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Section VII: Glossary

Section VII: Glossary Terms Relating to Slack Key Guitar

A B C D E F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W

A Four Forty (A 440):

Means 440 cycles are the "A" pitch in music physics. The "A" note on piano is tuned to 440 cycles; thus "A 440." Sometimes just called "Four Forty" (440). (Also see piano tuning.)

accomp:

Short for the word "accompaniment." It is a Hawaiian term for playing backup guitar in the Standard Tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest), usually with a flatpick. Slack key recordings and performances often have other musicians accompanying the slack key guitar, with instruments such as bass, rhythm guitar, 'ukulele and/or steel guitar. (Also see Standard Tuning.)

'aina:

The land.

ali'i:

Chief; royalty.

aloha:

Can mean many things that describe the feelings Hawaiians have in their lives and in their music: love, mercy, compassion, pity, greeting, hello, goodbye, affection, regards. "Aloha 'oe" means "may you be loved"; "Aloha kaua" means "may there be friendship between us"; "Aloha 'aina" means "love of the land." Hawaiian music is filled with the spirit of aloha.

anthology:

In this book, this term is used to describe a recording that uses tracks by various artists. If the same track appears on two or more different recordings, all the recordings will be listed that the track is on.

artificial harmonics:

(See harmonics.)

Atta's C Tuning:

The C Major Tuning (C-G-E-G-C-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest) used prominently by the late slack key guitarist Leland "Atta" Isaacs, Sr. (1929-1983). Also called Atta's C Major Tuning and C Major Tuning, it can be tuned down to the keys of B, Bb, A or Ab. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. Atta's C Tuning is labeled as Tuning #C1.)

Atta's C Major Tuning:

(See Atta's C Tuning.)

A Tuning:

Tunings pitched in the key of A. These can be tuned up to the keys of B or Bb, or down to the keys of Ab, G, F# or F.

Also, occasionally used to describe when the G Major "Taro Patch" Tuning is tuned up to the key of A. From Standard Tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest), this is accomplished by tuning the second (B), third (G) and fourth (D) strings up two half steps (to C#, A and E, respectively) and leaving the first (E), fifth (A) and sixth (E) strings as is, yielding E-A-E-A-C#-E. This is opposite to the way the G Major Tuning is usually derived from the Standard Tuning, by tuning the first (E), fifth (A) and sixth (E) strings down two half steps (to D, G and D, respectively), yielding D-G-D-G-B-D. The relationships between the strings are exactly the same as for the A Tuning. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. Standard Tuning is labeled Tuning #C30, and G Major "Taro Patch" Tuning is labeled Tuning #G1. Also see G Tuning, Standard Tuning and Taro Patch Tuning.)

Auntie Alice Namakelua's Tuning:

The G Wahine Tuning (D-G-D-F#-B-D, from the lowest pitched string to the highest) used often by the late Alice Namakelua (1892-1987). (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled as Tuning #G4. Also see G Wahine Tuning and Wahine Tuning.)

B Flat (Bb) Tuning:

Tunings pitched in the key of Bb. B flat (Bb) tunings are usually the same as C tunings, except the two lowest bass strings are tuned up and reversed in pitch, and the whole tuning lowered to B flat to accommodate this fairly extreme raising of the two bass strings. They can be tuned up to the keys of B or C, or down to the keys of A or Ab. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings.)

barre:

To hold down the guitar strings with one finger (usually the index finger, but sometimes the middle finger, as slack key guitarist Sonny Chillingworth [1930-1994] did) placed across several or all of the strings on the same fret. Playing the guitar in the normal right-handed way, the left hand holds the barre and the right hand picks the strings. The other fingers of the left hand often fret other notes as well. With slack key tunings that are a Major chord, the barre is sometimes used by itself, as it becomes a different Major chord from the open (unfretted) Major chord, when it is held down on the fingerboard. (Also see right-handed playing, left-handed playing and Major Tuning).

bells:

(See harmonics.)

best of:

In this document, the term "best of" is used when there is a compilation of a single artist's most popular pieces from their various recordings. If the same track appears on two or more different recordings, all the recordings will be listed.

bottom strings:

Usually refers to the strings that are closest to the ground but which are in fact usually the highest pitches. Some guitarists refer to the lowest pitched strings as the bottom strings, but this is not a common usage of this term. Occasionally, a guitarist such as Bla Pahinui or Wayne Reis, will play the guitar upside down and backwards (left-handed, where the left hand picks the strings and the right hand frets the notes), so that the lowest pitched strings will then also be the ones closest to the ground. (Also see top strings.)

C Tuning:

Tunings pitched in the key of C. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. Also see Leonard's C Tuning, C Wahine Tuning, Keola's C Tuning, Atta's C Tuning, Hi'ilawe Tuning and Gabby's C Tuning).

C Major Tuning:

(See Atta's C Tuning.)

C Mauna Loa Tuning:

(See Gabby's C Tuning.)

C Wahine Tuning:

Tunings in the key of C with a Major 7th note (the B note in the key of C) on one of the open (unfretted) strings. The three most commonly used (in order of common usage) are C-G-D-G-B-D, also known as Leonard's C Tuning; C-G-D-G-B-E, also known as Keola's C Tuning; and C-G-E-G-B-E, also known as Hi'ilawe Tuning, Gabby's Hi'ilawe Tuning or Gabby's C Wahine Tuning. These tunings can be tuned down to the keys of B, Bb, A or Ab. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. These three tunings are labeled Tuning #C5, Tuning #C7 and Tuning #C11, respectively. Also see Leonard's C Tuning, Keola's C Tuning, Hi'ilawe Tuning and Wahine Tuning).

capo:

A clamp placed on the fingerboard to raise the pitches of all the strings so the guitarist can play in a higher pitch without having to retune the guitar. The guitar can generally be capoed up as high as the ninth fret but is more often capoed to the first, second, third, fourth or fifth frets. It may be harder for the listener to discern what tuning a guitarist is using if the listener doesn't realize the guitar is capoed.

chicken skin:

A term used in Hawai'i for "goose-bumps," the body's reaction to the soul being moved by something, such as by someone's music.

chimes:

(See harmonics.)

classical guitar:

(See nylon string guitar.)

concert tuning:

(See piano tuning.)

D Tuning:

Tunings pitched in the key of D. Two of the most common tunings in the key of D are the D Major Tuning and the D Wahine Tuning.

The D Major Tuning is D-A-D-F#-A-D (from the lowest pitched string to the highest) and is sometimes tuned up two half steps to the key of E and referred to as "E Tuning." (The open D Major Tuning is also sometimes called E Tuning regardless of what pitch it is tuned to.)

The fairly common D Wahine Tuning is D-A-D-F#-A-C# (from the lowest pitched string to the highest). A Wahine Tuning is a tuning that includes the Major 7th note, here the C# note.

D Tunings can be tuned up to the keys of Eb or E, or down to the keys of C# or C. There are several other D tunings in use. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. D Major Tuning is labeled Tuning #D1, and D Wahine Tuning is labeled Tuning #D4. Also see Wahine Tunings.)

da kine:

Pidgin for everything; as in "the kind." Can be used to refer to virtually anything, but the actual meaning depends on the context. (Also see Pidgin.)

dominant chord:

Another name for the V or V7 chord. In the key of G it is D7; in the key of C it is G7. (Also see Second G, sub-dominant chord and tonic chord.)

double-bass picking:

A picking style where the thumb (in normal right-handed playing) plays a lower string bass note (usually on beats 1 and 3) and a higher pitched alternating bass note string (usually on beats 2 and 4). For example, in the G Major Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D, from the lowest pitched string to the highest), playing the fifth string on beat 1, playing the fourth string (or a 2 to 3 note chord on the 4th, 3rd and sometimes 2nd strings) on beat 2, playing the fifth string (or the alternating sixth string) on beat 3, and again playing the fourth string (or a 2 to 3 note chord on the 4th, 3rd and sometimes 2nd strings) on beat 4. There are many variations of how the strings can be picked in this style. In Mainland America, . In Mainland America, where it is called Double Thumbing, or sometimes Travis Picking (after the innovative and very influential guitarist Merle Travis [1917-1983] who played this way), this style has been used since at least the early 1900s by blues, country, ragtime and folk guitarists. Double-bass picking is also a common way of playing in Europe. It is hard to say when Hawaiian slack key guitarists began playing in this style. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. The G Major Tuning is labeled Tuning #G1. Also see two finger picking style, right-handed playing and left-handed playing.)

Double-Bass Tuning:

Another name for Standard Tuning for the guitar (E-A-D-G-B-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest). This tuning, which started evolving in Spain in the 16th century, became fully developed by the 18th century. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled Tuning #C30. Also see Standard Tuning.)

Double Slack Tuning:

(See G Wahine Tuning.)

double thumbing:

(See double-bass picking.)

E Tuning:

(See D Tuning.)

F Tuning:

Tunings pitched in the key of F. They can be tuned down to the keys of E or Eb. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings).

F# Tuning:

Can refer to G Wahine Tuning, where the third string G (with the highest pitched string being the first string) is tuned down to F#. This tuning is also called Double Slack Tuning, G Slack Tuning, Auntie Alice Namakelua's G Tuning, Auntie Alice Namakelua's Tuning and Flatted G Tuning. (Also see G Wahine Tuning.)

Can also refer to when a G Tuning (whether it is the G Major Tuning, G Wahine Tuning, any of the other G slack key tunings or the Standard Tuning played in the key of G) is fully tuned down one-half step to the key of F#, which may be done to match the range of the vocals or to obtain the desired guitar tone.

F Wahine Tuning:

(See Gabby's F Tuning and Leonard's F Tuning.)

Fifth G; Fifth C; Fifth D; Fifth F; Fifth A or Fifth B Flat (Bb):

(See Second G.)

finger picking style:

A way of playing solo guitar using the thumb and a finger (or fingers) instead of a pick. (Also see two finger picking style.)

finger picks:

Plastic or metal picks worn on the fingers when playing finger picking style guitar. (Also see finger picking style and thumb pick.)

finger style:

(See finger picking style.)

five finger picking style:

(See two finger picking style.)

Flatted G Tuning:

(See G Wahine Tuning.)

four finger picking style:

(See two finger picking style.)

Four Forty:

(See A Four Forty.)

Fourth G; Fourth C; Fourth D; Fourth F; Fourth A or Fourth B Flat (Bb):

(See Second G.)

fret:

As a noun: The metal separating each note on the fingerboard of a stringed instrument. Frets are counted starting at the end of the neck furthest from the body of the instrument, and the number of a fret used to play a note refers to the fret just to the right of where the not is played on the fingerboard (for normal right-handed playing). For example, if a note is pressed on a string in between the fourth and fifth frets, then it would be said that that note is played on the fifth fret. The fingerboard of the guitar is also called the fretboard.

As a verb: To press a note with the left hand (in normal right-handed playing) on the fingerboard of a stringed instrument . (Also see right-handed playing and left-handed playing.)

G Major Tuning:

The most popular slack key tuning in Hawai'i , this tuning is D-G-D-G-B-D (from the lowest pitched string to the highest) and can be tuned up to the keys of Ab or A, or down to the keys of F#, F, E or Eb, or very occasionally as low as D. It is often called Taro Patch Tuning, Open G Tuning, Mokihana Tuning or Low Bass G Tuning, as well as Spanish Tuning in Mainland America. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. G Major Tuning is labeled as Tuning #G1. Also see High Bass G Tuning.)

G Mauna Loa Tuning:

Usually tuned to D-G-D-D-G-D (from the lowest pitched string to the highest ), it can be tuned up to the keys of Ab or A, or down to the keys of F# or F.

Another G Mauna Loa Tuning sometimes used for the song Maori Brown Eyes is D-G-D-E-G-D, which is called Maori Brown Eyes Tuning. This can be tuned up to the keys of Ab or A, or down to the keys of F# or F.

(See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. G Mauna Loa Tuning is labeled Tuning #G6. Maroi Brown Eyes Tuning is labeled Tuning #G7. Also see Mauna Loa Tuning and Maori Brown Eyes Tuning.)

G Slack Tuning:

(See G Wahine Tuning.)

G Tuning:

Tunings pitched in the key of G. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings.)

G Wahine Tuning:

A popular slack key tuning, D-G-D-F#-B-D (from the lowest pitched string to the highest), it can be tuned up to the keys of Ab or A, or down to the keys of F#, F, E or Eb. It is sometimes called Double Slack Tuning, G Slack Tuning, Auntie Alice Namakelua's G Tuning, Auntie Alice Namakelua's Tuning, Flatted G Tuning or F# Tuning. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled as Tuning #G4.Also see Auntie Alice Namakelua's Tuning, F# Tuning and Wahine Tuning.)

Gabby's C Tuning:

Also called Gabby's Mauna Loa Tuning (C-G-E-G-A-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest), it was used prominently by the slack key guitarist Gabby Pahinui (1921-1980) and can be tuned down to the keys of B, Bb, A or Ab. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled Tuning #C20. Also see Mauna Loa Tuning.)

Gabby's C Wahine Tuning:

(See Hi'ilawe Tuning and C Wahine Tuning.)

Gabby's F Tuning:

An F Wahine Tuning containing the Major 7th note E twice (F-C-E-G-C-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest) that was used prominently by slack key guitarist Gabby Pahinui (1921-1980). It can be tuned down to the keys of E or Eb. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled Tuning #F2. Also see Wahine Tuning and Leonard's F Tuning.)

Gabby's Hi'ilawe C Tuning:

(See Hi'ilawe Tuning.)

Gabby's Mauna Loa Tuning:

(See Gabby's C Tuning.)

ha'ina:

Short for the phrase "ha'ina ia mai ana ka puana":

Ha'ina means "to tell" or "to declare."
'Ia mai ana makes ha'ina passive, so it means "was told" or "was declared."
Ka means "the."
Puana means "theme of the song."

Thus, the literal translation is "the theme of the song has been told" or "tell the summary refrain." The verse that begins with this phrase (part or all of it) is the last verse of the song, though that verse may be repeated two or more times. Thus, the last verse is commonly referred to as the "ha'ina." Sometimes the name of the person in whose honor the song was composed is also sung at the end.

ha ku'iku'i:

An unusual technique of playing guitar by hammering on and pulling off with the right hand while fretting with the left hand (in normal right-handed guitar playing). This technique was performed by the late Manu Kahaiali'i, on the out-of-print album KAHAIALII MAUI STYLE on the song So Ti, in the Standard Tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest). He played in the key of D, using this technique on the D and A7th chords (the I and V chords). He also played it in Eddie Kamae's film documentary on slack key guitar, THE HAWAIIAN WAY (see Section II, under Documentary Videos). His son, Willie K., also plays this song in the Standard Tuning, although he plays it in the key of C using the same technique on the C and G7th chords (the I and V chords).

The late slack key guitarist Gabby Pahinui used this technique occasionally at the end of songs, as does his son Bla Pahinui. On the album HAWAIIAN SLACK KEY VOL. I (Waikiki Records 319) at the end of the song Pa'au'au Waltz, Gabby can be heard playing in the Standard Tuning in the keys of F and Ab with an ensemble and using the technique for variations on the chords of F# and E, before going back to the final Ab chord at the end of the song.

The late George Kahumoku, Sr. (1926 -1977), the father of slack key guitarists George and Moses Kahumoku, also used this technique, again in the Standard Tuning playing in the key of D, on the D and A7th chords (the I and V chords). He called this technique ki panipani.

(See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. Standard Tuning is labeled Tuning #C30. Also see ki panipani.)

hammer-on:

An ornament produced by plucking a note and immediately fretting above that note on the same string to produce a second tone. This can also be accompanied by the reverse technique, the "pull-off." (Also see pull-off and fret.)

hana hou:

To repeat; to play again; often used meaning "encore" in a concert.

harmonics:

Also known as "natural harmonics," these are chime-type tones produced by lightly touching the strings with the left hand at certain mathematical points on the fingerboard, while plucking the string with the right hand (in normal right-handed playing). In the slack key tradition, they are also commonly called "chimes" or "bells."

Natural chiming sounds occur most prominently on the 5th, 7th and 12th frets. There are also natural harmonics at other points on the guitar fingerboard that are all harder to sound clearly: the 4th and 9th frets (these are identical sounding harmonics); the 19th fret (these are identical to the 7th fret harmonics); and in between the 2nd & 3rd and the 3rd & 4th frets - about a quarter of the way up towards the sound hole within the frets. There are other hard to sound and very rarely used harmonics in other places, as well.

The harmonics of the 12th fret produces a note one octave above the open string note. The harmonics of the 7th fret produces a note one octave plus a fifth interval above the open string note. The harmonics of the 5th fret produces a note two octaves above the open string note. The harmonics of the 4th & 9th frets produces a note an octave plus a Major third interval above the open string note. The harmonics between the 2nd and 3rd frets produces a note three octaves above the open string note, and those between the 3rd and 4th frets produces a note two octaves plus a fifth interval above the open string note.

Harmonics are a technique used often in the slack key tradition. The Hawaiian words for describing the playing of harmonics are ho'opapa and papa. Steel guitarists also use harmonics, both natural and artificial. Artificial harmonics are produced by holding a note with the bar (on a steel guitar) or with the left hand (on a regular guitar), while the right hand simultaneously places the finger lightly on the same string 12 frets above the held note or notes and plucks the string or strings with one of the other fingers. Artificial harmonics are a staple technique of steel guitarists and are occasionally used by slack key guitarists. A well known song using harmonics is the steel guitar showcase, Maui Chimes, which is also often played by slack key guitarists.

(Also see right-handed playing and left-handed playing.)

Hawai'i:

Largest of the Hawaiian Islands, hence it is often called the "Big Island." It is famous for the Waipio Valley, Hi'ilawe Falls, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa mountains, Mauna Loa volcano, the rainy Hilo side, the dry Kona side, Parker Ranch in the Waimea region and many other features and topographies. The slack key guitar tradition may have began here around 1832, when Mexican and Spanish cowboys brought the guitar to the Waimea region. The special lei for the Big Island is the lehua.

Also the term used as a collective name for the entire island group. (Also see lehua and Hi'lawe Falls.)

High Bass G Tuning:

A G Major Tuning with the two lowest pitched strings tuned up higher than in the G Major Tuning (also called Taro Patch Tuning or Low Bass G Tuning), the most popular slack key tuning in Hawai'i. High Bass G Tuning is G-B-D-G-B-D (from the lowest pitched string to the highest--Low Bass/Taro Patch G Major Tuning is D-G-D-G-B-D). High Bass G Tuning was commonly used by Hawaiian acoustic steel guitarists in the 1920s and 1930s, and is the most common tuning used by bluegrass acoustic dobro players today in Mainland America. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. High Bass G Tuning is labeled Tuning #G3, and G Major Tuning is labeled as Tuning #G1. Also see G Major Tuning and Taro Patch Tuning.)

Hi'ilawe Falls:

Located in Waipi'o Valley on the Big Island of Hawai'i, it is the highest freefall waterfall in Hawai'i and one of the highest in the world, with a vertical drop of about 1,000 feet. These beautiful falls are the setting for the classic traditional Hawaiian song Hi'ilawe, which was a signature song of slack key guitarist Gabby Pahinui (1921-1980). (Also see Hi'ilawe Tuning.)

Hi'ilawe Tuning:

Also called Gabby's Hi'ilawe C Tuning, Gabby's Hi'ilawe Tuning, Gabby's C Wahine Tuning or C Wahine Tuning. The tuning is C-G-E-G-B-E (from the lowest pitched string to the highest) and has been used most prominently by slack key guitarist Gabby Pahinui (1921-1980), especially for the song Hi'ilawe. It can be tuned down to the keys of B, Bb, A or Ab. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled as T uning #C11. Also see C Wahine Tuning, Hi'ilawe Falls and Waipi'o Valley.)

ho'okani:

To play a musical instrument; to cause to sound. (Also see pa'ani, pane, kani, pila, ho'okani pila and kani ka pila.)

ho'okani pila:

To play a stringed instrument or to make a musical sound. (Also see ho'okani, pila, pa'ani, pane, kani and kani ka pila.)

ho'opapa:

To play harmonics (or "chimes" or "bells"), which are produced by lightly touching a finger on certain points on the fingerboard with the left hand (in normal right-handed playing), especially on the 12th, 5th and 7th frets, and plucking with the right hand. There are harmonics on other places on the fingerboard as well, but they are harder to sound clearly. (Also see harmonics, left-handed playing, and right-handed playing.)

hula:

Traditional Hawaiian dance.

hula ku'i:

A form of music where the guitar is featured in combination with the ipu (gourd drum) and pahu (skin drum). (Also see ipu.)

ipu:

A hand drum consisting of a single gourd or two large gourds of unequal size joined together. Some of the rhythms of the slack key guitar tradition originated from the ipu rhythms that accompanied the old chants and hula dances. (Also see hula ku'i.)

Kaho'olawe:

An uninhabited island used for decades by the U.S. Navy as a bombing target; returned to the state of Hawai'i in 1994 by the Clinton Administration. The special lei of this island is the hinahina, a member of the geranium family.

kai:

Sea, ocean or large body of water.

kani:

Sound of any kind; to play a musical instrument. (Also see kani ka pila, ho'okani pila, pila, pa'ani, ho'okani and pane.)

kani ka pila:

A popular phrase, meaning "let's play music." Kani literally means to sound or strike, and pila means a musical instrument, originally a fiddle and today any stringed instrument (and ka means "the"). (Also see kani, pila, ho'okani, ho'okani pila, pa'ani and pane.)

kaona:

A second or hidden meaning. Hawaiian composers very often use kaona in the lyrics of songs; for example, a flower (pua) often means one's lover. This usually applies to the Hawaiian lyrics in a song, but can also occasionally apply to a title of an instrumental piece, especially those played by the slack key guitarist Leonard Kwan (1930-2000). It can also sometimes be implied in the way the words are sung or certain phrasings in instrumental playing. (Also see pua.)

kapu:

Taboo; prohibition.

Kaua'i:

The fourth largest Hawaiian island, it is very beautiful. Much of it is privately owned and preserved in its natural state, including the 2000 foot cliffs of the Na Pali coast. Kaua'i is known as the "Garden Island." The island's special lei is mokihana, which is a purple-colored berry found on trees.

keiki:

Child; children; offspring.

Keola's C Tuning:

The C Wahine Tuning used prominently by slack key guitarist Keola Beamer (1951- ), C-G-D-G-B-E (from the lowest pitched string pitched to the highest). (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled as Tuning #C7. Also see C Wahine Tuning and "My Dog Has Fleas" Tuning.)

keys:

A term sometimes used for the tuning pegs that raise or lower the strings. "Key" is also a term for the pitch that the song is played in.

ki ho'alu:

Literally meaning slack key. Ki is the Hawaiianization of the word "key." It can mean the key (pitch) that the song is in, or it can refer to the strings, or to the tuning pegs (the tuning "keys"). Ho'alu means to slack, loosen or lay back. (Also see slack key guitar and keys.)

ki mamaiata:

Sometimes called ki amoa. This term is closely related to slack key and is used by guitarists in the Cook Islands (especially on the island of Aitutaki) to describe their playing, as documented by Hawaiian slack key guitarist, composer and mariner Carlos Andrade. This term literally translates in their language as "early in the morning," which is the favorite time there for guitarists to play.

ki'opapa:

A term for two guitarists playing for entertainment at the same time on one instrument, with one person fretting the chords and the other person picking the strings.

ki panipani:

Panipani literally means "to strike gently" and ki refers to guitar string or notes. (Also see ha ku'iku'i.)

ki tufa:

A Samoan term, literally meaning "fourth position," for the C Mauna Loa Tuning (C-G-C-G-A-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest), with its distinct sounding fourth string tuned down to the C note. Guitarist and researcher Dennis Ladd documented this tuning as played by the Samoan guitarist Vainu'u Tu'igale'ava. This tuning has also been used by slack key guitarist Leonard Kwan (1930-2000) for the song Pau Pilikia. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled as Tuning #C22.)

kokua:

Help; assistance.

kolohe:

Rascle; one who behaves mischievously.

kupuna:

Grandparent; ancestor; relative(s) of the grandparent's generation; respected elders; older relatives; or elders that are like grandparents.

Lana'i:

Near the island of Maui, the second smallest Hawaiian island inhabited by people (the smallest being Ni'ihau). It was once known for its large pineapple plantations. The special lei of the island is the kauna'oa, a parasitic orange vine of thread-like strands.

lau hala:

The Pandanus leaf; frequently used in weaving many different items, from floor mats, baskets and hats to sails for canoes.

l' dat:

Pidgin (mixed language) for "like that," or "and such." Often used like a period at the end of a sentence. (Also see Pidgin.)

left-handed playing:

The less common way of playing the guitar, where the left hand plucks the strings and the right hand frets, or presses, the notes on the guitar neck. In this glossary, when a playing technique is discussed, it is described in terms of the much more common right-handed playing. By contrast, for left-handed playing the guitar is turned upside down and backwards, so the functions of the hands are reversed, and the functions of the thumb and index finger are also reversed (with the thumb playing the melody and the index finger playing the bass). Some left-handed guitarists re-string the guitar so that the thumb plays the bass, and the finger(s) play the melody, as right-handed players do. (Also see right-handed playing.)

lehua:

The flower of the island of Hawai'i, famous in song and tale. It comes from the 'ohi'a tree. Usually the flowers are red, but they also come in white, yellow and orange. The flower is sacred to Pele, the goddess of volcanoes.

Also the name of the small uninhabited island just west of Ni'ihau, lehua is associated with a setting sun.

lei:

A wreath of native flowers, often made for ceremonies and gifts of love and goodwill. Each island has its own special lei. (See the individual islands for each's lei: Hawai'i, Kaho'olawe, Kaua'i, Lana'i, Maui, Moloka'i, Ni'ihau and O'ahu.)

leo ki'eki'e:

Falsetto singing.

Leonard's C Tuning:

The most popular C Wahine Tuning (C-G-D-G-B-D, from the lowest pitched string to the highest), which contains the Major 7th note (B). This tuning was used most prominently by the slack key guitarist Leonard Kwan (1931-2000) and is similar to the G Major/Taro Patch Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D), with the lowest pitched string tuned down to the note of C instead of D. This C Wahine Tuning can be tuned down to the keys of B, Bb, A or Ab. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. Leonard's C Tuning is labeled Tuning #C5, and G Major/Taro Patch Tuning is labeled Tuning #G1. Also see C Wahine Tuning and G Major Tuning.)

Leonard's C Wahine Tuning:

(See Leonard's C Tuning.)

Leonard's F Tuning:

A term for an F Wahine Tuning, which contains the Major 7th note E (C-F-C-G-C-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest). This tuning was used prominently by the slack key guitarist Leonard Kwan (1931-2000) and can be tuned down to the keys of E or Eb. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled Tuning #F3. Also see Wahine Tuning and Gabby's F Tuning.)

Leonard's F Wahine Tuning:

(See Leonard's F Tuning.)

linger:

To let notes or chords ring out.

Low Bass G Tuning:

Another name for the G Major or Taro Patch Tuning. (Also see G Major Tuning and High Bass G Tuning.)

mahalo:

Thank you.

Major Tuning:

Tuning in which the guitar is tuned to a full major chord, usually G, C or D. The guitar is sometimes tuned above or below the pitch of the tuning name. (Also see G Major Tuning, Atta's C Tuning and D Tuning.)

mana:

Spiritual essence or spiritual power; soul.

manu:

Bird.

Maori Brown Eyes Tuning:

D-G-D-E-G-D (from the lowest pitched string to the highest), the tuning in which the song Maori Brown Eyes is sometimes played and a G6th Mauna Loa Tuning (Mauna Loa Tunings are based on a Major chord, with the two top-pitched strings tuned a fifth interval apart). It can be tuned up to the keys of Ab or A, or down to the keys of F# or F. Rarely is anything else played in this tuning. Slack key guitarists Leonard Kwan (1930-2000) and Sonny Chillingworth (1930-1994) have recorded Maori Brown Eyes in this tuning, and Leonard also used it for a vocal version of the medley E Lili'u E & Ki Ho'alu. Slack key guitarist Mika'ele Mike McClellan used it for the song Ka Hula A'o Keli.

Many guitarists play the song Maori Brown Eyes in the G Major Tuning, or other tunings, in order to not have to retune the guitar to the Maori Brown Eyes Tuning and then retune it after just that one song. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. Maori Brown Eyes Tuning is labeled Tuning #G7, and G Major Tuning is labeled Tuning #G1. Also see Mauna Loa Tuning and G Mauna Loa Tuning.)

Maui:

A beautiful island with lush foliage and many hidden waterfalls. Maui is famous for the former whaling port of Lahaina, the beautiful Hana coast and the majestic Haleakala crater. It is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands and is known as the "Magic Isle." The island's special lei is the pink lokelani, which means "rose of heaven."

Mauna Kea:

The highest mountain in Hawai'i (13,796 feet), literally "white mountain" (it is often snow capped), located on the island of Hawai'i. One of two large mountains on the island, the other being Mauna Loa. (Also see Mauna Loa.)

Mauna Loa:

One of two large mountains on the Big Island of Hawai'i; literally "long mountain." The famous Mauna Loa Observatory is at the top. (Also see Mauna Kea.)

Mauna Loa Tuning:

Tunings based on a Major chord, with the two top-pitched strings tuned a fifth interval apart. This way, the two highest pitched, thinnest strings can easily be played in sixth intervals, which in most other tunings are played on the highest pitched first string and the third string, or on the second and fourth strings, since in most other tunings most of the highest four pitched strings are tuned a fourth, a Major third or a minor third interval apart. This produces the recognizably sweet sound of Mauna Loa Tunings. The sixth intervals on the top two strings can also be "frailed" (strummed rapidly) with the index finger, producing another characteristic sound of this tuning. (Also see G Mauna Loa Tuning, Maori Brown Eyes Tuning and Gabby's C Tuning.)

mele:

Song or chant. The ancient mele were songs that were chanted and were often accompanied by rhythm instruments and hula dances. Through mele, Hawaiians preserved their legends, traditions, family and social history. There were long epic mele and shorter mele for every occasion imaginable.

mele ho'oipoipo:

Love song. (Also see mele.)

mele kahiko:

The most traditional and ancient known Hawaiian music, built entirely around chant and placing a high value on sliding between registers, vibrato and other often subtle vocal manipulations. (Also see mele.)

mele pana:

Place song. (Also see mele.)

Mokihana Tuning:

Another name for the G Major Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D, from the lowest pitched string to the highest), which is also often called Taro Patch Tuning. (Also see G Major Tuning and Taro Patch Tuning.)

Moloka'i:

A sparsely populated island, near the island of Maui, that can be reached by boat as well as a small, rough airstrip. It is also known as the "Friendly Isle." The main crops grown are sugar cane, pineapple and watermelons. The Kalaupapa National Historical Park, the site of the historical Hansen's Disease (leprosy) colony, can be visited by mule rides. The island's special lei is the kukui, or candlenut, whose leaves, white flowers and nuts can all be used to make the lei.

"My Dog Has Fleas" Tuning:

A tuning where four successive pitches are tuned in intervals of (from the lowest to the highest pitched string): a fourth (between the fourth and third string), a Major third (between the third and second string) and a fourth (between the second and first string).

"My Dog Has Fleas" is often used to describe these four intervals in any tuning, such as the following ones in use:

The most common 'ukulele tuning, G-C-E-A. (Also see 'ukulele.)
The Standard Tuning on guitar where the top four pitches are tuned to the "My Dog Has Fleas" intervals, E-A-(D-G-B-E), from the lowest pitched string to the highest.
In the Dropped D Tuning, where the top four pitches are tuned to the "My Dog Has Fleas" intervals, D-A-(D-G-B-E).
In the Dropped C Wahine Tuning, also known as Keola's C Tuning, where the top four pitches are tuned to the "My Dog Has Fleas" intervals, C-G-(D-G-B-E); and another C Wahine Tuning, where the top four pitches are tuned to the "My Dog Has Fleas" intervals, G-C-(D-G-B-E). (Also see C Wahine Tuning, Keola's C Tuning and Wahine Tuning.)
Two D tunings on guitar where the middle four strings are tuned to the "My Dog Has Fleas" intervals: D-(A-D-F#-B)-E, called Ni'ihau/Old Mauna Loa Tuning (see Ni'ihau Tuning and Ni'ihau); and D-(A-D-F#-B)-D, known as D Sixth Tuning.

The tiple also uses a "My Dog Has Fleas" Tuning, as it is usually tuned to F-Bb-D-G. (Also see tiple.)

(See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. Standard Tuning is labeled Tuning #C30, Dropped D Tuning is labeled Tuning #D7, Dropped C Wahine/Keola's C Tuning is labeled Tuning #C7, the other C Wahine Tuning is labeled Tuning #C8, D Ni'ihau/Old Mauna Loa Tuning is labeled Tuning #D6, and D Sixth Tuning is labeled Tuning #D8.)

nahenahe:

Soft, sweet and gentle; often used to describe slack key music.

natural harmonics:

(See harmonics.)

needle and thread technique:

A technique used more in older times, which employed a large sewing needle attached to a length of thread or string. The thread was held in the mouth while the needle rested lightly over the strings in the area of the sound hole, with the guitar slightly tilted. When the strings of the guitar were plucked, the needle vibrated against the strings, producing a unique sound much like that of a mandolin or a hammered dulcimer. Slack key guitarist Sonny Chillingworth recorded the song Wai Ulu in the G Major Tuning with this technique and also demonstrated it in Susan Friedman's film KI HO'ALU - THAT'S SLACK KEY GUITAR. Eddie Kamae's film, THE HAWAIIAN WAY, also shows this technique being used by slack key guitarist Phil Secratario. (Also see Section V: Tuning #G1; and see Section II: Documentary Videos.)

Ni'ihau:

A privately owned island near the island of Kaua'i. The oldest populated island in the chain, Ni'ihau has a current population of approximately 250 people. Special permission is needed to visit the island. The special lei of this island is made of Ni'ihau shells, and the leis are Ni'ihau's main export. (Also see hammer-on and Ni'ihau Tuning.)

Ni'ihau Tuning:

A tuning where the second and sixth notes of the scale are on two successive strings, which are tuned a fourth interval apart; with the sixth note as the lower pitched note of the two. This allows the player to use the "hammer-on" technique on two successive strings. An example is the tuning that was used by slack key guitarist Sonny Chillingworth (1930-1994), C-G-D-E-A-D (from the lowest pitched string to the highest). Another of the Ni'ihau Tunings was played by slack key guitarist Leonard Kwan (1930-2000). He called it Old Mauna Loa Tuning (D-G-D-E-A-D).

Some C tunings from Ni'ihau have the fourth string tuned to a C note (rather than a D or E note, as is more common for C Tunings on the other Islands). Slack key guitarist Wayne Jacintho plays in such a tuning, which he learned from a woman from Ni'ihau: C-G-C-G-B-D.

(See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. Sonny's tuning is labeled Tuning #G12, Old Mauna Loa Tuning is labeled Tuning #G15, Wayne's tuning is labeled Tuning #G12. Also see hammer-on, Ni'ihau, Old Mauna Loa Tuning and "My Dog Has Fleas" Tuning.)

nylon string guitar:

A guitar with nylon strings, which produces a slightly softer sound than the steel string guitar, especially on the high pitched strings, and a slightly deeper tone on the bass strings. Sometimes a nylon string guitar is called a classical guitar or a flamenco guitar. Before technology made nylon available, strings were made of gut. These guitars were possibly first brought to Hawai'i in the 1830s by Mexican and Spanish cowboys. (Also see steel string guitar.)

O'ahu:

The most populated and third largest Hawaiian island, which includes the capital and largest Hawaiian city, Honolulu, it has been known as "the Gathering Place." The 'ilima flower, which is orange and paper thin, is used to make the special lei of O'ahu.

octave:

The interval separating two notes with the same name, which are 12 half-steps above or below each other. The term octave usually refers to the top note of two notes played together that are 12 half-steps apart. The top note of the octave is double the frequency of the lower note of the octave. (Also see sub.)

'ohana:

Family; relatives.

Old Mauna Loa Tuning:

A tuning used occasionally by the late slack key guitarist Leonard Kwan (1930-2000), D-G-D-E-A-D (from the lowest pitched string to the highest). (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled as Tuning #G11. Also see Ni'ihau Tuning.)

open note:

An unfretted note; a note that is played on a string (or two or more notes on two or more strings) with the right hand (in normal right hand playing) while the left hand does not fret (press) on the fingerboard. (Also see right-handed playing and left-handed playing.)

pa'ani:

To play, "horse around," sport, amusement; also means joking, playful, amusing. Often musicians use this term for taking an instrumental break in a vocal piece. The older term ho'okani means to play music; the older term ho'okani pila means to play a stringed instrument or to make a musical sound. (Also see pane, kani, kani ka pila, ho'okani, pila and ho'okani pila.)

pahu:

A skin covered drum. (Also see hula ku'i.)

pane:

To answer; to take an instrumental break in between vocal verses. (Also see pa'ani.)

paniolo:

Hawaiian cowboy. Term is derived from the Spanish word "español".

papa:

To touch. (Also see harmonics.)

pau:

End.

piano tuning:

Means that the guitar is tuned to concert pitch - in other words, the note "G" on the guitar equals "G" on the piano. Also called "A 440," referring to the 440 cycles that is the "A" pitch in music physics. A middle "A" note on a piano is tuned to 440 cycles, thus the term "A 440." Sometimes also called "concert tuning." (Also see A Four Forty.)

pick:

A plastic (or other hard substance) object for plucking the guitar strings, usually held between the thumb and index finger.

Pidgin:

A mixed-language English dialect with a simplified grammatical system, incorporating vocabulary of Hawaiians and many different immigrant populations to the island as an attempt to communicate with each other. (Also see da kine and l'dat.)

pila:

Formerly, a fiddle or violin. Hawaiians like Sam Li'a would strike a fiddle and have a "jam" session. Today, pila refers to any stringed instrument. (Also see kani ka pila, ho'okani pila and kani.)

pilikia:

Trouble.

poi:

An island staple starch food made from taro. The taro corm is cooked, pounded into a smooth paste and then mixed with water to make poi. (See taro.)

popoki:

Cat.

pua:

Flower; often in a song, it is used as kaona (hidden meaning) for one's lover. (Also see kaona.)

pull-off:

An ornament produced by plucking a string and immediately pulling the fretting finger off that note, producing a second note which is either open (unfretted) or fretted by another finger on the same string. This often occurs in combination with the reverse technique, the "hammer-on." (Also see hammer-on and fret.)

right-handed playing:

The normal way of playing the guitar, in which the right hand plucks the strings and the left hand frets, or presses, the notes on the guitar neck. (Also see left-handed playing.)

Second C; Second D; Second F; Second A; or Second B Flat (Bb):

(See Second G.)

Second G (or Second C):

A common Hawaiian term for the second most used chord in the key of G. (The chord used most often is the G chord, also known as the I chord or the tonic chord.) "Second G" is the V chord or V7 chord, also called the dominant chord. In the key of G, this is the D Major or the D7 chord. (In the key of C, it is the G Major or the G7 chord.)

Third G (or Third C): The third most used chord in the key of G, the IV chord or sub-dominant chord, which is the C Major chord. (In the key of C, it is the F Major chord.)

Fourth G (or Fourth C): The fourth most used chord in the key of G, the II chord, which is the A Major chord or the A7. (In the key of C, it is the D Major chord or the D7.) "Fourth G," or A7 (or D or D7 in the key of C), is usually used as a two (or more) beat bridge to get to the "second" chord, D Major or D7 in the key of G (G Major in the key of C).

Also theoretically:

Fifth G (or Fifth C): If the term "Fifth G" (or "Fifth C'') chord was in use, it would refer to the fifth most used chord in the key of G, which would be the VI chord, which is the E Major chord or the E7. (In the key of C it would be the A Major chord or the A7.) This chord would usually goes next to the "Fourth" chord, which is A Major or A7 in the key of G (D Major or D7 in the key of C). It is sometimes used as a two (or more) beat bridge to get to the "Third" chord, A Major or A7 in the key of G (D Major or D7 in the key of C).

Sixth G (or Sixth C): If the term "Sixth G" (or "Sixth C") chord was in use, it would refer to the sixth most used chord in the key of G, which would be the III chord, the B Major chord or the B7. (In the key of C, it would be the E Major chord or the E7.) This chord would usually go next to the "Fifth" chord, E Major or E7 in the key of G (A Major or A7 in the key of C).

Chart for these chords in six keys:

Key	Second	Third	Fourth	Fifth	Sixth

G	D, D7	C	A, A7	E, E7	B, B7
C	G, G7	F	D, D7	A, A7	E, E7
D	A, A7	G	E, E7	B, B7	F#, F#7
F	C, C7	Bb	G, G7	D, D7	A, A7
Bb	F, F7	Eb	C, C7	G, G7	D, D7
A	E, E7	D	B, B7	F#, F#7	C#, C#7

(Also see tonic chord, dominant chord and sub-dominant chord.)

slack key guitar:

A term for the finger-picked style of guitar in Hawai'i where the strings (or "keys") are usually loosened (or "slacked") to produce a Major chord, a tuning with a Major 7th note in it, a tuning with a Major 6th note in it, or another tuning. Each tuning uses particular fingerings and produces a particular characteristic resonance. Sometimes some, or occasionally even all, of the strings can also be raised, or tightened, to produce these tunings. The Hawaiian translation of slack key is ki ho'alu. (Also see ki ho'alu.)

slide:

A note played by plucking the string with the right hand (with normal right-hand playing), then sliding up or down the fingerboard to another note before plucking it again. The note also may be slid up or down to another note without plucking the string as it reaches the next note.

Standard Tuning:

The tuning E-A-D-G-B-E (from the lowest pitched string to the highest), and the most common guitar tuning in the world. It is used often in Hawai'i to play in the keys of C, D, E, F, G and A, and sometimes other keys. The tuning, which began evolving in Spain in the 16th century, became fully developed by the 18th century. Also called Standard Spanish Tuning and sometimes Double Bass Tuning.

GUITARIST MICHAEL LORIMER DESCRIBES THE EVOLUTION OF THE STANDARD TUNING:

The guitar's STANDARD TUNING is an outgrowth of the tuning of the renaissance lute and its Spanish counterpart, the vihuela. These instruments came in different sizes and some were pitched higher or lower than others, but no matter the pitches, the intervals between the courses (pairs) of strings were the same. To get the same intervals on a modern guitar, all you have to do is tune the 3rd string down to F# instead of G. During the 16th century, there was also a four-course guitar tuned lower than the modern guitar (the highest note was A, like the A on the second fret of the modern guitar's 3rd string). Although the renaissance four-course guitar was tuned G, C, E, A, a much lower tuning than on the modern guitar, you can easily read the old tablatures on the modern guitar's top four strings (D, G, B, E), because the intervals between strings are identical.

Around 1580, people started taking strings off of vihuelas or adding strings to renaissance guitars, and the baroque guitar was invented. Like the vihuelas and earlier guitars, the new guitars came in different sizes and different pitches, but from the baroque guitar's tuning the modern guitar derives its top 5 strings: A, D, G, B, E. However, the baroque often had a re-entrant tuning ("my dog has fleas"- where the intervals between four strings going up in pitch are tuned in intervals on a fourth, a Major third and a fourth). For example, one widely used tuning had the A like the second fret of the modern guitar's 3rd string, the D like the third fret on the modern guitar's second string, the G course in an octave (which made it at once the guitar's highest and lowest strings), and the B and the E were like on the modern guitar. Ukuleles, banjos, charangos and other such instruments are living fossils of the baroque guitar. Also, as you can see, the baroque guitar was G-centered, and the modern guitar is E-centered.

As time wore on, especially in the 18th century, people added more and more low notes to re-entrant tuning, and it became more and more like the low to high tuning of the modern guitar. But the earliest surviving book for a six-course guitar (Antonio Ballestro's OBRA PARA GUITARRA DE SEIS ORDENES) didn't appear until 1780. In that book, all the courses are in pairs, and the tuning is exactly like the modern guitar, except the sixth course has an octave (the high note of which is the E on the modern guitar's fourth string, second fret).

For the next fifty years, double strung guitars were commonly used, but at the same time people started trying five- and six-string guitars with single strings. From 1800 onwards, guitars with six strings (E, A, D, G, B, E) were common. Some of the six-string players tried tunings to make it easy to play harmonies. This gave rise to tunings like the Open G Major Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D), and the Open D Major Tuning (D-A-D-F#-A-D).

(See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. Standard Tuning is labeled Tuning #C30, Open G Major Tuning is labeled Tuning #G1, and Open D Major Tuning is labeled Tuning #D1. Also see "My Dog Has Fleas" Tuning.)

steel guitar:

Any guitar where the strings are raised, tuned to various tunings and played with a steel bar in the left hand (with normal right-handed playing). The guitar itself does not have to be made of steel. There are several different types of steel guitars:

Wood acoustic (with six strings).
Steel acoustic (made completely of steel with a metal resonator and six strings). The acoustic steel guitar tradition began in Hawai'i around 1890. The most notable player was Sol Ho'opi'i (1902-1953). (See the recordings MASTER OF THE HAWAIIAN GUITAR, VOLUMES I & II, Rounder Records 1024 & 1025.)
Dobro (a wooden guitar with a steel resonator and six strings).
Electric lap steel (a single necked electric steel guitar with six or more strings).
Double or triple necked steel guitar (an electric steel guitar mounted on legs with one, two or three necks tuned to various tunings and with six or more strings on each neck).
Pedal steel guitar (similar to the double or triple necked steel guitar, except there are knee levers and pedals which are used to change the pitches). The pedal steel guitar is the most often used steel guitar in Mainland America, especially for Country & Western music; it is very rarely used in Hawaiian music, however.

(Also see right-handed playing and left-handed playing.)

steel string guitar:

A guitar with steel strings, producing a characteristic ringing and sustain of the treble strings. Many slack key guitarists use the steel string guitar, which was probably introduced to Hawai'i in approximately the 1880s. (Also see nylon string guitar.)

stretch:

To take long instrumental breaks in between vocal verses; to play a song longer than normal.

sub:

A term used by the slack key guitarist Leonard Kwan (1930-2000) to describe the lower note when two notes are played an octave apart. (Also see octave.)

sub-dominant chord:

Another name for the IV chord. In the key of G it is the C chord; in the key of C it is the F chord. (Also see Second G, dominant chord and tonic chord.)

tab:

Short for tablature. (Also see tablature.)

tablature:

A way of notating guitar music that is different than the standard European music notation method. Often referred to as "tab," the standard tablature definition is six lines, which represents six strings of the guitar. The top line represents the first, or highest pitched string, while the bottom line represents the sixth, or lowest pitched string. On those lines are numbers which correspond to the frets on the guitar neck. Each number represents a note to be played, and which of the strings should be plucked. For example, a "0" on the fifth string means that the string is to be left open, or unfretted, while being played; a "5" on the fifth string means that string is to be held down on the fifth fret while being plucked.

Read from left to right, tablature gives the sequence in which to play of the strings. The songs are usually divided into measures, and numbers listed vertically are to be played at the same time, however rhythm or timing is not indicated in tablature.

In a nutshell, tablature shows the players where to hold the left hand and what string to pluck with the right hand (in normal right-handed playing). Occasionally brackets at the bottom of the tablature will mark the main beats of the music, and brackets at the top mark off the other beats. It is helpful to be able to listen to the recording from which the tablature was transcribed. Slack key guitarist Ozzie Kotani (1956 - ) uses tablature extensively in his teaching of slack key guitar.

(Also see right-handed playing and left-handed playing.)

taro:

An important starch food to Hawaiians; used to make poi. (Also see poi.)

Taro Patch Tuning:

A common Hawaiian term for the very popular G Major Tuning (D-G-D-G-B-D, from the lowest pitched string to the highest).

It is also a term for any key pitch in which the strings are tuned in this relationship to each other: five half steps (a fourth interval) between the sixth (lowest pitched) and fifth strings; seven half steps (a fifth interval) between the fifth and fourth strings; five half steps (a fourth interval) between the fourth and third strings; four half steps (a Major third interval) between the third and second strings; and three half steps (a minor third interval) between the second and first (the two highest pitched) strings. (See Sections III, IV, V and VI for more about tunings. This tuning is labeled Tuning #G1. Also see G Major Tuning and A Tuning.)

Third G; Third C; Third D; Third F; Third A; or Third B Flat (Bb):

(See Second G.)

three finger picking style:

(See two finger picking style.)

thumb pick:

A plastic or metal pick worn on the thumb when playing finger-picking style guitar. (Also see finger picking style, finger picks and two finger picking style.)

tiple:

A four-stringed, double string, steel string instrument sometimes used in Hawaiian music, usually tuned to F-Bb-D-G . (Also see "My Dog Has Fleas" Tuning.)

tonic chord:

Another name for the chord that is the same as the key the song is in. It is also called the I chord. In the key of G it is G; in the key of C it is C. (Also see dominant chord, sub-dominant chord and Second G.)

top strings:

Usually refers to the strings highest from the ground but which are in fact usually the lowest pitches. Some guitarists refer to the top pitched strings as the top strings, but that is not a common usage of this term. Occasionally a guitarist, such as Bla Pahinui or Wayne Reis, will play the guitar upside down and backwards, so then the highest pitches will then also be the highest from the ground. (Also see bottom strings.)

tutu:

Grandmother or grandparent.

twelve string guitar:

A guitar where there are two sets of steel strings instead of the usual one set of strings, or a steel string guitar with six pairs of strings. The two highest pitched strings are the same size and are tuned to the same note, and the four lower pitches usually have a smaller string tuned an octave above the larger string. (Also see octave.)

two finger picking style:

Playing the guitar with the thumb picking the bass, while the index finger plays the melody, embellishments and fills on the higher pitched (treble) strings (in normal right-handed playing). This style is used by many older players, including the late Sonny Chillingworth, the late Leonard Kwan and Ray Kane, as well as occasionally by younger players such as Ledward Kaapana (who often also plays with three fingers). Many great Mainland American finger-style guitarists, such as Doc Watson and the late Merle Travis, also used the two finger picking style.

three finger picking style: The most common way to play the slack key guitar. The thumb plays the bass, while the index and middle fingers play the melody, embellishments and fills on the higher pitched (treble) strings (in normal right-handed playing).
four finger picking style: The thumb playing the bass strings, while the index, middle and ring fingers play the melody, embellishments and fills on the higher pitched (treble) strings (in normal right-handed playing).
five finger picking style: A few players occasionally use their little finger for a five finger picking style, in which the thumb plays the bass strings, and all four other fingers play the melody, embellishments and fills on the treble strings (in normal right-handed playing).

There are also some guitarists who use their thumb on the melody string at times and switch between picking with two or three or four fingers at a time, depending on the tuning or the piece. (Also see right-handed playing, left-handed playing and double-bass picking.)

'uke:

Short for 'ukulele. (See 'ukulele.)

'ukulele:

A four-string instrument with a small body and nylon strings brought to Hawai'i, probably around the 1880s, from Portugual where it originated; sometimes called a "uke." The name is a Hawaiian variant of the Portuguese cavaquinho, which literally means "jumping flea." It usually has nylon strings and sometimes has double nylon strings (two strings where there is normally one). It is usually tuned to the top four pitches of Standard Tuning for the guitar (D-G-B-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest). This tuning is often called "My Dog Has Fleas" Tuning, and the strings are usually tuned up to the key of C (G-C-E-A). The strings are also occasionally tuned to the top four pitches of G Major or "Taro Patch" Tuning (D-G-B-D, tuned up to G-C-E-G in the key of C). It can also be tuned higher or lower than the key of C.

Often the 'ukulele will be tuned like a guitar (with the strings going up in pitch in succession):






			A

		E

	C
G
4th String	3rd String	2nd String	1st String

Sometimes Hawaiians will tune the 'ukulele so that the fourth string G note and the third string C note are both tuned an octave higher, which makes them higher pitches than the second and first strings:




	C

G			A

		E

4th String	3rd String	2nd String	1st String

Sometimes Hawaiians will tune the 'ukulele so that just the fourth string G note is tuned an octave higher, which makes it a higher pitch than the third and second strings:






G			A

		E

	C
4th String	3rd String	2nd String	1st String

There is also a baritone 'ukulele, which is tuned lower and has a deeper tone. A 'ukulele can sometimes have six strings, often with the third and first strings doubled. There are also eight string 'ukuleles on which all the strings are doubled. The fourth and third string pairs (the lower ones in pitch) are usually tuned an octave apart, and the first two strings are tuned in unison, similar to a twelve string guitar. The third string pair is also sometimes tuned in unison. Other tunings are also used, and many others are possible. The third string G is often tuned an octave higher, and there are other combinations of higher and lower tuned strings in the standard 'ukulele "My Dog Has Fleas" Tuning.

The tiple also uses the "My Dog Has Fleas" Tuning, as it is usually tuned to F-Bb-D-G, and the South American chorango uses a similar tuning. It has five pairs of nylon strings and combines 'ukulele and mandolin tunings (the mandolin, like the violin, is normally tuned in fifth intervals between the strings). The tuning is G-C-E-A-E from the fifth string to the first, and the third string E note and the second string A note are lower than the fourth string C note.


				E

	C

G			A

		E

5th String	4th String	3rd String	2nd String	1st String

(Also see "My Dog Has Fleas" Tuning.)

unfretted note:

(See open note.)

vamp:

A short musical interlude or transitional phrase played instrumentally between verses or sections of music. There are traditional vamps shared by most players and others that are unique to individual players.

Wahine Tuning:

Tuning that is a Major 7th chord or contains a Major 7th note (the Major 7th of the I chord). The open Major 7th note can easily be "hammered-on" to produce the tonic note of the I or tonic chord. Major 7th notes are as follows:

Key	Major 7th Note
G	F#
C	B
D	C#
F	E
Bb	A
A	Ab

The Major 7th note is also the Major 3rd note in the dominant V chord (or "Second" chord). In the key of G, the dominant V chord is is the D or D7 chord; in the key of C, it is the G or G7 chord. This chord, with the open third, is a very strong tonality in the Wahine Tunings.

Usually Wahine Tunings will have the whole open (unfretted) dominant V triad (all three notes of a Major chord: the first, third and fifth), such as in Gabby's F Tuning (F-C-G-C-G-E, from the lowest pitched string to the highest) with the C Major open dominant V chord on the five top pitches; Leonard's F Tuning (C-F-C-G-C-E) with the open C Major dominant V chord on the four top pitches; Leonard's C Tuning (C-G-D-G-B-D) with the G Major dominant V chord, on the four top pitches); and in a rarely used A Wahine Tuning (D-A-C#-E-G#-B) with the E Major dominant V chord on the top three pitches.

(Also see hammer-on, Second G, open note, dominant chord and tonic chord.)

Waikiki:

A section of Honolulu, on the island of O'ahu; literally "spouting water"; the main part of O'ahu for tourism, famous for its beaches.

Waipi'o Valley:

A region on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Hi'ilawe Falls, which is located in this valley, is the subject of the famous song Hi'ilawe, which was recorded by the late Gabby Pahinui and others. (Also see Hi'ilawe Falls and Hi'ilawe Tuning.)

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