F? Wait, that might cross. Better: play the whole descending line with your right thumb alone on the first beat, then use left thumb on the ascending part. But for even tone, alternate: play G with right, F with left, E with right, D with left, C with right. That pattern feels natural on a kalimba because the keys are arranged in two rows. The tricky part is the jump from the end of the first phrase back to the start. After you finish 'toes' on high G, you immediately begin again on high G for 'eyes'. There’s no rest between phrases, so you need to lift your thumb and strike again cleanly. Practice the transition: play the last 'toes' (G) and then immediately play the 'eyes' (also G) with the opposite thumb—right on the first G, left on the second G. This avoids a sloppy double-strike. The second phrase ('eyes and ears and mouth and nose') follows the same descending pattern as the first. Use the same thumb alternation. Keep your wrists relaxed and let the kalimba rest on your lap or a table for stability.

Why This Song Fits Beginner Players

This beginner song is ideal because it uses only a one-octave range (C4 to G4) and moves mostly by step. It teaches you the foundational skill of thumb alternation on a simple, predictable pattern. The repetition builds muscle memory without overwhelming you. By playing at 130 BPM, you develop a steady internal pulse—crucial for all future songs. It’s also short, so you can feel a sense of accomplishment quickly.

Chords & Key Signature

The melody is in C major with no chord changes. You play single notes following the traditional nursery rhyme melody. No chord shapes are needed. The key signature has no sharps or flats, so every note is a white key on the kalimba.

Practice Tips

• Start at 70 BPM and play the descending line (G F E D C) using alternating thumbs: right, left, right, left, right. Get comfortable before increasing speed.
• Practice the transition from 'toes' (G) to 'eyes' (G) by striking the first G with your right thumb and the second G with your left thumb, no pause.
• Clap the rhythm while saying the words: 'head-shoul-ders-knees-and-toes' (8 eighth notes). Then play it on one note.
• If you rush, use a metronome and only play on the beat. The melody fits cleanly into eighth notes at 130 BPM.
• Record yourself and check for any buzzing from uneven thumb pressure—especially on the G keys.
• Once comfortable, try playing while touching your head, shoulders, etc., as the song instructs. It’s silly but builds coordination.
• Use the interactive player on the website to loop the first phrase until you can play it without looking at the keys.