Balafon is the name for a type of West African wooden xylophone. It is an ancient instrument, dating back at least 800 years! There are two main types of balafon:

• Pentatonic - this type of balafon has a five note scale. In a way, this tuning is similar to the intervals of the black keys on the piano.
• Diatonic - this type of balafon has a seven note scale. This tuning is like the intervals of the white keys on the piano.

In order to help you see which notes are being played in the balafon lessons, we have added colour-coded stickers onto the balafon keys.