Introduction to The Kora

The Kora is a 21-stringed instrument originating from West Africa, primarily used in traditional music from countries such as Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. It is a member of the lute family and is known for its rich, resonant sound.

History of The Kora

The Kora has a long and complex history, with its origins dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have evolved from thehunter's bow, with the first known Koras being made from gourds with animal skin stretched over them.

Parts of The Kora

The Kora consists of several key parts: * The soundbox: typically made from a large gourd or calabash * The neck: a long, thin piece of wood that supports the strings * The bridge: a small piece of wood or bone that supports the strings and transfers vibrations to the soundbox * The strings: 21 in total, divided into two groups: the diatonic group and the chromatic group

How to Play The Kora

To play The Kora, one must first learn the proper sitting position and hand placement. The instrument is typically played on the lap, with the player sitting cross-legged. The right hand is used to pluck the strings, while the left hand is used to press the strings against the neck to produce different notes.

Basic Hand Positions

The right hand should be placed with the thumb on top of the strings and the index finger below. The left hand should be placed with the thumb on the back of the neck and the fingers on the strings.

Basic Plucking Technique

To pluck the strings, use the thumb and index finger of the right hand. Start with the thumb, plucking the strings from top to bottom. Then, use the index finger to pluck the strings from bottom to top.

Tuning The Kora

The Kora is typically tuned to a specific key, with the 21 strings being divided into two groups: the diatonic group and the chromatic group. The diatonic group consists of 7 strings, tuned to the notes of the scale. The chromatic group consists of 14 strings, tuned to the chromatic scale.

Advanced Techniques

Once the basic techniques have been mastered, more advanced techniques can be explored. These include: * Bass lines: using the lower-pitched strings to create a bass line * Melodies: using the higher-pitched strings to create melodies * Polyrhythms: using multiple rhythms simultaneously to create complex patterns

Conclusion

The Kora is a complex and rewarding instrument to learn. With dedication and practice, one can master the basic techniques and go on to explore more advanced methods of play. Whether you are a seasoned musician or a beginner, The Kora is an instrument worth exploring.

example tuning 
- diatonic group: C D E F G A B
- chromatic group: C# D# F# G# A#