Mark Nelson teaches a beautiful Hawaiian piece that he calls "Old Style Slack."
Taught by Mark Kailana Nelson in Hawaiian slack key seriesLength: 30:00Difficulty: 2.5 of 5
Like “Bradda John,” “Old Style Slack” is performed in Taropatch tuning. Mark begins this scene with a review of this tuning. Typically, slack key players tune to an open G major chord. Taropatch tuning is an example of an open G tuning. Here is a string-by-string breakdown of this tuning:B. Playing Chimes6th: D
5th: G
4th: D
3rd: G
2nd: B
1st: D
Due to their tonal quality, natural harmonics are frequently referred to as “chimes.”1. What is a Harmonic?
Note: David Anthony has some lessons solely dedicated to playing natural harmonics. We strongly recommend that you watch these lessons in conjunction with this lesson. The following information regarding natural harmonics are taken from David Anthony’s Phase 2 Tips and Tricks series.
“Harmonic” is a term that is often used in the scientific field of acoustics. Harmonics are component frequencies that comprise a larger, fundamental frequency. The individual pitches or notes that occur in music are referred to as “fundamentals.” For example, the pitch we hear when the fifth string is struck is a fundamental. This fundamental is called “A”. The pitch that our ears perceive as “A” is actually a sum of several overtone frequencies called harmonics. When we hear a fundamental, our ears cannot distinguish the individual overtones. We only hear their resulting sum or fundamental.2. Natural Harmonics
A frequency is assigned to every pitch or note that we hear. Frequency is measured in a unit called hertz (abbreviated Hz). For example, the frequency of the open A string is 220Hz. Harmonics are integer multiples of this fundamental frequency. For example, if the length of the A string is divided in half, the resulting pitch is an octave higher. The 12th fret marks the exact center of a string. If a harmonic is plucked at the 12th fret, the frequency of the pitch doubles. The frequency of this harmonic is 440Hz. The pitch that results is still A, just one octave higher. If the length of string is divided into an even smaller section, a higher harmonic occurs.
Listen to the introduction music once again. The high chime-y sounds Mark creates are examples of “natural harmonics.” The harmonics he plays occur at either the 7th or 12th fret. Harmonics are a frequently used compositional technique. Compare the sound of a fretted note at the 12th fret to a harmonic played at the 12th fret. The pitch is the same, but the overall tone is quite different. Harmonics are added to a piece of music to add a contrasting tonal color.3. Where do Natural Harmonics Occur?
Performing a natural harmonic is relatively easy. Begin by practicing harmonics at the 12th fret. Harmonics at this location are much easier to produce. Lightly rest the fleshy tip of the finger on the string directly over the 12th fret. If your finger is not directly over the fret, the harmonic will not sound. Do not press the string down at all. Once you pluck the string with the right hand, release your left hand finger from the string. Many instructors teach that you must immediately remove the left hand finger from the string to produce the harmonic. However, this is not true. You actually have a comfortable amount of time to remove your finger from the string. As Mark notes, the tone of the harmonic blossoms and becomes richer once the finger is released from the string. Watch Mark carefully as he demonstrates some harmonics at the 12th fret.
Also, practice playing two harmonics simultaneously. Simply barre a left hand finger across the desired strings. Pluck them simultaneously. Then, quickly lift the barre from both strings. Since Taropatch, tuning is an open tuning, the harmonics at the 12th fret form a chime-y G Major arpeggio.
The easiest harmonics to produce occur at the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets of each string. Harmonics actually occur down the length of the entire string. However, many of these harmonics are very difficult to produce. As a result, these harmonics are used rather infrequently.4. Tuning with Harmonics
Note: It is much easier to produce natural harmonics on an electric guitar. Harmonics really jump out when played with a distorted tone. Also, scooping the midrange frequency of a distorted guitar tone increases the projection of harmonics.
Harmonics provide a very effective way of tuning the guitar. Check out Lesson 2 from David Anthony’s Phase 2 series for more information.5. Harmonics In Chord Shapes
In the previous lesson, Mark demonstrated how to play two very basic chords in Taropatch tuning. The first chord is the open G chord. This simple chord consists of all the open strings. The second chord, D Major, is played with a barre across the treble strings at the seventh fret. These same shapes can be played as harmonics. To play the D chord using harmonics, simply rest the middle finger over the treble strings at the 7th fret instead of barring them with the first finger. To play G, play each string at the 12th fret as a natural harmonic. Finally, the D shape transposes to the fifth fret to form an alternate voicing of the G chord. Notice how Mark combines these chord shapes with a standard open bass string.Chapter 3: (9:12) “Old Style Slack†Mark begins this scene by playing through the arrangement of “Old Style Slack.” If you listen closely and compare Mark’s performance to the written score, you will notice a mistake that he made. It’s OK to make mistakes. Everyone makes them, even professionals that have been playing the guitar religiously for decades. If you make a mistake, simply keep going. As long as you keep the rhythmic feel of the music constant, no one other than yourself is going to notice your mistake.
Hawaiian slack key is a beautiful style of guitar that originated in Hawaii. By blending relaxing melodies with intricate fingerstyle playing, this traditional genre of music is sure to please.
Lesson 1
Mark Nelson introduces Hawaiian slack key guitar and welcomes you to his lesson series.
Length: 9:11 Difficulty: 0.5 Members OnlyLesson 2
Mark delves into the world of slack key guitar. He discusses basic concepts such as open tunings and chords.
Length: 34:24 Difficulty: 1.5 Members OnlyLesson 3
In this lesson, Mark teaches a slack key arrangement of the classic song "Brother John."
Length: 14:12 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 4
Mark Nelson teaches a beautiful Hawaiian piece that he calls "Old Style Slack."
Length: 30:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 5
Turnarounds are very important to the slack key genre. Mark explains what they are and how they are used in this lesson.
Length: 22:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 6
Mark Nelson teaches a beautiful Hawaiian slack key piece called "Salomila."
Length: 19:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 7
Mark Nelson demonstrates how double stops are used in Hawaiian slack key guitar.
Length: 22:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 8
Mark Nelson teaches a beautiful piece of music he calls "Ki Ho'Alu Slide."
Length: 15:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 9
Mark Nelson teaches a few more turnarounds. He demonstrates how you can link two turnarounds together.
Length: 9:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 10
Mark Nelson returns to the song "Salomila." Learn an altered version of this song that will put your slack key skills to the test.
Length: 14:30 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 11
Mark Nelson provides you with more slack key building blocks. He demonstrates some new turnarounds that involve playing double stops in sixths.
Length: 23:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 12
Mark Nelson returns to the song "Old Style Slack." In this lesson, he teaches a more advanced arrangement of the song.
Length: 23:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 13
Mark demonstrates some additional double stops and discusses common slack key chords.
Length: 18:30 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 14
Mark Nelson teaches an original song called "Taropatch Blues." He also explains how improvisation is used in the slack key genre.
Length: 19:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 15
Mark Nelson reviews the lesson series up to this point and discusses its future.
Length: 16:00 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 16
Mark Nelson introduces the G Wahine tuning, also known as double slack. He teaches a song in this tuning called "Aunty Style Slack."
Length: 21:10 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 17
Mark introduces the concept of the clave rhythm. He explains what the clave is and provides some fun Hawaiian themed exercises to play.
Length: 15:56 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 18
Mark Nelson will teaches a slack key piece called "Malasadas." This lesson applies the clave bass pattern from lesson 17.
Length: 14:17 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 19
Mark expands your knowledge of double slack tuning. He introduces some common chords and double stops in this tuning.
Length: 13:57 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 20
Mark Nelson teaches a beautiful Hawaiian slack key song entitled "Playful Popoki."
Length: 23:08 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 21
Mark teaches another version of "Playful Popoki."
Length: 25:17 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 22
Mark Nelson introduces C Wahine tuning.
Length: 10:54 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 23
Mark Nelson expands on Drop C / C Wahine tuning. He explains how familiar chords and double stops can be played in this tuning.
Length: 15:31 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 24
Mark Nelson teaches a classic Hawaiian slack key piece entitled "Hi`ilawe."
Length: 18:12 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 25
Mark "Kailana" Nelson covers the Drop C / C Wahine tuning again in this lesson. This time around he introduces more chords and variations.
Length: 10:54 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 26
Mark Nelson teaches a beautiful piece entitled "Molokai Waltz" in this lesson. This song demonstrates how you can play melody out of chord shapes.
Length: 13:30 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 27
Mark Nelson teaches a Hawaiian slack key piece entitled "Kowali" in this lesson.
Length: 13:42 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 28
Mark Nelson returns to the song "Kowali" and introduces the concept of modulation in this lesson.
Length: 11:30 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 29
Mark Nelson returns to the world of Hawaiian slack key with a beautiful piece entitled "Sanoe."
Length: 17:36 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 30
Mark revisits the beautiful song "Sanoe." He explains how the song modulates in this lesson.
Length: 11:31 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 31
Mark Nelson returns with more slack key! Find out what Mark plans to teach in upcoming lessons and learn his approach to fingerpicking technique.
Length: 14:00 Difficulty: 1.0 Members OnlyLesson 32
Mark Nelson explores the wonders of the beautiful F Wahine tuning.
Length: 29:37 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 33
Mark Nelson shares his rendition of the beautiful slack key song "My Yellow Ginger Lei."
Length: 14:55 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 34
Mark Nelson teaches a basic version of the song "Mauna Loa."
Length: 10:26 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 35
Mark teaches a more elaborate version of "Mauna Loa."
Length: 12:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 36
Mark Nelson teaches a song called "Kawohikukapulani" and discusses the history behind it.
Length: 9:19 Difficulty: 0.5 Members OnlyLesson 37
Mark Nelson talks about discovering your own style as he plays and improvises "My Yellow Ginger Lei" in F Wahine tuning.
Length: 27:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 38
Mark Nelson shares his rendition of the song "He Aloha No'o Honolulu" in F Wahine tuning.
Length: 11:25 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 39
Mark Nelson covers an extended version of "He Aloha No'o Honolulu" and continues to touch on the subject of creating your own style.
Length: 20:17 Difficulty: 3.5 Members OnlyLesson 40
Mark Nelson shares his beautiful rendition of the song "Makee Ailana" in this lesson.
Length: 22:00 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 41
Mark Nelson shares his rendition of "Tiare Tahiti," a lovely song named after the sweet Tahitian Tiare flower.
Length: 20:22 Difficulty: 0.5 Members OnlyLesson 42
Mark continues his discussion on the song "Tiare Tahiti" in this lesson.
Length: 17:00 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 43
Mark Nelson begins his series wrap-up with a lesson about the similarities and differences between tunings. The song "Sanoe" is used as an example.
Length: 12:27 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 44
Mark continues his series wrap-up with another great lesson filled with information on tunings.
Length: 21:23 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 45
Mark Nelson concludes his series wrap-up with a lesson on "My Yellow Ginger Lei" in Taropatch tuning. He also shares tips and advice to continue on your own until he returns to JamPlay with more lessons.
Length: 19:51 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 46
Mark Kailana Nelson is back by popular demand with more amazing slack key guitar! In this series reintroduction, he talks about what he will be teaching in his new set of lessons.
Length: 10:27 Difficulty: 1.0 Members OnlyLesson 47
Mark Nelson continues his Slack Key series with another song called "Nanea Kou Maka i ka Le‘ale‘a." Mark lays out the basics of the song and talks a little about making it your own.
Length: 24:38 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 48
Mark Nelson talks about intros and outros using the tune, "Nanea Kou Maka i ka Le‘ale‘a" as an example to work from.
Length: 19:34 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 49
Mark Nelson introduces "'Ulupalakua," a song he will be using to teach different skills and techniques. In this lesson, he explains the tune and asks that you get it under your belt before moving on.
Length: 6:42 Difficulty: 2.0 FREELesson 50
Mark Nelson touches on singing and backing up a singer in this lesson. He uses the song "'Ulupalakua" as an example and explains the lyrics.
Length: 25:02 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 51
Mark Nelson demonstrates some fun variations to spice up your playing using the song "Ulupalakua" as an example.
Length: 29:23 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 52
Mark Nelson wraps up this tune by demonstrating two similar songs you may play now that you have "Ulupalakua" under your belt.
Length: 8:01 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 53
Mark Nelson introduces the catchy "Hula Blues" in this lesson. He asks that you get the song under your belt before moving on to the lessons to follow.
Length: 20:22 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 54
Mark Nelson continues his instruction on the catchy tune "Hula Blues" with some fun variations.
Length: 23:33 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 55
Mark Nelson continues the "Hula Blues" with a lesson on lyrics and singing. Mark demonstrates some useful tips and tricks to get you going.
Length: 15:53 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 56
Mark Nelson introduces a new slack key tune called "‘Opihi Mo‘emo‘e" in this lesson. As usual, Mark starts off by going over each section of the song and asks that you to get it down before moving...
Length: 23:41 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 57
Mark Nelson shows off some fun variations for the catchy slack key tune "‘Opihi Mo‘emo‘e." His primary goal for this lesson is to help make this song unique to your personal style.
Length: 13:36 Difficulty: 3.0 Members OnlyLesson 58
Mark Nelson wraps up the tune "Opihi Mo‘emo‘e" in this lesson, providing full tab and discussing song structure.
Length: 11:50 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 59
In this short miniseries wrap-up, Mark Nelson slides into his own version of the blues, slack key style.
Length: 5:00 Difficulty: 0.0 Members OnlyLesson 60
Mark Nelson introduces and explains an open Bb major tuning in this miniseries introduction.
Length: 14:09 Difficulty: 1.0 Members OnlyLesson 61
Mark Nelson goes over a tune called "Green Rose Hula" in the beautiful B flat tuning.
Length: 12:25 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 62
In this lesson, Mark Nelson takes a look at more complex harmonies while teaching the beautiful song "Pua Lilia".
Length: 12:57 Difficulty: 2.5 Members OnlyLesson 63
Mark Nelson wraps up his open Bb tuning miniseries with a look at a song you might recognize from previous lessons, "‘Ulupalakua".
Length: 10:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
About Mark Kailana Nelson
View Full Biography
Ki Ho `alu, or slack key guitar, is a uniquely Hawaiian music. Legend has it that Spanish cowboys hired to teach cattle handling in the 1830's brought the first guitars the Polynesians had seen. Until very recently, slack key
was almost unknown outside of the Islands.
Mark's lifelong interest in slack key led him to write "Learn to Play Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar" (Mel Bay Publications), with legendary Hawaiian musician Keola Beamer – the first widely available instruction method for this
gentle art. Keola and Mark co-host the Aloha Music Camp – an immersion into the music and culture of Hawaii held each summer in the Hawaiian Islands.
Mark's 2004 CD, "The Water is Wide," brings together the nahenahe sounds of slack key guitar with the sweet sounds of the dulcimer. In 2006 he released "Old Time Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar," nineteen classic Hawaiian songs recorded live in the studio. A book of note-for-note transcriptions in Tab and standard notation facilitates learning the songs.. His most recent book and CD set, "Ke Kukima Polinahe," is the first-ever recording of
traditional slack key music arranged for the dulcimer.
Mark began playing guitar and bass professionally at the not-so-tender age of 12. Over the years he's added a number of instruments, including mandolin, `ukulele, bodhran and the Appalachian dulcimer and its European kin.
In the early 1970's Mark was one of a handful of free-spirited musicians who created a whole new vocabulary for the Appalachian dulcimer and guitar. He created a driving flatpicking dulcimer style, playing the instrument
with a force and passion seldom heard before. A first place win at the National Mountain Dulcimer Championships in Winfield, Kansas in 1979 led to appearances at festivals, colleges and coffeehouses across North America
and Europe, and a recording career spanning over 25 years.
He's an engaging performer, artfully weaving stories and humor with heartfelt music to transport the audience. Mark has performed just about everywhere from Barrow to Boston; Sligo to San Diego. He's shared the stage with
performers as diverse as Grover Washington, Jr.; Norton Buffalo; Phoebe Snow, Doc Watson, George Winston and many others. He once worked as a banjo playing gorilla in Dublin, but that's another story...
"Nelson is a musician who possesses that rare combination of insight and talent necessary to successfully transcend conventional concepts of genre and culture."
John Berger, Honolulu Star-Bulletin
"Every once in a while a musician comes along who can make an instrument speak in tongues"
Deseret News, Salt Lake City
"Mark Nelson seems to be on to something new and sweet with his marriage of Appalachian dulcimer and Hawaiian slack key guitar. Drizzle is one of the most achingly beautiful slack key numbers heard in years."
Danny Carnahan, Acoustic Guitar Magazine
"It's my sunset-have-a-martini-on-the-lanai soundtrack every night!"
Duke Walls, Hana, Maui
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.I love these lessons!! I love this music and this is the first I've heard of Hawaiian Slack Key music. Thank you for opening up a whole new world of beautiful music for me :)
I just have wasted about 30 minutes of my time trying to get the tabs to print - - they don't! Meanwhile, I have no paper copy to practice off of. So, what do I do now, go on to the next lesson without having the benefit of practicing this piece??? I am getting very frustrated with the finding out that Jam Play's site does not work well in all cases.
Seems to be a user error, not platform. error. I haven't had any problems viewing and printing these lessons. This going all way back to 2014 when I first reviewed this lessons. Its always easier to blame others than oneself.
WHAT THE HHHH! I went to the next segment, playing Part 2 of this music. Well, Part 2 never showed anything but Part 1!!!! How can I print off Part 2, when I can't even print off part 1 nor even see Part 2????? Seriously, I paid for a full year of lessons but am getting NOTHING! What the hell is the problem with Jam Play?????
WHAT THE H! I checked off to print the tab music, and it does not print it - - it prints 5 pages of commentary, but NOT the music. HOW the H am I supposed to practice it without sheet music????
I had the privilege of living 3 yrs on the Island of Oahu and meeting the wonderful people of Hawaii. I've played guitar over 40 years but I never tried to play slack key. I think it's some of the beautiful music I've ever listened to thank you for sharing this wonderful music.
I can't get chimes on any guitar--what to do?
To get the harmonic barely touch the string exactly over the 12th fret bar (on the "body" or upper bout side of the fret marked with the two dots) as you pluck the string. The tip of your middle finger will work best to start with. Hope this helps and you haven't given up.
Another vote for "the water is wide", Mark. Please, please! Tony
I'm having trouble getting the chimes/harmonics at the seventh fret. I'm using a guitar with nylon strings. Does that make a difference?
I'm back! Last comment by me was March 2008. I couldn't stay away. I got a new guitar, tuned it to slack and am going to be more dedicated this time! (Doing electric with Brad too)
This is my first day with you Mark and with Jamplay. I can tell already that I should have done something like this a long time ago. I can thank another student of Jamplay in Kauai for the heads up with Jamplay. Trying to learn there while on vacation just isn't enough time for it to sink in. The tabs are great and really help with my rhythmic coordination in fingering. All students learn at a different pace, and I might be a little slower than some, but it's so nice to be able to replay until I get right. Maybe my wife won't run screaming from the front door clutching her ears in agony any more.
I am unable to find the second part for this song. Only "part one" is located in the Supplemental Material. Where might I find it?
Didn't realize playing a guitar could be so much fun, Mark. This is great! You've got me for the duration...Mahalo! Tony
This tuning and style of play is awesome. I can't believe how fun this is to play. Can't wait to master this song. In just two practices I am half way there. Your a great teacher. Thanks so much.
What cadence should be set for this piece?
I think I may be able to play this kind of fingerstyle because the left hand has fewer fretted notes. I loved the sound of your intro piece.
Frarajaka...Brudda...this is way too cool...thanks so much...after 20+ years as an advanced amateur I actually am progressing thanks to this site...he he...I giggle with delight...thanks Mark!
Mark i love these lessons, ive never heard of slack key but its great thanks!
Mark, these lessons are heavenly. I visit Hawaii for a couple of weeks every year and fell in love with slack key a long time ago. I haven't had this much fun and felt this much enjoyment from playing the guitar in years. Thank you! ~Cheryl
excellent lesson, thank you!
I live in Haiku, but couldn't find a good slack key teacher. This is amazing! Let me know if your ever on island. Aloha~ J. Strohl
Love your teahing style Mark, and I've fallen in love with Hawaiian Slack-Key guitar. Jamplay is a fantastic way to learn new styles of playing!
Aloha, Thanks for the great comments. I'm happy that you like the lesson. BTW: The tune at the top of the lesson is called "Moana Chimes." Keep slackin!
The supplemental Content only has page one of the piece.
Hi Kip: If you look at the tab, there are double vertical bars and a couple dots. So you when you play the first line and come to the bars with dots, you repeat that section... then move on to the second line... get to the end and repeat...etc., etc., This whole piece is one that one tab. ;)
Thanks Mark I had seen you at Casanovas on Maui a year or so ago I believe I remember you playing Water is Wide; I would love to second the request for this song
I love how country blues of the suoth and hawaiian slack key took the same alternating base fingerpicking styles and still created two beautiful and unique sounds.
I'm getting the hang of this style. It's fun and my wife loves it too. It'll come in handy when I move to hawaii. It really does sound beachy.
I'd never heard of this style of playing (Hawaii being a long way from London I guess!). I've really enjoyed listening and learning
Thanks for a fun lesson. I've been looking for more things to play. I play primarily with a pick and enjoy the fingerstyle. Keep the lessons comming.
Wow! What a cool lesson! This was a fun and easy lesson to learn! It sounds soooooooo nice!!!! Thanks for a great lesson Mark! When you gonna' teach "The Water is Wide"?