An Introduction to America’s Music

CHAPTER 21 | SLACK KEY GUITAR 525

songwriter: traditional

date: 1992

performer: Ledward Kaapana

genre: slack key guitar

meter: duple

form: strophic

timing section comments

0:00 introduction 4 bars: two statements of the turnaround that closes each stanza.

0:06 stanza 1 10 bars: two 4-bar phrases, followed by an unvarying 2-bar instrumental

turnaround. The simple three-chord progression (I, IV, and V) resembles that

found in blues and Anglo-American folk songs.

0:23 stanza 2

0:42 guitar solo 1 10 bars: same phrase and harmonic structure as in the sung stanzas, including

the turnaround. In contrast to the simple diatonic melody of the sung portions,

solo begins with chromatically decorated notes. At the halfway point, a short

bass run displays palm muting, an important technique in both acoustic and

electric guitar playing.

0:58 stanza 3

1:15 stanza 4

1:33 guitar solo 2 20 bars: Equivalent of 2 stanzas. Begins delicately in the upper register and

works its way downward. Second stanza like solo 1 but more elaborately

ornamented.

2:07 stanza 5

2:24 stanza 6

2:42 guitar solo 3 20 bars: Another pair of solo stanzas display Kaapana’s quiet virtuosity, using

a variety of right-hand and left-hand techniques.

3:15 stanza 7 Kaapana repeats the second phrase, for a total of 12 bars.

3:40 tag 4 bars: Turnaround is extended by playing it twice, with a short extension the

second time.

WHAT TO LISTEN FOR

• resonant sound of acoustic guitar in slack key
  tuning


• characteristic Hawaiian vocal technique: wide
  vibrato, somewhat tense, mid- to lower register


• relaxed but insistent rhythm


• highly polished fi ngerpicking technique

CD 4.11 Listening Guide 21.4 “Wai okeaniani” LEDWARD KAAPANA

(continued)

172028_21_514-530_r2_mr.indd 525 23/01/13 11:18 AM