The Hawaiian word for slack key guitar, kī hō‛alu, means to “loosen the key” or retune some of the strings to create a harmonious sound with an open or alternate tuning. Slack key is a fingerpicking style characterized by strong alternating bass lines played with the thumb. While slack key can be played on any guitar, most players prefer a nylon- or steel-stringed acoustic instrument.

This book presents 25 intermediate to advanced traditional and original tunes in the Hawaiian slack key style. Melodies are often harmonized in sixths or thirds played with or without double stops. Techniques like syncopated bass lines, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and harmonics are tastefully employed to evoke the images of ocean breezes, swaying palms, hula dancers and white sandy beaches.

The author writes, “Unless you grew up playing slack key, it’s hard to get from the material presented in most books and DVDs to a fluid, play-it-your-own-way style.” This book seeks to reveal the insights the author has gleaned from studying and jamming with some of the giants of the slack key style, and help you develop a style all your own.

Includes access to online audio tracks of all 25 relaxing but challenging Hawaiian slack key tunes.

Contents

• Aloha
  
• How to Read Tab
  
• Tunings Used in This Book
  
• Part One: Kani Kī Hō‘alu – Songs in Taro Patch Tuning
  
• Gabby’s Hula Medley
  
• Kolomona Slack Key
  
• Lesson One – From Melody to Arrangement
  
• Pua Sadinia – Melody
  
• Pua Sadinia – Arranged
  
• Lesson Two – Creating Your Own Take on a Classic 
  
• Opihi Moemoe – Structural Outline
  
• Opihi Moemoe – Variations
  
• Opihi Moemoe –Transcription 
  
• Lesson Three – Playing Together
  
• Kealoha Duet
  
• Kimo’s Slack Key Duet 
  
• The Road to Duke’s
  
• Lesson Four – Some Thoughts on Composing
  
• Part Two: A Voyage Through Kī Hō‘alu Tunings
  
• Double Slack Tuning
  
• Po Mahina Slack Key
  
• Drop C Tuning
  
• Sanoe
  
• Annie’s Slack Key Lullabye
  
• Aunty’s Christmas Goose 
  
• Lesson Five – Jus’ Press: Improvisation in Slack Key 
  
• C Wahine Tuning
  
• Kawohikukapulani 
  
• Las Blancas Flores 
  
• F Wahine Tuning
  
• He Aloha No‘o Honolulu
  
• Makee Ailana 
  
• Bf Major Tuning
  
• Green Rose Hula
  
• Pua Lilia
  
• D Major Add9 Tuning
  
• Ku‘u Lei Awapuhi Melemele
  
• C Mauna Loa Tuning
  
• Aloha Medley
  
• Afterword
  
• Resources
  
• About the Author

Specs

• Format: Book Online Audio
  
• Skill Level: Intermediate-Advanced
  
• Notation Type: Standard Notation and Tab
  
• Pages: 96
  
• Binding: Squareback Saddle Stitched
  
• Size: 8.75 x 11.75
  
• ISBN: 1-5134-6285-7
  
• ISBN13: 978-15134-6285-1
  
• Publisher: Mel Bay Publications, Inc.
  
• Date Published: 12/14/2020