Slack key guitar tuning12/20/2023 ![]() ![]() ![]() Another full 6-string version of a C chord can be played by barring all six strings at the 5th fret. The 6th string can be fretted at the 2nd fret to create a full, six-string chord, as shown in the top diagram, but the more common version is to fret the 1st, 2nd, and 4th strings as shown in the diagram, and playing strings 1 – 5. It is left to the readers to select the specific string and fret positions, based on where along the neck they want to play the chord and how many strings will be included in the chord.Įxample 1: The diagram at the left shows a basic C chord position played in the lower fret positions - in this case the first and second frets - and using strings 1 – 5. Note that these diagrams don’t show individual chord positions, rather all the fret positions that can be used to create the chord in various places along the neck. The black dots indicate “root” (C) notes of the chord the green dots are other chord notes in a C chord (i.e. ![]() The dots on the neck show all the possible notes that can be played as part of a C chord. This one is for C major chords in the Taro Patch (open G) tuning. An example of one of these diagrams is shown at the left. His web site should help you and I'm sure if you email him he can talk to you for hours about guitars and how they relate on many levels to Slack-key playing.For each tuning in the manual, a set of 28 chord diagrams is included, ranging from the common major and seventh chords used in most Hawaiian songs, to more complex chords often found in jazz arrangements and “standards”. (odd name, that).Aside from the good information you've received, I would absolutely contact Fran Guidry, who lives in CA. For example, I've been playing a lot in what is called F wahine tuning: C F C G C E (bottom to top).Ģ) I'm used to nylon string, and I'm a little freaked out over the thought of pressing down on steel strings, so action and playability are even more important than usual.Īny recommendations for guitars that would be appropriate would be much appreciated! Slack key utilizes alternate tunings, and the strings are often tuned down however, sometimes they are tuned up, as well. Now I'm considering buying a steel string guitar and I'm wondering which Martins would be appropriate for Hawaiian slack key music. So I dragged out my nylon string guitar, and I haven't stopped playing yet. I didn't play for years until last year, when I stumbled onto Hawaiian slack key music. I played a bit of classical guitar years ago and then, in a fit of frustration, gave it up. And thanks to the two gentlemen who already responded. Some players, like Ledward Kaapana, use only two fingers, while others, like Keola Beamer, use all four on their picking hand. So now I am wondering if I really want to take the plunge. Slack key is a finger-picked style of playing guitar. When I came home and played my nylon string, I was struck by the difference in the bass strings, how much easier it was to play, and how much better I played. And I struggled a bit with the steel strings and the narrower neck. But I also noticed that the bass strings were not very responsive in such a low tuning. And they all had beautiful action they were quite playable. It was as if angels from heaven were singing. Oh my goodness, I could not BELIEVE how the treble strings just sang on those guitars. I tried three models, including an Eric Clapton. Unfortunately, it did not have any OM models. I tried out some Martins at a music store today. I second the OM's.however there are several Ki ho'alu musicians that use nylon string guitars. Martin makes many fine OMs, many being praised here. The OM-18V is no longer produced, but you could explore the used market, or for more $, the OM-18GE. The OM-18V has a beautifully balanced sound, just the right mix of bass and trebles. It sounded OK, but the OM clearly sounds much better, especially in the lower 5th & 6th strings. I have a 000-28EC, which I love, but the short scale string tension just did not sound very good IMO in the lower tunings such as C Wahine or Taro Patch. I just got into slack key several months ago and acquired an OM-18V because I thought it would be perfect for slack key. They are also setup for light gauge strings. Most OM's have a 1 3/4" nut, wider string spacing better suited for finger style guitar. The OM series are a size that would be fairly close to the size guitar that you've been use to. My recommendation would be something from the OM series. ![]()
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