How to Learn the Kora Online | Beginner’s Guide to Playing the West African Harp
Learning the kora — a beautiful 21-string West African harp — is an exciting journey into rhythm, melody, and tradition. But if you’re not in West Africa or don’t have a teacher nearby, can you really learn the kora online?
Yes, you can — and this guide will show you how.
Whether you’re a total beginner or someone curious about African string instruments, this page gives you a clear path to start learning the kora online with confidence, inspiration, and the right resources.
What Is the Kora?
The kora is a traditional West African string instrument used across Mali, Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea. It has 21 strings, a large calabash resonator, and a deeply spiritual sound that's woven into the storytelling traditions of the Mandinka people.
It’s played with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands, producing a layered, harp-like sound — often using cyclical patterns known as kumbengo and melodic flourishes called birimintingo.
Can You Learn the Kora Online?
Absolutely. While traditionally passed down orally, the kora is now more accessible than ever through:
🎥 Video tutorials (YouTube, Patreon, Online Course)
🧑🏫 Zoom or Skype lessons with teachers
📱 Tuning apps and learning tools
📚 Written guides and PDFs
👂 Listening and learning by ear
What You Need to Get Started
To begin learning the kora online, you’ll need just a few basics:
A well-tuned kora (see my tuning guide)
A clip-on tuner or tuning app
Headphones or a good speaker
Time to practice regularly — even 10 minutes a day makes a difference
Beginner Skills to Focus On
Tuning Your Kora
Learn the most common tunings:
Sauta (bright and melodic)
Silaba (deeper and traditional)
Start each session by tuning — it helps you connect to the instrument.
Hand Position
Your thumbs and index fingers do the work, while the other fingers grip the handles. Keep your hands relaxed and symmetrical.
First Patterns (Kumbengo)
These repeating patterns are the heart of the kora’s rhythm. Start simple and repeat.
Where to Learn the Kora Online
Here are some reliable resources to start your journey:
Listening to master players (like Toumani Diabaté, Ballaké Sissoko,
Q & A
Q: Is the kora hard to learn?
A: It has a learning curve, but once you understand the patterns and scales, it becomes meditative and intuitive.
Q: Do I need to read music?
A: No — the kora comes from an oral tradition, so it is learn by ear
Q: Can I learn without a teacher?
A: Yes, many players do. A teacher (even occasional online check-ins) can help speed up your learning.