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Hawaiian slack-key guitar

From MuGlobe.com
Category: Genre

Summary

Hawaiian slack-key guitar, kī hōʻalu, is a fingerstyle guitar tradition in which altered tunings, resonant strings and independently moving parts create a distinctive musical voice. The name refers to loosening strings into tunings suited to particular colours and relationships, not to careless playing. A single guitarist may imply bass, harmony and melody at once. It accompanies singing as well as supporting instrumental pieces. Its cultural depth lies in Hawaiian song, family knowledge and personal expression, rather than merely in the technical novelty of an open tuning. [1]

Contemporary and trending

It continues through families, teachers, workshops, concerts and recordings. Solo guitar albums made details widely accessible, while singing and ensemble performance remain equally relevant. Players can preserve a mentor’s touch and still improvise new variations. Some musicians prefer intimate community settings to a professional career. Contemporary vitality therefore includes relationships that do not produce frequent commercial releases. International study has expanded the audience, but the home cultural setting remains essential to understanding phrasing, repertoire and the connection between music, people and place. [2]

History

Guitars entered Hawaiʻi through nineteenth-century encounters, including the paniolo world associated with visiting Mexican vaqueros. Precise beginnings cannot be reduced to one documented invention. Hawaiian musicians developed tunings and ways of accompanying their own songs, with knowledge often passed within families. Twentieth-century recording brought selected players to a wider public. Gabby Pahinui’s work became a major reference, while later cultural resurgence, teaching and specialist labels helped make the instrumental language more visible. This history involves adaptation shaped by Hawaiian musical priorities, not an imported guitar style with local decoration. [3]

Musical characteristics

The thumb can maintain bass and rhythmic support while fingers play melody, chord fragments and embellishment. Ringing open strings help link phrases; hammer-ons, pull-offs, harmonics and slides add articulation. Tunings have characteristic resonances and may favour particular chord voicings, but there is no single required tuning. Tempo and density vary, from spacious accompaniment to fluid, intricate instrumental playing. The sound depends on touch and the relationship among parts as much as a tuning diagram. Listen for how a low note continues beneath a newly moving upper phrase.

Geography and communities

The Hawaiian chain is a shared heartland spanning homes, rural communities and metropolitan performance. Hawaiʻi Island and Maui’s paniolo and family histories belong alongside Oʻahu’s recording world, while Kauaʻi and other communities have their own contributions. A single broad inter-island field is more useful than tiny mushrooms around airports and resort towns. California supports a durable adopted and diaspora teaching network at lighter intensity. The map shows cultural connection, not a claim that each island has one standard style or that every fingerpicker using Hawaiian tuning belongs to the tradition.

Artists

Gabby Pahinui, Leonard Kwan, Sonny Chillingworth, Ray Kāne and Atta Isaacs offer contrasting approaches to touch, harmony and phrasing. Auntie Alice Namakelua, Keola Beamer, Led Kaapana, Cyril Pahinui and George Kahumoku Jr provide further routes through generations of practice. Their careers include voice and ensemble music as well as solo pieces. Compare several players in related tunings, then one player across different settings. Technical resemblance can conceal a distinctive sense of breathing and melody; a slow, apparently simple passage may carry as individual a signature as a rapid run.

Representative performances

These recordings offer listening examples of the genre. Notes identify the performance setting and any adaptation or mixed repertoire.

MuGlobe listening profile
Repertoire Field use Notes
traditional regional Comprehensive catalogue; recent discovery is prioritized and worthwhile older music remains playable. Preserve specific recording contexts and dates.
MuGlobe representative performances
Artist Performance / song / title Embedded player URL Notes Repertoire kind Repertoire date Recording date Format Opening Places Fit Evidence Review note MuGlobe favorite Current hit Authentic
Led Kaapana Kolomona Slack Key — Acoustic Guitar Sessions https://www.youtube.com/embed/tpfT8AzAl0c The specialist magazine’s session focuses on Kaapana’s slack-key guitar playing. A named solo piece lets listeners follow the fingerstyle balance of melody and accompaniment without confusing slack-key guitar with Hawaiian steel guitar.[4] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown pending Existing recording Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved. false false false
Ledward Kaapana Hawaiian Music — Library of Congress https://www.youtube.com/embed/OIpbzrJGvO4 The Library of Congress concert offers a longer encounter with Kaapana’s Hawaiian musicianship. The programme also includes his broader instrumental practice, so it should not be described as exclusively solo slack-key guitar throughout.[5] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown pending Existing recording Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved. false false false
George Kuo George Kuo - "Waiʻalae" https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bek0lH4TH7M Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Jody Y. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-08-29. Video publication: 2026-10-06; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[6] traditional unknown 2026-08-29 unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Jody Y. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-08-29. false false false
Jeff Peterson Jeff Peterson - "You Will Thrive" https://www.youtube.com/embed/NKXn3QbWSRA Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Jody Y. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-08-29. Video publication: 2026-10-04; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[7] traditional unknown 2026-08-29 unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Jody Y. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-08-29. false false false
Jeff Peterson Jeff Peterson - "Lauleʻa" https://www.youtube.com/embed/w6lMVaX3SRw Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Jody Y. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-08-29. Video publication: 2026-10-03; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[8] traditional unknown 2026-08-29 unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Jody Y. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-08-29. false false false
Maunalua, Koʻolua Puʻuanahulu / slack key guitar : Maunalua & Koʻolua https://www.youtube.com/embed/Md0csVVkcSE Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: slackintime. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-10-03; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[9] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: slackintime. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Jeff Peterson Jeff Peterson - "Chamarita Malasadas" https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Jd7ibsPm-c Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Jody Y. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-08-29. Video publication: 2026-10-03; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[10] traditional unknown 2026-08-29 unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Jody Y. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-08-29. false false false
Bobby Moderow Bobby Moderow, Jr. - "Mauna Loa" https://www.youtube.com/embed/J7h_38uQCYQ Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Jody Y. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-08-29. Video publication: 2026-09-29; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[11] traditional unknown 2026-08-29 unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Jody Y. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-08-29. false false false
Sonny Lim, George Kahumoku Jr., Ledward Kaapana In Lahaina featuring Sonny Lim at an informal performance at Falcon's Landing https://www.youtube.com/embed/6qx9hzzOJtU Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-09-13; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[12] traditional unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Sonny Lim, George Kahumoku Sonny Lim performing Na Vaqueros with Ann Arbor halau on George Kahumoku's Masters Tour https://www.youtube.com/embed/NZ6GPX1Cwzc Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-09-10; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[13] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Marty K. Kaha Ka Manu / slack key guitar : Marty K. （まーさん） https://www.youtube.com/embed/mxT2PBwoEeM Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: slackintime. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-06-18; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[14] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: slackintime. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Makana Aloha Tokyo 2026 Makana 7. Poi Song https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q4lTjG2u8wQ Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: MAKALANI1004. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-06-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[15] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: MAKALANI1004. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Jeff Peterson, Shem Kahawaiʻi Slack Key Show Live - Jeff Peterson 05/13/2026 https://www.youtube.com/embed/NP3BtFXQ1jY Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-05-13. Video publication: 2026-05-14; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[16] traditional unknown 2026-05-13 live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-05-13. false false false
Jeff Peterson "Paniolo Paʻina" on the KG-5 Pro Guitar Played By Jeff Peterson | Kanileʻa Studio Sessions https://www.youtube.com/embed/yDwyieEuM-g Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Kanileʻa ʻUkulele. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Complete artist performance on instrument-maker channel; no instruction/product-talk segment imported. Video publication: 2026-05-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[17] traditional unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Kanileʻa ʻUkulele. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Complete artist performance on instrument-maker channel; no instruction/product-talk segment imported. false false false
Jeff Peterson "Pua Lilia" on the KG-5 Pro Guitar Played By Jeff Peterson | Kanileʻa Studio Sessions https://www.youtube.com/embed/MbaOQbVhDwc Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Kanileʻa ʻUkulele. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Complete named musical performance on maker’s channel, distinguished from equipment review/tutorial. Video publication: 2026-04-16; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[18] traditional unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Kanileʻa ʻUkulele. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Complete named musical performance on maker’s channel, distinguished from equipment review/tutorial. false false false
Jeff Peterson, Shem Kahawaiʻi Slack Key Show Live - Jeff Peterson 03/11/2026 https://www.youtube.com/embed/pkQuEedm3RE Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-03-11. Video publication: 2026-03-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[19] traditional unknown 2026-03-11 live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-03-11. false false false
Koʻolua (Marty K., Noliko T.) Morning Dew / slack key guitar : KOʻOLUA （コオルア） https://www.youtube.com/embed/1quioQWdGj8 Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: slackintime. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-01-16; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[20] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: slackintime. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Koʻolua (Marty K., Noliko T.) Māori Brown Eyes / slack key guitar : KOʻOLUA （コオルア） https://www.youtube.com/embed/UqXbwCOPM9M Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: slackintime. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-01-16; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[21] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: slackintime. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Koʻolua (Marty K., Noliko T.) Kaula ʻIli / slack key guitar : KOʻOLUA （コオルア） https://www.youtube.com/embed/vRbGmUrmehY Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: slackintime. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2026-01-14; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[22] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: slackintime. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Ledward Kaapana, George Kahumoku Jr., Shem Kahawaiʻi Slack Key Show Live - Ledward Kaapana & George Kahumoku Jr. 1/07/2026 https://www.youtube.com/embed/7or9r3f95po Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-01-07. Video publication: 2026-01-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[23] traditional unknown 2026-01-07 live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2026-01-07. false false false
Ledward Kaapana, Fran Guidry Isa Lei Slack Key with Led Kaapana https://www.youtube.com/embed/FRJeni96fuA Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Fran Guidry. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Adopted Fijian farewell repertoire in actual slack-key duet; the style, not original song nationality, establishes category. Video publication: 2025-11-11; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[24] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Fran Guidry. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Adopted Fijian farewell repertoire in actual slack-key duet; the style, not original song nationality, establishes category. false false false
Ledward Kaapana, Fran Guidry Mockin' Bird Hill Slack Key Led Kaapana https://www.youtube.com/embed/JpY1ycv3BmQ Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Fran Guidry. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual backyard duet with publisher/guitarist Fran Guidry, not Kaapana solo and not a reuse of his Waltz of the Wind studio master. Video publication: 2025-09-03; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[25] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Fran Guidry. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Actual backyard duet with publisher/guitarist Fran Guidry, not Kaapana solo and not a reuse of his Waltz of the Wind studio master. false false false
Ledward Kaapana, Fran Guidry Ulupalakua Slack Key with Led Kaapana https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRaEX2AOB9w Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Fran Guidry. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-07-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[26] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Fran Guidry. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Tevaea Burns Tevaea Burns Hawaiian Slack Key - Holei [Mentor : Ledward Kaapana] Drop-C taropacht https://www.youtube.com/embed/MPfafDbDnbk Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Tevaea Burns. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Burns performs; Ledward Kaapana appears as mentor attribution, not claimed guest. Video publication: 2025-03-28; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[27] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Tevaea Burns. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Burns performs; Ledward Kaapana appears as mentor attribution, not claimed guest. false false false
Ledward Kaapana, Fran Guidry Keiki Slack Key - Led Kaapana Duet https://www.youtube.com/embed/8HTc6SRO8y4 Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Fran Guidry. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2025-01-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[28] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Fran Guidry. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Sonny Lim Sonny Lim - Honolulu City Lights - Slack Key Show, Maui https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1uiTkpTQLs Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2024-09-26; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[29] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Ledward Kaapana, Sonny Lim Makee Ailana 2024 - with Ledward Kaapana and Sonny Lim https://www.youtube.com/embed/5amtgjIPBbE Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: GC-Unplugged. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2024. Video publication: 2024-06-13; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[30] traditional unknown 2024 unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: GC-Unplugged. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2024. false false false
Makana Makana - "ʻIhiuka" - Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar | Live in ʻĪao Valley https://www.youtube.com/embed/kAP-cu1nUEA Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Hawaiʻi Visual Media. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2023-10-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[31] traditional unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Hawaiʻi Visual Media. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Sonny Lim Sonny Lim playing Mauna Loa Slack Key at the Slack Key Show, Maui https://www.youtube.com/embed/IGVC-wF40RA Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2022-07-20. Publisher explicitly identifies traditional slack-key repertoire performed here in standard tuning; altered tuning is not a mandatory gate for every traditional piece. Video publication: 2022-07-24; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[32] traditional unknown 2022-07-20 unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2022-07-20. Publisher explicitly identifies traditional slack-key repertoire performed here in standard tuning; altered tuning is not a mandatory gate for every traditional piece. false false false
Sonny Lim Slack key guitar Grammy Winner Sonny Lim Kona Hawaii Live The Palace - legend Hawaiian Music https://www.youtube.com/embed/Cyba8QKx360 Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Tenny Sin. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2019-06-09; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[33] traditional unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Tenny Sin. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Ledward Ka'apana Wood & Steel Slack Key https://www.youtube.com/embed/W9viTD9IuQs Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Ledward Kaapana - Topic. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Distributor release date: 2005-01-01; reissue dates do not establish the original session. Video publication: 2015-06-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[34] traditional unknown unknown audio unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Ledward Kaapana - Topic. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Distributor release date: 2005-01-01; reissue dates do not establish the original session. false false false
Jeff Peterson, Ledward Kaapana, George Kahumoku Jr. Fun Jam with Jeff Peterson, LedKaapana, & GeorgeKahumoku Jr. at Maui's Slack Key Show https://www.youtube.com/embed/C5TvUfTtANk Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2014-06. Distinct June2014 Aluna Ahiahi multi-artist performance; does not overlap selected2026 full shows. Video publication: 2014-07-13; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[35] traditional unknown 2014-06 unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2014-06. Distinct June2014 Aluna Ahiahi multi-artist performance; does not overlap selected2026 full shows. false false false
Sonny Lim Sonny Lim - "Hula O Makee" Medley at Maui's Slack Key Show - Masters of Hawaiian Music https://www.youtube.com/embed/wOlJ5kN05gY Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2014-04-26; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[36] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Sonny Lim Sonny Lim with Seattle Slack Key Festival Kanikapila - Maunaloa Slack Key https://www.youtube.com/embed/A096IrksGR4 Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: networksphoto. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2012-01-13; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[37] traditional unknown unknown live unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: networksphoto. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false
Sonny Lim Sonny Lim - "Heiau" - at Maui's Slack Key Guitar Show https://www.youtube.com/embed/DOEdAS0b_Cg Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2011-09-21. Video publication: 2011-09-29; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[38] traditional unknown 2011-09-21 unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: Slack Key Show - Napili. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Documented performance/session: 2011-09-21. false false false
Sonny Lim Hi'ilawe by Sonny Lim at Pahala.mpg https://www.youtube.com/embed/3CY4hFzI9PU Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: SPAMsubi Higuchi. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. Video publication: 2010-01-02; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[39] traditional unknown unknown unknown unknown unknown supported Recording/context source Reviewed Hawaiian slack-key guitar musical recording. Source: SPAMsubi Higuchi. Video publication is separate from unknown original/session dates. false false false

Related genres

Hawaiian mele supplies central repertoire and expressive context. Steel guitar uses a bar and different playing techniques; shared tunings and ensembles do not make it synonymous with slack key. ʻUkulele has another instrumental history within Hawaiian music. American fingerstyle guitar and global open-tuning practices can exchange ideas with kī hōʻalu without supplying its cultural definition. Jazz and popular-song influences have also entered particular players’ language. Those exchanges demonstrate creative openness while the tradition’s Hawaiian relationships continue to shape what musicians choose to say.

References and further reading

  1. ↑ Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar, University of Hawaii.
  2. ↑ Raymond Kane — National Endowment for the Arts.
  3. ↑ A Brief History of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar — Dancing Cat Records.
  4. ↑ Led Kaapana — Kolomona Slack Key — Acoustic Guitar Sessions. YouTube recording; metadata checked 2026-10-18.
  5. ↑ Ledward Kaapana — Hawaiian Music — Library of Congress. YouTube recording; metadata checked 2026-10-18.
  6. ↑ George Kuo - "Waiʻalae".
  7. ↑ Jeff Peterson - "You Will Thrive".
  8. ↑ Jeff Peterson - "Lauleʻa".
  9. ↑ Puʻuanahulu / slack key guitar : Maunalua & Koʻolua.
  10. ↑ Jeff Peterson - "Chamarita Malasadas".
  11. ↑ Bobby Moderow, Jr. - "Mauna Loa".
  12. ↑ In Lahaina featuring Sonny Lim at an informal performance at Falcon's Landing.
  13. ↑ Sonny Lim performing Na Vaqueros with Ann Arbor halau on George Kahumoku's Masters Tour.
  14. ↑ Kaha Ka Manu / slack key guitar : Marty K. （まーさん）.
  15. ↑ Aloha Tokyo 2026 Makana 7. Poi Song.
  16. ↑ Slack Key Show Live - Jeff Peterson 05/13/2026.
  17. ↑ "Paniolo Paʻina" on the KG-5 Pro Guitar Played By Jeff Peterson | Kanileʻa Studio Sessions.
  18. ↑ "Pua Lilia" on the KG-5 Pro Guitar Played By Jeff Peterson | Kanileʻa Studio Sessions.
  19. ↑ Slack Key Show Live - Jeff Peterson 03/11/2026.
  20. ↑ Morning Dew / slack key guitar : KOʻOLUA （コオルア）.
  21. ↑ Māori Brown Eyes / slack key guitar : KOʻOLUA （コオルア）.
  22. ↑ Kaula ʻIli / slack key guitar : KOʻOLUA （コオルア）.
  23. ↑ Slack Key Show Live - Ledward Kaapana & George Kahumoku Jr. 1/07/2026.
  24. ↑ Isa Lei Slack Key with Led Kaapana.
  25. ↑ Mockin' Bird Hill Slack Key Led Kaapana.
  26. ↑ Ulupalakua Slack Key with Led Kaapana.
  27. ↑ Tevaea Burns Hawaiian Slack Key - Holei [Mentor : Ledward Kaapana Drop-C taropacht].
  28. ↑ Keiki Slack Key - Led Kaapana Duet.
  29. ↑ Sonny Lim - Honolulu City Lights - Slack Key Show, Maui.
  30. ↑ Makee Ailana 2024 - with Ledward Kaapana and Sonny Lim.
  31. ↑ Makana - "ʻIhiuka" - Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar | Live in ʻĪao Valley.
  32. ↑ Sonny Lim playing Mauna Loa Slack Key at the Slack Key Show, Maui.
  33. ↑ Slack key guitar Grammy Winner Sonny Lim Kona Hawaii Live The Palace - legend Hawaiian Music.
  34. ↑ Wood & Steel Slack Key.
  35. ↑ Fun Jam with Jeff Peterson, LedKaapana, & GeorgeKahumoku Jr. at Maui's Slack Key Show.
  36. ↑ Sonny Lim - "Hula O Makee" Medley at Maui's Slack Key Show - Masters of Hawaiian Music.
  37. ↑ Sonny Lim with Seattle Slack Key Festival Kanikapila - Maunaloa Slack Key.
  38. ↑ Sonny Lim - "Heiau" - at Maui's Slack Key Guitar Show.
  39. ↑ Hi'ilawe by Sonny Lim at Pahala.mpg.

Hotspot mushrooms

One broad Hawaiian-chain field represents a shared family, paniolo, song and recording ecology with island variation. A lighter California field marks durable diaspora/adopted teaching, not every global open-tuning guitarist.

These fields are editorial illustrations of musical affinity and cultural reach, not listener statistics. Radius marks the zero edge of the fade; overlapping fields of this genre combine by maximum.

MuGlobe hotspot mushrooms
ID Location Latitude Longitude Radius (km) Strength Notes
hawaiian-slack-key-hawaii Hawaiian inter-island slack-key guitar world 20.9 -157.3 900 1 Connected family, rural, teaching and professional lineages across the inhabited chain.
hawaiian-slack-key-california Californian slack-key teaching and diaspora circuits 36.8 -120.3 950 0.43 Durable Hawaiian-community and adopted specialist performance network.
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