Learning to play the xylophone can be an exciting and gratifying experience. Whether you've been playing music for a while or just starting out, you'll develop a new appreciation for rhythm and sound. Keep reading for advice and resources on how to play this instrument like a pro!
What Is a Xylophone?
The xylophone, which translates from Ancient Greek as “sound of wood,” is an instrument in the percussion family that uses wooden bars that are pounded by mallets. The word “xylophone” comes from the words ξύλοv (xúlon) 'wood' and φωνή (phōnḗ) 'sound, voice'.
The xylophone consists of a set of tuned wooden keys arranged like a piano keyboard. Each bar is an idiophone set to a certain pitch of a musical scale, whether it is chromatic for orchestral use or pentatonic or heptatonic. Most frequently, two mallets are used to provide both a melody line and harmony.
Do you want to improve your xylophone skills but don’t know where to start? UpskillsTutor is a platform that helps you find a tutor in no time. Try it out today!
Read more: How to Play Piano Scales?
How to Play Xylophone?
The xylophone is an interesting and captivating instrument. Basic knowledge of music theory is essential to play the instrument correctly. In this section, you will find the first steps to mastering your xylophone skills.
Step 1: Have a Relaxed Posture
Make sure you are at ease and standing straight to get the best, most consistent sounds. Your legs are shoulder-width apart, keeping your chest from sticking out too far and your shoulders from hunching over. The challenging thing is making sure you keep this stance while playing the C-major scale.
Step 2: Using the xylophone mallets
There is a particular method you must employ when holding your mallets to make sure each note is constant. The thumb and index fingers are “pinched” onto the mallet to form the fulcrum. Allow gravity to pull your mallet back down until it connects with the xylophone. Be ready for the subsequent stroke and make sure to raise your hand back up.
Step 3: Sticking
You must consider which hand you will use for each note of the C-major scale. There are 8 notes in this scale and we are initially traveling up the xylophone. Then you may easily move up by switching hands. When descending, you should do the exact reverse, beginning with your right hand.
Step 4: Applying your skills
You must maintain your posture, keep your fulcrum in place and rotate from the wrist. Consider which hand you will use to play the next note as you do all of these things. It’s simple, but if you don't pay attention to each step, the xylophone might produce a poor sound. You have successfully played the C-major scale once you can concentrate on each of these while striking the appropriate notes.
Read more: Simple Kids Songs for Beginner Piano Players
Xylophone for Beginners: Best Apps and Resources
Since there are so many great applications and tools out there, playing the xylophone is now simpler than ever. With the aid of these useful resources, xylophone enthusiasts can sharpen their skills and discover new songs.
YOUCANPLAYIT.COM
This is a great website and YouTube channel for xylophone beginners. There you can find easy-to-follow video tutorials of your favorite songs and more. You will be able to play the xylophone in no time!
Learn Music & Songs Xylophone App
Playing music is simple and easy in the amusing game "Learn Music & Songs Xylophone" for both kids and adults. Using various musical instruments including the xylophone, piano, flute, and guitar, they can simultaneously learn how to play well-known songs together.
Tonic App
After you have learned the basics of the Xylophone, try out Tonic. It is a place where musicians of various skill levels may practice together and monitor their own development. You can also discuss ongoing projects and cherish special times in your artistic development.
Xylophone for Beginners: The Best Books
Last but not least, are you more of a book person? Then this section is for you! Here you will find our top picks of books for xylophone beginners.
Xylophone and Marimba Method by Florence Shaefer
This is a great book for beginners and anyone that wants to refresh their xylophone skills. It includes basic instructions, music theory, mallet fundamentals, short exercises, quizzes, and more!
22 Xylophone Songs for Kids and Adults by Helen Winter
This book is intended for those who are new to music and musical instruments. It enables quick and simple learning without the need for prior musical literacy. This instrument helps people develop their fine and gross motor skills, as well as cognitive abilities like pattern recognition and letter recognition.
First 100 Songs to Play on Xylophone by Alicja Urbanowicz
This collection of 100 songs is perfect for people of all ages. It can be used by music educators to work with their pupils. All the songs in this volume of sheet music can be played on a basic xylophone with a maximum of 8 notes.
Learning to play the xylophone can be an exciting and gratifying experience. Whether you've been playing music for a while or just starting out, you'll develop a new appreciation for rhythm and sound. Keep reading for advice and resources on how to play this instrument like a pro!
