SKU: MB.30666M

ISBN 9781513462851. 8.75x11.75 inches.

The Hawaiian word for slack key guitar, kÄ« hōâ??alu, means to â??loosen the keyâ? or retune some of the strings to create a harmonious sound with an open or alternate tuning. Slack key is a fingerpicking style characterized by strong alternating bass lines played with the thumb. While slack key can be played on any guitar, most players prefer a nylon- or steel-stringed acoustic instrument.

This book presents 25 intermediate to advanced traditional and original tunes in the Hawaiian slack key style. Melodies are often harmonized in sixths or thirds played with or without double stops. Techniques like syncopated bass lines, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, and harmonics are tastefully employed to evoke the images of ocean breezes, swaying palms, hula dancers and white sandy beaches.

The author writes, â??Unless you grew up playing slack key, itâ??s hard to get from the material presented in most books and DVDs to a fluid, play-it-your-own-way style.â? This book seeks to reveal the insights the author has gleaned from studying and jamming with some of the giants of the slack key style, and help you develop a style all your own.

Includes access to online audio tracks of all 25 relaxing but challenging Hawaiian slack key tunes.

SKU: CF.CAS130

ISBN 9781491157664. UPC: 680160916245. 9 x 12 inches.

This energetic composition, written in the style of traditional fiddle-tunes, gradually modulates from B minor to D Major. Players will encounter authentic fiddle techniques such as shuffle-bowing, chops, and double-stops at a brisk tempo. The chop is accomplished by dropping the bow firmly on the D and A strings at the frog, sinking and stopping with slight motion toward the scroll. Players should straighten their fingers on the frog and the bow hair should be tilted toward the bridge when performing this technique. A syncopated bass accompaniment and relentless pace depict a stormy winter season, melting into spring. Each section is given interesting melodic and accompaniment lines, with exciting accented rhythms that require all players to match bow placement, internalize a common tempo, and listen across the ensemble for a precise, focused sound.

About Carl Fischer Concert String Orchestra Series

This series of pieces (Grade 3 and higher) is designed for advancing ensembles. The pieces in this series are characterized by:

• Expanded use of rhythms, ranges and keys but technical demands are still carefully considered
• More comprehensive bowing techniques
• Viola T.C. included
• Careful selection of keys and degree of difficulty for advancing musicians