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How To Play Xylophone And Marimba

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THE XYLOPHONE AND MARIMBA

Xylophones are made in a number of sizes, ranging from small
ones with twelve or fifteen tone bars up to big orchestra-size
instruments with a range of three to four octaves. Marimbas are
almost all of large size, and have a deeper, mellower tone than
the xylophone. They are wonderful solo instruments and also
blend beautifully with other orchestra instruments to give a
richer tone to the ensemble.

Both instruments are usually played by striking the tone bars
with two mallets, one held in each hand. It is very important
to hold the mallets correctly in order to have all die freedom
and flexibility needed when playing. Hold each mallet between
the tip of the thumb and the first joint of the first finger. All
the control is exerted by the thumb and first finger only. The
other fingers are closed over the handle of the mallet, with the
tips almost touching the palm. They should not be tightly
closed, but just enough to give the support needed to keep the
mallet in position.