The kalimba is a modern commercial version of the ancient African mbira. It was developed by ethnomusicologist Hugh Tracey in the 1950s. While the mbira uses complex traditional tunings for Shona religious music, Tracey adapted the instrument to the Western G-major scale. The kalimba typically features metal tines of varying lengths mounted on a wooden sound box. The tines are arranged in an alternating 'left-right' pattern, where the scale goes up by switching between thumbs. Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire was a famous proponent, often featuring a kalimba solo in his funk arrangements.