musescore had a bug in it that would subtly mess up files. so i am reposting a new version of this. i cleaned it up a bit and added a couple of riffs along with a link to derek grippers version that is fairly close to this arrangement (other than a different intro section)

musecore sheetmusic for ali farke toure's classic "fiftysix"
https://musescore.com/user/30359691/scores/10800778

the fret / string hints are for 12 string matched reciprocal.
if you are industrious it shouldn't be too hard to convert it to other 12 string tunings.


there's simple looping capabilities in the musescore web interface that you can slow down, which helps learning the melody phrasing over the 3-3-2 ostinato line in the bass throughout the song

this transcription just gives you a basic sample rendition with a sample short intro. most rendition are improvised mixing up the various riffs (marked by the letered score markers) at the whim of the player. once i can play this up to speed . i'll add a few more riffs that i kept out of this basic version.

This is really great! ive been drawn to West African music since I played bass for Issa Bagayogo, years ago. The Stick lends itself well to these poly rhythmic figures... im also playing two Kamal Ngoni's now. a 10 string and an 8 string Bass ngoni

Hey Mike.

What an awesome piece of stickmusic. Thanks for the mega share!

My pleasure. I’m just happy someone is interested In it! If you want to learn it. Task one is learning the left hand motor to where its close to automatic tehn learn a few measures at a time while playing the motor. There’s a bit of a curve getting it to sound smooth ( I’m getting close ) but it’s really fun to play once you get there.


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Thanks !


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