Good Slack-key Ukulele Tunes?

Captain Google · Apr 14, 2009

I recently (just last night, in fact), tuned my baritone uke down to "taro patch" (DGBD), in order to try my hand at playing slack-key. After the initial test, I decided that it was a style I would like to pursue.

My question to UU is this: What are some slack-key songs that would be worth learning?

Keonikapila · Apr 15, 2009

Have you seen ukeuncle's youtube channel yet? He has quite a few slack key ukulele vids and tutorials in taropatch.

EDIT: he also has slack key ukulele book for sale

deach · Apr 15, 2009

Keonikapila said:
Have you seen ukeuncle's youtube channel yet? He has quite a few slack key ukulele vids and tutorials in taropatch.

EDIT: he also has slack key ukulele book for sale

That dude is a certified pimp in 143 countries and 2 planets. He is just too cool.

Captain Google · Apr 15, 2009

Keonikapila said:
Have you seen ukeuncle's youtube channel yet? He has quite a few slack key ukulele vids and tutorials in taropatch.

EDIT: he also has slack key ukulele book for sale

I've seen it now. I'll take a look at what he's got. (subscribed to him so I wouldn't forget)

Thanks a bunch!

mailman · Apr 15, 2009

Captain Google said:
I recently (just last night, in fact), tuned my baritone uke down to "taro patch" (DGBD), in order to try my hand at playing slack-key. After the initial test, I decided that it was a style I would like to pursue.

My question to UU is this: What are some slack-key songs that would be worth learning?

My question to you (and UU) is this: what is the definition of "slack-key"? I went to ukeuncle's website and listened to him play (loved it), but as a newbie, I don't know what exactly slack-key refers to....

Kanaka916 · Apr 15, 2009

mailman said:
My question to you (and UU) is this: what is the definition of "slack-key"? I went to ukeuncle's website and listened to him play (loved it), but as a newbie, I don't know what exactly slack-key refers to....

Brief History of Slack Key Guitar (ki ho'alu)

cpatch · Apr 16, 2009

There have been several heated debates at taropatch.net over what defines slack key, and at least one over whether or not you can play true slack key with four strings (given that traditional slack key includes an alternating bass). In fact, If memory serves correctly ukeuncle's videos and book were partially born out of that debate.

I've been a devoted fan of slack key, in particular old-style slack key, for a while and my personal opinion is that at best you can imitate a slack key style with the ukulele. However, I'm a haole and I think you have to have been born and raised on the islands, around older slack key players, to truly be able to answer the question.

HoldinCoffee · May 23, 2009

Its a very gentle and beautiful style.
Other than UkeUncle's book, which is great, the only other slack-key uke resource I've found is this:
http://www.elderly.com/books/names/how-to-play-slack-key-ukulele--541-11.htm
Anyone have other resources? There MUST be more info out there on this wonderful style!

Kanaka916 · May 23, 2009

Here's one by Imi (Kekani's nephew) entitled Opihi Moe Moe. Same song but performed by Ledward Kaapana (the uke is one of Keakani's builds).

CTurner · May 23, 2009

Slack Key

Check out Mark Kailana Nelson's Book/CD and his informative website:
http://www.mark-o.com/
His Tabstore might be a good place to investigate.

He is mostly known for his guitar work, but his book (I have had for quite a while) goes into fingerpicking and some slack key variations on uke. Very good for beginning/intermediate players.

Good Slack-key Ukulele Tunes?

Captain Google

Ukulele Captain

Keonikapila

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deach

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Captain Google

Ukulele Captain

mailman

Knit-wit

Kanaka916

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cpatch

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HoldinCoffee

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Kanaka916

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CTurner

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