Tuareg Guitar Philosophy

Tradition, Technique, and the Spirit of Desert Music

Tuareg Guitar Philosophy invites you into the heart of the Sahara’s sound world, guided by internationally acclaimed guitarist Bombino. This course is more than a step-by-step method, it is a journey through desert traditions, improvisation, rhythm, and the philosophy that makes Tuareg guitar one of the most distinctive musical voices on the planet.

Across six modules, you will gain access to Bombino’s personal techniques, his approach to tone and expression, and the cultural roots that shape his music. From learning the foundational hammer-on and pull-off phrasing to exploring desert rhythms, improvisation, and healing sounds, you will develop not only technical fluency but also a deeper understanding of Tuareg musical identity.

The course blends guitar demonstrations with rich cultural context, drawing from Bombino’s experiences performing worldwide, composing celebrated songs, and carrying forward the traditions of the Sahara. Each lesson combines notation, tab, and ear-based learning, while encouraging you to improvise and create in the spirit of desert music.

Whether you are an adventurous guitarist, a lover of African music, or simply curious about how rhythm and melody become one in the Sahara, this course equips you with tools, inspiration, and philosophy to play and think like a Tuareg guitarist.

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will develop:

Technical Fluency

Execute hammer-on and pull-off techniques with precision.
Apply right-hand phrasing to shape tone and emotion.
Play rhythm and lead parts together with desert-inspired fluency.

Cultural & Musical Understanding

Recognize the role of the Tendé drum and its influence on Tuareg guitar rhythms.
Identify how different Nigerien musical cultures contribute to Tuareg guitar.
Understand the symbolic power of the guitar in desert communities.

Creative Expression

Compose and improvise melodies within Tuareg scales and grooves.
Apply Bombino’s improvisational philosophy to develop your own sound.

Advanced Application

Perform traditional and fast-paced Tuareg grooves with confidence.
Integrate Tuareg musical principles into your own compositions and performances.

Meet Your Tutor

Bombino (Omara Moctar), born in Agadez, Niger, is one of the world’s most celebrated Tuareg guitarists and songwriters. Growing up in the Sahara, he learned music by ear, inspired by the traditions of his people and the sounds of global guitar legends. Forced into exile during political unrest, he spent years in Algeria and Burkina Faso, refining his style and absorbing diverse influences before returning to share his music with the world.

His rise to international recognition began when filmmaker Ron Wyman created a documentary about him, catapulting Bombino from desert stages to global tours. Since then, Bombino has recorded critically acclaimed albums, collaborated with artists such as Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, and earned a Grammy nomination, the first ever for a Nigerien artist.

Despite his success, Bombino remains deeply connected to the Sahara. His music carries themes of resilience, freedom, and healing, often blending tradition with modern expression. With a fluid guitar style that merges hypnotic rhythm, soaring melody, and improvisation, he is celebrated not only as a musician but as a voice of his culture.

Through this course, Bombino shares not only his techniques but his philosophy: that the guitar is both an instrument of expression and a symbol of unity in the desert.

The Ultimate Learning Experience

Engage with immersive lessons exploring the sound, style, and spirit of Tuareg guitar. Learn about Bombino’s unique phrasing, desert rhythms, and the cultural philosophy that shapes this powerful music tradition.

Interactive On-Screen Notation

Follow along with crystal-clear notation and tablature synced directly to the videos. With virtual fretboards, slow-motion playback, and looping tools, you’ll master every detail of Bombino’s style at your own pace.

Rhythmic Insights

Corey Wilhelm, Bombino’s drummer for over 12 years, breaks down the calabash and drum kit patterns that drive Tuareg music. These rhythm studies give you a complete foundation for understanding how percussion and guitar interlock, helping you absorb the pulse that shapes every groove and guiding you toward playing with true desert feel.

Sahel Backing Tracks

Jam with Bombino over interactive backing track playalong versions of songs from the 2023 Sahel album. Play guitar along with the chord charts for Tuareg songs including Aitma, Darfuq and Si Chilan.