Guitar Playing Hawaiian Style MB99263BCD $22.95

Written by a master of Hawaiian slack-key guitar, this text teaches the history, tunings, and other techniques found in slack-key guitar music. Because of the altered tunings in slack-key guitar music, all of the examples and exercises in this text have been written in tab only. Topics discussed are: right and left hand technique, alternating bass, slides, pull-offs, hammering, harmonics, and other slack-key related topics. Recordings of nine exercises from the book which demonstrates these techniques (with tunings) are provided on an accompanying CD. Beautiful black and white photos of native Hawaiian musicians are scattered throughout the text.

Learn to Play Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar MB96695BCD $24.95

Hawaiian slack key guitar (Ki Ho'alu) is one of the world's great acoustic guitar traditions. This tradition includes virtuoso guitar pieces, but the majority of songs played slack key are classic Hawaiian melodies either played as instrumentals or as accompaniment to vocals with instrumental breaks between the verses. The term "slack key" does not refer to a type of guitar, but rather to any guitar played in the slack key style, that is, in alternate tunings with "slacked" strings and fingerstyle technique. Acknowledged slack key master Keola Beamer is a member of a family known for its musical artistry for generations.

The Art of Hawaiian Steel Guitar MB94383BCD $24.95

This book is an excellent study of the history and unique musical stylings of the Hawaiian guitar. Stacy Phillips successfully pinpoints the characteristics of Hawaiian guitar solos. A special feature is the inclusion of a superb historical survey of Hawaiian music. Written in tablature only, G tuning. DeWitt Scott comments: "There are two types of Hawaiian music, the 'authentic' style and the 'tourist' style. Stacy is presenting the 'authentic' style and this is much needed to keep the Hawaiian music alive."

Hawaiian Steel Guitar HL00000192 $34.95

The term steel guitar can refer to instruments with multiple tunings, 6 to 14 strings, and even multiple fretboards. To add even more confusion, the term Hawaiian guitar refers to an instrument played flat on the lap with a steel bar outside of Hawaii, but in Hawaii, it is the early term for the slack key guitar. Lorene Ruymar clears up the confusion in her new book that takes a look at Hawaiian music; the origin of the steel guitar and its spread throughout the world; Hawaiian playing styles, techniques and tunings; and more. Includes hundreds of photos, a foreword by Jerry Byrd, and a bibliography and suggested reading list.