The kora, a 21-string West African harp-lute, has been at the heart of the griot tradition for centuries. Its cascading melodies and polyrhythmic phrasing define much of the music from Mali, Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea. Guitarists have long been inspired by its rolling arpeggios and intricate counterpoint, but few have successfully adapted kora music to the guitar.
In Kora Mastery on Guitar with Derek Gripper, you’ll learn how to translate these delicate, flowing melodies onto six strings, drawing inspiration from the phrasing, tunings, and techniques of West Africa’s greatest kora players. This playlist serves as an essential companion to the course, providing key recordings from legendary kora masters and Derek Gripper’s groundbreaking guitar adaptations.
While the written list below features the recommended versions, some tracks on our Spotify playlist may be alternate versions due to availability.
Click here to explore the full course.
Mali: The Deep Roots of the Kora Tradition
Mali is home to some of the most influential kora players in history. The Diabaté family, particularly Toumani Diabaté, has shaped the modern sound of the instrument with dazzling technique and sophisticated harmonic progressions.
Jarabi – Toumani Diabaté
Kaira – Toumani Diabaté
Djourou – Ballaké Sissoko
Berékoulan – Ballaké Sissoko
Korobali – Toumani Diabaté & Ballaké Sissoko
56 – Ali Farka Touré & Toumani Diabaté
Djelika – Toumani Diabaté
Kanou – Sidiki Diabaté
Senegal: A Distinct Kora Style with Jazz and Experimental Influences
Senegalese kora players have a unique phrasing and rhythmic feel, often incorporating influences from jazz and modern harmony. Soriba Kouyate was one of the first to introduce the kora into contemporary fusion settings, while Seckou Keita continues to push the instrument’s boundaries.
Paradise – Soriba Kouyate
Niane – Sadio Cissokho
Konkoba – Solo Cissokho
Saara – Solo Cissokho
Rewmi – Seckou Keita
Gambia: The Griot Tradition Preserved
Gambia has a deeply respected griot tradition, with some of the most authentic and powerful kora recordings coming from this region. Foday Musa Suso was one of the first to bring the kora to global audiences, while Jaliba Kouyaté and Tata Dindin remain central figures in Gambian music today however we start this section with Alhaji Bai Konte with an early 1973 recording.
Kelefaba - Alhaji Bai Konte
Kelefaba – Foday Musa Suso
Kuteh Jongbulu – Jaliba Kouyaté
Duniya – Tata Dindin
Winter Trees Stand Sleeping – Dawda Jobarteh
Guinea: The Kora’s Role in a Rich Musical Landscape
Although Guinea is often more associated with the balafon and djembe traditions, kora players such as Mory Kanté brought the instrument into mainstream African pop music. His international hit Yéké Yéké demonstrated the kora’s versatility beyond traditional griot settings.
Nata – Mory Kanté
Yéké Yéké – Mory Kanté
Almany – Djeli Moussa Diawara
Loumo – Ba Cissoko
Djougouya – Ba Cissoko
Derek Gripper: Kora Masterpieces Reimagined for Guitar
Derek Gripper’s adaptations of kora music for classical guitar have set a new standard for African guitar playing. His work captures the phrasing, tuning concepts, and intricate melodies of the kora while opening new possibilities for the instrument.
Jarabi – Derek Gripper
Kaira – Derek Gripper
Salama – Derek Gripper
Lampedusa – Derek Gripper
Derek Gripper: Kora Masterpieces Reimagined for Guitar
Our friends at Afropop Worldwide create incredible audio programs with deep-dives into many of the genres that we love at World Music Method. Incredibly well planned, researched and delivered with an awesome mix of artists to listen to and learn some history about.
Go to Afropop and listen to their program Journeys With The Kora and find out more.
Learn the Language of the Kora on Guitar
This playlist offers a deep listening experience for musicians looking to absorb the phrasing, technique, and feel of West African kora music. From the traditional recordings of griot masters to Derek Gripper’s adaptations, these tracks serve as an essential guide to mastering this style on guitar.
For those ready to take the next step, click here to start your journey with Kora Mastery on Guitar, where Derek Gripper will guide you through the techniques, tunings, and repertoire that connect the kora and the guitar.
