Slack-key guitar, or kī hōʻalu, is a uniquely Hawaiian guitar style, deeply intertwined with the islands’ history, culture, and the very spirit of aloha. It’s more than just music; it’s a storytelling tradition, a family heirloom passed down through generations, and a symbol of Hawaiian identity.
The Origins: A Gift and a Transformation
The story of slack-key guitar begins in the 19th century when Mexican cowboys, known as paniolos, were brought to Hawai’i to manage the growing cattle industry. They brought their guitars with them, tuned in a standard fashion. However, the Hawaiians, known for their ingenuity and musicality, quickly adapted the instrument to their own cultural preferences. They loosened, or “slacked,” the strings, often retuning them to create beautiful, open chords that resonated with the natural landscapes and the poetic tradition of the islands. There’s no single “inventor” of slack-key; it was a gradual process of adaptation and experimentation, driven by a desire to express Hawaiian sounds and stories.
The term kī hōʻalu itself translates to “loosen the key” or “slack the key,” referring to the act of detuning the strings. This simple act opened up a world of possibilities, allowing players to create distinctive harmonies and melodies that were impossible on a traditionally tuned guitar. Crucially, it’s an oral tradition, passed down through families and communities largely without formal instruction or written notation for much of its history.
The Techniques: Beyond the Open Tuning
At its core, slack-key is defined by its open tunings. Instead of the standard EADGBE tuning, slack-key uses a variety of tunings that create a major or minor chord when the strings are strummed open. Some of the most common tunings include:
G Major (Taro Patch): DGDGBD. This tuning is extremely versatile and often used for upbeat and joyful songs. It’s so common it sometimes is used as a general term to refer to slack key guitar.
C Major (Leonard’s C): CGCGCE. A bright and resonant tuning often used for hymns and love songs. Many also apply a capo on the 5th fret to play in the key of G to make the piece easier to play with other instruments or simply to fit their voice.
D Major (Wahine/Keola’s C): DADF#AD. This tuning is known for its sweet and romantic sound.
Open D Minor (Mauna Loa): DADFAD. This tuning evokes the volcanic landscapes and the melancholic beauty of Hawai’i.
Open G Minor (Old Mauna Loa): DGDGBbAD. A darker counterpart to Taro Patch, often used for soulful and moving pieces.
However, the tuning is only the starting point. The true magic of slack-key lies in the picking techniques. Players often use a combination of thumb and fingerpicking, employing a characteristic “slack” or “wavering” sound created by damping the strings with the side of the hand or wrist.
The thumb typically plays a steady bass line, providing a rhythmic foundation, while the fingers weave intricate melodies, harmonies, and embellishments. This allows guitarists to create a full and dynamic sound that mimics multiple instruments playing together. Certain players also use their fingernails as picks to produce a different kind of sound, especially when playing more rhythmic pieces that require a slightly sharper sound.
The Repertoire: Stories Woven in Sound
Slack-key guitar is deeply connected to storytelling. Songs often tell tales of love, loss, nature, and Hawaiian history. Many songs are mele, poems set to music, and can recount the genealogy of specific aliʻi or reference specific locations. The lyrics, often sung in the Hawaiian language, are rich with symbolism and metaphor, reflecting the deep connection between the Hawaiian people and their land.
Here are a few examples of themes commonly found in slack-key songs:
Love Songs (Mele Aloha): These songs express romantic love, admiration, and devotion. The melodies are often sweet and tender, reflecting the warmth and affection of the Hawaiian culture.
Nature Songs (Mele ʻĀina): These songs celebrate the beauty and power of the Hawaiian landscape, from the towering volcanoes to the lush rainforests and the sparkling ocean. They often incorporate imagery of specific places, plants, and animals, deepening the listener’s connection to the natural world.
Historical Songs (Mele Moʻolelo): These songs recount historical events, legends, and stories of Hawaiian heroes. They serve as a way to preserve and transmit cultural knowledge and values to future generations.
Hymns (Hīmeni): Many slack-key guitarists also play hymns, reflecting the strong Christian influence in Hawaiian culture. These songs often have a deeply spiritual and uplifting quality.
It’s important to note that slack-key isn’t simply a genre of music; it’s a means of expressing cultural identity and sharing stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
Notable Slack-Key Guitarists: The Keepers of the Flame
Over the years, numerous talented guitarists have dedicated their lives to preserving and advancing the art of slack-key. Here are a few of the most influential figures:
Gabby Pahinui: Often considered the “father of modern slack-key,” Gabby Pahinui was a master innovator who popularized the genre and brought it to a wider audience. His soulful voice and virtuosic guitar playing influenced countless musicians. While he’s known as the “father” of modern slack key, he himself learned directly from older masters. His influence is undeniable.
Raymond Kāne: A legendary performer known for his incredible speed and agility on the guitar. He has a knack for entertaining and playing a wide range of songs, from traditional music to contemporary pieces. He helped keep the tradition alive through teaching and performance for decades.
Keola Beamer: A contemporary master who blends traditional slack-key techniques with modern musical influences. He’s known for his intricate fingerpicking and his commitment to preserving the Hawaiian language and culture through his music. He also has an amazing ability to perform in multiple genres of music.
Dennis Kamakahi: A prolific songwriter and guitarist known for his heartfelt lyrics and his ability to capture the essence of Hawaiian culture in his songs. His songs are moving and often invoke strong emotions in local listeners.
Ledward Kaapana: A virtuoso guitarist and singer who is known for his incredible versatility and his ability to play in a wide range of styles. He is also one the most engaging performers you will ever see and is very well known on the mainland and internationally.
George Kuo: Another guitarist who studied from the older masters and is well known for playing steel guitar in addition to slack key. He continues to perform and play regularly at many venues.
You can find their music on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, or search for live performances online. Attend a concert if you ever get the chance – the experience is truly special.
Learning Slack-Key Guitar: A Journey of Discovery
If you’re interested in learning to play slack-key guitar, there are several resources available:
Online Lessons: Websites like YouTube and various online music instruction platforms offer lessons from experienced slack-key guitarists. Search for channels dedicated to Hawaiian music. Note that most players learn by ear so learning from notation might not be the best fit.
Instructional Books and DVDs: Several books and DVDs offer step-by-step instruction on slack-key techniques and tunings. Check out the Hal Leonard series, which includes methods covering various tunings.
Workshops and Festivals: Attending slack-key guitar workshops and festivals is a great way to learn from master musicians and connect with other enthusiasts. The annual Gabby Pahinui Slack Key Guitar Festival is a highly-regarded event.
Local Music Schools: Some music schools in Hawai’i offer classes in slack-key guitar. Consider a trip to O’ahu or the Big Island to take lessons from local instructors.
Here’s a practical example: Say you want to learn “Taro Patch” tuning (DGDGBD). Start by tuning your guitar to this open G major chord. Then, search online for tutorials on basic fingerpicking patterns commonly used in kī hōʻalu. Practice these patterns slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Learning through ear is also recommended as it will help you learn faster.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and develop your own unique style. Slack-key guitar is all about personal expression and connecting with the music on a deep level.
Experiencing Slack-Key in Hawai’i: Immersion in the Culture
To truly appreciate slack-key guitar, you need to experience it in its natural environment – Hawai’i. Here are some ways to immerse yourself in the culture and music:
Attend a Live Concert: Many venues throughout the islands host live performances by slack-key guitarists. Check local listings or ask your hotel concierge for recommendations. Places like the Slack Key Show in Maui, and various venues on Oahu often feature regular performances. Cost varies, ranging from $30-$75 depending on the venue and performer.
Visit a Cultural Center: Cultural centers like the Polynesian Cultural Center showcase traditional Hawaiian music and dance, including slack-key guitar performances. Prices for admission to the Polynesian Cultural Center vary depending on the package you choose, but generally range from $80 to $250.
Take a Slack-Key Guitar Lesson: Some hotels and resorts offer slack-key guitar lessons for guests. This is a great way to get a hands-on introduction to the instrument and the music. Lesson prices can vary, usually between $50-$100 per hour.
Explore Local Music Stores: Visit local music stores and browse their selection of slack-key guitar CDs and books. You might even find a hidden gem or discover a new favorite artist.
Listen to Local Radio Stations: Tune in to local radio stations to hear Hawaiian music, including slack-key guitar. Public radio stations are a great resource for finding local programming.
Imagine yourself sitting on a lanai, listening to the gentle strumming of a slack-key guitar as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. This is the essence of the Hawaiian experience – the perfect blend of music, nature, and aloha.
The Future of Slack-Key: Passing on the Tradition
Slack-key guitar is a living tradition that continues to evolve and adapt while staying true to its roots. Younger generations of musicians are embracing the art form, bringing their own unique perspectives and influences to the music. Educators are also playing a crucial role in preserving the tradition, teaching slack-key guitar in schools and community centers.
One example of this is the Ke Kula Mele School of Hawaiian Music, founded by Alan Akaka. It teaches youth how to play slack key as well as other types of Hawaiian music. The future of slack-key is bright. The music remains a vital expression of Hawaiian identity and a source of pride for the community. The dedication to spreading the aloha spirit keeps the tradition strong.
FAQ Section
What is the difference between slack-key and standard guitar tuning?
Slack-key guitar utilizes open tunings, where the strings are tuned to form a major or minor chord when strummed open. Standard guitar tuning is EADGBE, while slack-key uses various tunings like DGDGBD (Taro Patch) or CGCGCE (Leonard’s C). This allows for distinctive harmonies and a unique sound.
Is slack-key guitar easy to learn?
Learning slack-key guitar can be challenging initially, especially if you’re already familiar with standard guitar tuning. The different tunings and fingerpicking techniques require practice and patience. However, with dedication and the right resources, anyone can learn to play slack-key guitar.
Where can I find authentic slack-key guitar music?
You can find authentic slack-key guitar music on streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, at local music stores in Hawai’i, and at live concerts and festivals. Search for albums by renowned artists like Gabby Pahinui, Keola Beamer, and Ledward Kaapana. Also look into some of the many compilations available of Hawaiian music.
What are some good slack-key guitar songs for beginners to learn?
Some popular slack-key guitar songs that are relatively easy for beginners to learn include “Hi’ilawe,” “Pua Lilia,” and “Ka Uluwehi o ke Kai.” These songs feature simple chord progressions and fingerpicking patterns that can help you develop your skills.
Are there any slack-key guitar festivals I can attend?
Yes, the annual Gabby Pahinui Slack Key Guitar Festival is a highly-regarded event that showcases some of the best slack-key guitarists in Hawai’i. Check online event calendars for upcoming festivals and workshops.
Can I use a regular acoustic guitar for slack key?
Yes, you can definitely use a regular acoustic guitar for slack key. Simply tune the strings to one of the open tunings like DGDGBD (Taro Patch) or CGCGCE (Leonard’s C). However, some players prefer to use a guitar with a wider nut width and string spacing, as this can make fingerpicking easier.
References
Kanahele, George S. 1986. Kū Kanaka, Stand Tall: A Search for Hawaiian Values. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press.
McLean, Mervyn. 1999. An Annotated Bibliography of Oceanic Music and Dance. 2nd edition. Warren, Michigan: Harmonie Park Press.
Tatar, Elizabeth. 1979. Hawaiian Music: An Annotated Bibliography. Honolulu: University Press of Hawaii.
Harris, Sheldon, editor. 1984. Blues Who’s Who. New Rochelle, N.Y.: Arlington House.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of slack-key guitar? Check out some music from the artist mentioned above. Seek out live performances while visiting Hawai’i. Pick up a guitar and experiment with different tunings. It’s a journey of discovery, a connection to the spirit of Hawai’i, and a celebration of a truly unique musical tradition. Now it’s your turn to explore and maybe even preserve it!
