Two Tigers — Kalimba Tabs & Number Notation

About Two Tigers

Two Tigers – or 两只老虎 – is a beloved Chinese folk song that shares its tune with the French nursery rhyme Frère Jacques. Its catchy, symmetrical melody makes it a favorite for early kalimba players. The song is slightly longer than Twinkle (about 72 seconds at 120 BPM) and introduces eighth notes for the first time. On the kalimba, the notes move up and down the C major scale in clear, predictable patterns: the first phrase ascends C-D-E-C, then climbs higher with E-F-G, and finally descends with G-A-G-F-E-C before ending on a cheerful C-G-C. This repeated rising and falling motion teaches your thumbs to travel across the tines with purpose. Beginners enjoy Two Tigers because the repetition makes it easy to memorize, and the faster tempo gives a sense of progress. The tune is playful and energetic, which contrasts nicely with the calm of Twinkle. It also uses the same six notes (C through A), so you already know where to find them. Learning Two Tigers builds on the foundation of your first song while pushing your speed and thumb independence just a little further. Many players find themselves humming the melody even when they're not holding the kalimba – that's a good sign the song has stuck.

How to Play Two Tigers on Kalimba

The tab for Two Tigers has three main sections. First section: C D E C (four quarter notes). Second section: C D E C (repeat). Third section: E F G (three eighth notes followed by a quarter rest). Then the same E F G again. Next: G A G F E C (six eighth notes) – this is the longest continuous run. Then repeat that descending line. Finally: C G C (quarter, quarter, half note). The tricky parts are the eighth notes in the E-F-G and the descending run. For the E-F-G, your thumb must move rightward quickly from E to F to G. Practice that three-note cluster separately. In the descending run G-A-G-F-E-C, keep your thumb moving in a straight line; don't lift it between tines. Use left thumb for C and D, right thumb for E, F, G, A. The final C G C – play C with left, G with right, then C again with left. Tap your foot to keep the eighth notes even – each eighth should be exactly half the length of a quarter. Start at 60 BPM (where the eighth notes feel like clicks on a metronome) and work up to 120 BPM.

Why This Song Fits Beginner Players

Two Tigers is an excellent second song because it reinforces the C major scale in both ascending and descending directions. The repeated structure builds confidence, and the eighth notes gently introduce faster playing without overwhelming the beginner. It teaches thumb alternation across a wider range and helps develop rhythmic consistency. The song’s symmetrical form also aids memorization. It’s the natural next step after mastering Twinkle.

Chords & Key Signature

Key of C major. Single-note melody with no accidentals. The notes used are C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, and A4 – all natural. The kalimba’s C major tuning is a perfect fit, so you can play directly from the tab without any adjustments.

Practice Tips

• Practice the three-note ascending group E-F-G separately. Play it ten times in a row until your thumb can move smoothly from left to right.
• Use a metronome set to 60 BPM for quarter notes; the eighth notes will then sound at double speed – count '1-and-2-and' for each eighth.
• When descending from A4 to C4 (G-A-G-F-E-C), keep your thumb moving in a straight line across the tines without lifting between notes.
• Break the song into three chunks: first two phrases (C D E C repeated), then the E-F-G section, then the descending run. Learn each chunk before joining them.
• Practice the transition from the end of the descending line back to the start: after the final C4, immediately begin the next C D E C without a pause.
• For the final two measures (C G C), pluck the G4 with your right thumb and the two C's with your left. This reinforces thumb independence.
• Tap your foot to the beat – one tap per quarter note – and let your thumb follow the foot rhythm. This keeps the eighth notes steady.
• Once the notes are solid, try playing with eyes closed to rely on muscle memory. The repeated phrases will guide you.