Hawaiian Slack Key guitar is a unique and captivating musical tradition that has been passed down through generations. It is a style of guitar playing that involves tuning some of the strings of a standard guitar differently, and using the thumb to play the bass while the other fingers play the melody and improvisation. This style of guitar playing has its roots in the 1830s, when Spanish and Mexican cowboys brought the guitar to the islands. Hawaiians quickly adopted the instrument into their culture, creating many ingenious tunings to suit their music, often adjusted to a vocal range.
Slack Key guitar was kept a secret for more than a hundred years, until it was finally shared with tourists in the 1970s. Since then, it has become an authentic and traditional Hawaiian art form. Musicians invent tunings and use others handed down from generation to generation, driving the evolution of Slack Key's solo guitar and introducing this evocative tradition to the rest of the world. The Dancing Cat Records HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR MASTERS series is produced by George Winston and brings solo guitar to the forefront, presenting the styles of some of the Islands' best solo guitarists. Keola Beamer's artistry has been instrumental in breathing new life into Slack Key's guitar music while remaining true to its Hawaiian roots. For those looking to experience Slack Key in person, there is a weekly show held at Napili Kai Resort, just 800 meters from Honokeana Cove.
Here, visitors can witness mature Slack Key styles that are as instantly recognizable as the voice of a family member or close friend. In 1973, Keola recorded Slack Key's beautiful and influential guitar album, Hawaiian Slack Key in the Real Old Style. Dancing Cat also presents a series of pure duets with Slack Key guitar and acoustic steel guitar, a format that had not been recorded until now. Slack Key is an individualistic musical style that is transmitted by imitation but perfected over long hours in which the musician is encouraged to express his personal feelings, develop his own techniques and improvise as necessary to bring a song to life in the here and now. One popular tuning is F Wahine, sometimes called “F de Leonard” because it was first recorded by Leonard Kwan. He and Keola have been two of the most prominent Slack Key guitarists who have used this tuning. When visiting Maui, be sure to check out one of the weekly Slack Key concerts at Napili Kai Resort.
Here you can witness firsthand this captivating musical tradition that has been passed down through generations. As an expert in SEO, I can tell you that Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Duets are an amazing way to experience traditional Hawaiian music. The unique tuning of strings creates an evocative sound that will transport you back in time. The Dancing Cat Records HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY GUITAR MASTERS series is produced by George Winston and features some of Hawaii's best solo guitarists. You can also attend weekly concerts at Napili Kai Resort where you can witness mature Slack Key styles firsthand.
If you're looking for an authentic Hawaiian experience, be sure to check out Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Duets!.
