Lavender's Blue — Kalimba Tabs & Number Notation
Learn to play Lavender's Blue on kalimba with free numbered tabs, interactive player, and beginner-friendly practice tips. Original by Traditional English. No download required.
Lavender's Blue
薰衣草蓝
Interactive tab notes
Click any standard 17-key kalimba number to preview it. Symbols below the notes show approximate length.
Numbered Notation for Lavender's Blue
| 5 1 1 3 1 | | 6 5 5 3 5 | | 6 1 6 5 3 | | 1 5 1 1 3 | | 1 6 5 5 3 | | 5 6 1 6 5 | | 3 1 1 |
About Lavender's Blue
Lavender's Blue is an English nursery rhyme from the 17th century. The melody is gentle and lilting, in 3/4 time (waltz time) at a slow to moderate tempo, around 90 BPM. The song became widely known again when it was featured in the Disney film Cinderella (1950) as 'Lavender Blue (Dilly Dilly).' On the kalimba, the melody sits comfortably in the middle range and moves mostly in stepwise motion. It's a lovely, peaceful song with a dreamy, romantic quality.
How to Play Lavender's Blue on Kalimba
The song starts on C5 or G4 and moves gently through the middle octave. Your thumbs alternate smoothly as the melody rises and falls. The opening phrase 'Lavender's blue, dilly dilly' has this lilting, rocking motion — the 3/4 meter creates a gentle waltz feel. The notes move mostly in steps with a few small leaps. Count 'one-two-three, one-two-three' throughout. The first beat of each measure is slightly emphasized. Pay attention to the phrase endings — they usually end on a long, held note. Let those notes ring out fully. Use a metronome at 80 BPM in 3/4 time. Feel the waltz rhythm.
Why This Song Fits Beginner Players
This is a beginner piece because the melody is simple and the tempo is relaxed. The 3/4 meter is a bit different from 4/4, but the slow tempo gives you time to feel the three-beat pattern. The song teaches you to play with a gentle, lilting rhythm.
Chords & Key Signature
Single-note melody in C major. The implied harmony is mostly I - V - I (C major, G major, C major). All notes are natural, perfect for a standard C major kalimba.
Practice Tips
- Count 'one-two-three, one-two-three' out loud while you play.
- Emphasize the first beat of each measure slightly to create the waltz feel.
- Let the phrase-ending notes ring out fully. Don't rush to the next phrase.
- Use a metronome in 3/4 time at 80 BPM.
- Listen to the Disney version to hear the gentle, romantic character.
- Play softly. This is a peaceful, dreamlike song.
- Once comfortable, try playing it from memory. The melody is easy to memorize.
Try it on the virtual kalimba
Open the 17-key virtual kalimba and play Lavender's Blue note by note. Hear the melody, practice the flow, and build muscle memory.
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FAQ
What does 'dilly dilly' mean?
'Dilly dilly' is a nonsense refrain from the original 17th-century song. Some scholars think 'dilly' was slang for sweetheart or darling. In the context of the song, it's mostly a rhythmic filler.
Is this the same as the Disney song?
The Disney song 'Lavender Blue (Dilly Dilly)' uses the traditional melody but adds new lyrics. The melody is the same, so this arrangement will let you play either version.
Is this song good for kids?
Yes, it's a classic nursery rhyme. Children and adults both enjoy the gentle melody.
How slow should I play this?
About 80-90 BPM in 3/4 time is ideal. The song should feel dreamlike and gentle, not rushed.
Should I practice this song slowly first?
Yes. Slow practice helps you build clean note transitions and steadier rhythm before speed becomes a goal.
What should I play next after this song?
A related folk song or another beginner tab is usually the best next step because the skill transfer is smoother.