We all know the importance of setting the right tone for your Yoga practice. Whether you’re a seasoned yoga teacher or a first-time yoga practitioner, having the right music can make all the difference in your yoga session. 

As you unfurl your yoga mat and begin to settle into your practice, the perfect yoga playlist can help you transition from the hustle and bustle of your day into a more peaceful, present moment.

Music has a powerful effect on our overall performance, and our mental state. So, what’s the best kind of music for your yoga practice? That can depend greatly on your personal preference, the type of yoga you’re practicing, and the vibe of your yoga studio or home space. 

Let’s dive into some favorite yoga class playlists, songs, and artists that can add a layer of tranquility to your personal practice, so that you can find the best playlist for you. 

Table of Contents

• Traditional Tunes: Mantra Music & Ambient Sounds
  • Suggested traditional yoga songs for your Playlist
• Modern Mix: New Songs & Various Artists
  • Suggested songs for your modern yoga playlist
• Upbeat Energy: Hip-Hop Yoga & Electronic Music
  • Suggested songs upbeat music for yoga 
• Personalized Playlists: Make Your Own Music
  • More suggested yoga songs, browse and find the right tunes for you:
• Explore & Discover: New Music & Favourite Yoga Playlists
• More to Explore

Traditional Tunes: Mantra Music & Ambient Sounds

For those who prefer a more traditional approach to yoga music, mantra music is a great way to go. Deva Premal is a modern artist who beautifully incorporates traditional mantras into her music. Her rendition of the Gayatri Mantra is particularly beautiful, offering a perfect start to a slow flow or restorative class.

Ambient music, with its soothing instrumental tunes, can also be a great accompaniment for yoga practices like yin yoga or vinyasa yoga. Loreena McKennitt and Alina Baraz are known for their beautiful song compilations that can turn any space into a serene yoga studio.

Suggested traditional yoga songs for your Playlist

1. Deva Premal – “Gayatri Mantra”
2. Krishna Das – “Om Namah Shivaya”
3. Kula Shaker – “Govinda”
4. Jai Uttal & Ben Leinbach – “Khumjung”
5. Snatam Kaur – “Long Time Sun”
6. Loreena McKennitt – “The Mystic’s Dream”
7. Alina Baraz feat Khalid – “Floating”

Modern Mix: New Songs & Various Artists

For those who like a little bit of everything, Spotify data shows an increase in yoga playlists featuring modern songs from various artists. Artists like Bon Iver, Norah Jones, and Leon Bridges can add a unique flavor to your favorite yoga playlists.

“Gold” by Chet Faker is a track that pairs well with the peak pose of your practice, while Norah Jones‘ calming voice in “Come Away With Me” can guide you into your final savasana.

Suggested songs for your modern yoga playlist

1. Bon Iver – “Holocene”
2. Norah Jones – “Sunrise”
3. Leon Bridges – “River”
4. Chet Faker – “Gold”
5. AURORA – “Runaway”
6. Billie Eilish – “Ocean Eyes”

Upbeat Energy: Hip-Hop Yoga & Electronic Music

If you’re looking for an upbeat melody to match the energy of a more vigorous yoga flow, hip-hop yoga and electronic music might be your perfect musical fit. DJ Drez’s “Forest Fire” is a favorite song in many yoga classes, and this DJ Drez Yoga Spotify playlist is a great compilation of his work.

Electronic music, especially the ambient works of artists like Bonobo on Spotify and Emancipator, can provide a steady, rhythmic undercurrent to more active yoga flows.

Suggested songs upbeat music for yoga

1. DJ Drez – “Moving Up”
2. Bonobo – “Cirrus”
3. Antent – “First Snow”
4. Kendrick Lamar – “i”
5. M.I.A. – “Paper Planes”
6. ODESZA – “Bloom”
7. Emancipator – “Greenland”

Personalized Playlists: Make Your Own Music

Creating your own yoga music playlist can be a fun and rewarding process. By selecting each song, you can tailor the energy, tempo, and mood to your personal practice or the yoga classes you teach.

If you’re a yoga instructor in Los Angeles, for instance, you might include a mix of world music, alternative music, and local artists. Or, if you’re a kundalini yoga practitioner in the United States, you might prefer a playlist that incorporates mantra music and traditional tunes from Indian culture.

Keep in mind the structure of your yoga session when creating your playlist. Upbeat songs can work well during the warm-up and more intense parts of the class, while slow, calming tunes can be perfect for cool-down and relaxation periods. Don’t forget to include a beautiful song for final savasana, the “corpse pose” that concludes most yoga practices.

More suggested yoga songs, browse and find the right tunes for you:

This would be based on your personal music preference, but here are a few universally liked songs that could fit into a variety of yoga sessions:

1. Ólafur Arnalds – “Oceans”
2. Sol Rising – “Misty Morning”
3. Trevor Hall – “You Can’t Rush Your Healing”
4. Coldplay – “Yellow” (Acoustic)
5. Tycho – “Awake”
6. Sufjan Stevens – “Should Have Known Better”
7. Celestial Realms “Polaris”
8. Yandoo “Healing Spirit”
9. Sjana “Be Still”
10. India Arie “Slow Down” 
11. Wabisabi “Always”
12. DJ Drez “Another Day”
13. Duomo & Tomas Peire-Serrate “You Oughta Know”
14. Kiasmos “Looped” 
15. Lipless “Paradox” 

Remember, the best yoga playlist will depend on the kind of yoga session you’re planning, the energy you want to create, and your personal music preferences. It’s always a good idea to listen to the songs fully before adding them to your yoga playlist to ensure they provide the right atmosphere for your practice.

You can search for these songs on your streaming platform of choice. Personally I use Apple Music, but if you have a Spotify plan or Amazon music subscription then go with those. 

Explore & Discover: New Music & Favourite Yoga Playlists

One of the joys of being a part of the yoga community is sharing and discovering new music. Many yoga teachers share their yoga class playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, and even their own YouTube channels. You might just find your new favorite artist or the perfect playlist to inspire your morning practice.

Here are a few curated playlists for your next yoga session:

1. Dreamy Vibes on Spotify: This playlist features an array of artists, from Leon Bridges to Norah Jones, and is a great blend of calming and inspiring tunes.
2. Yoga & Chill on Apple Music: It offers a serene mix of ambient sounds and beautiful melodies that can guide you into a deeper state of relaxation and focus.
3. Yoga Playlist on YouTube: This playlist is filled with calming, instrumental music, perfect for a gentle yoga practice or meditation session.
4. Yoga Beats on Spotify: Here you’ll find a vibrant mix of electronic music that’s perfect for a power yoga class or an at-home workout.

Yoga playlists are getting more and more popular, with Spotify reporting an 11% increase in yoga playlist streams year-over-year – so what are you waiting for?

As you explore these playlists and start discovering your own favorite yoga tunes, remember that the best yoga playlist is the one that helps you connect to your true self, whether that’s through the Gayatri mantra, an upbeat song by Chet Faker, or the ambient music of Bon Iver. 

So roll out your yoga mat, press play on your new favorite playlist, and enjoy the beautiful journey of yoga accompanied by the perfect music. Happy practicing!

More to Explore

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