African Fingerstyle Guitar Lessons

easy to appreciate, difficult to master

The Tribal Fingerstyle Guitar

In Congo, there are 450 tribes, 450 dialects, 450 rhythms, and 450 different ways of music-making. If there’s one thing that unites them all, it’s the fingerstyle guitar technique. It uses every last inch of the fretboard to create a virtual concerto of sound. It’s an incredibly deep tradition. So deep that many tribal musical elders guard these techniques and are suspicious about sharing their wisdom with outsiders.

Complex melodic structures, syncopated rhythmical percussive playing techniques and a musical approach so different to the norm make this journey to a whole new plectrum-free zone essential study for any serious guitarist.

The True Knowledge Could Only Be Found At The Source…..

Sample Lessons

Meet Your Tutor

Back in the day, Niwel Tsumbu was borrowing bits of fishing line and bike cable to build his guitars. Now he’s performed the world over with the likes of Buena Vista Social club, Natty Wailer and Baaba Maal. He’s recorded with Sinead O’Connor, Nigel Kennedy and Michael O’Suilleabhgin. He’s even written a symphony for the radical 20-piece Surge Orchestra.

From Irish folk to jazz, classical, rock and flamenco, Niwel’s story is one of cross-genre, cross-cultural exploration, improvisation, collaboration and integration. But with this session he’ll take you right back to the fundamental rhythms of his African roots in Congo. Where it all began. Niwel is a real one-off. Don’t miss the chance to benefit from learning with this master musician.

The Ultimate Learning Experience

Tribal Fingerstyle Guitar

Through this 1 hour 40 minute course you are guided all the way by Niwel’s patient dissection and demonstration of how all the component parts of the style slot together.

Interactive On-Screen Notation

Our state of the art learning technology speeds up studying with innovative, interactive tools. Access on-screen notation, tablature, animated fretboards, variable tempos, and more today.

Masterclass

Gain further insights into the traditional fingerstyle guitar genres of Congo by discovering more about the regional styles of music making throughout the country.