Chimes article
Chimes for Beginners: A Complete Guide
A beginner's guide to starting on orchestral tubular bells — covering the keyboard layout, basic strike mechanics, sustain pedal use and early repertoire choices.
Starting on chimes as a beginner requires less specialised technique than many mallet percussion instruments, but the physical and musical demands should not be underestimated. The instrument rewards patience and careful attention to basic mechanics from the start.
Understanding the Layout
Chimes are arranged in the same pattern as a piano keyboard, with natural pitches in the front row and sharps and flats in the raised row behind. Standard orchestral chimes cover C4 to F5. Unlike a piano, the notes are labelled on the tubes — clear markings are a feature of most quality instruments — so navigation is straightforward from the start. The gaps between tubes are significant, however, and beginners often misjudge reach in fast passages until the layout is thoroughly internalised.
The Basic Strike
The mallet should strike the top of the tube — specifically, the striking cap at the crown — with a clean, direct motion. The arm provides direction; the wrist produces the sharp snap that delivers energy efficiently into the tube. Do not follow through and rest the mallet on the tube after striking — this deadens the sound immediately. Practise the rebound motion on a practice pad first, before moving to the chimes. When playing chimes in rehearsal, an imprecise strike produces a rattle that is immediately obvious to everyone in the room. A clean rebound produces a clean, sustaining tone; a pressed stroke produces a muffled, short one.
The Sustain Pedal
The pedal on a set of chimes controls the damper bar. Most beginners learn the sustain pedal's function early, as correct pedalling is essential to musical phrasing. For long, sustained notes or chord clusters, release the pedal (allow the tubes to ring). For clean, staccato passages or rapid note changes, press the pedal to stop ringing after each note. Practise both with and without the pedal before combining them in repertoire.
Starting Repertoire
Begin with single-note melodies on the chimes that require only a few strikes per bar and allow time to navigate between tubes carefully. Simple orchestral excerpts, folk arrangements and hymn-style pieces are well suited to early study. Many beginners studying chimes find it useful to mark the tubes they need for a specific piece with small removable stickers while learning. For an overview of the instrument and what distinguishes different types, the complete instrument guide is a useful reference alongside practical lessons.
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