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Rich_Smith
Lokahi
USA
242 Posts |
 Posted - 05/06/2006 : 10:58:00 AM
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Where can one find a good instruction book on rhythm guitar? I'd like to play along with the group even if I am not familar with the piece being played. Thanks Rich
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Rich Smith |
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Russell Letson
`Olu`olu
USA
504 Posts |
Posted - 05/06/2006 : 11:22:44 AM
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Do you want to play along in, say, taropatch, or would you stay in standard? If the latter, I'm not sure that there are any particular technical issues unique to slack key--you just need to have a feel for how most tunes work, learn to identify what key they're in (if nobody calls the key at the start), and be comfortable fitting your accompaniment into the ensemble. No different from any folky-dokey song circle, and almost any folk-oriented basic book should include the fundamentals. (Sorry I can't name any off the top of my head--the ones I learned from 40 years ago are probably out of print.)
If you want to use slack key tunings, that's a little different, if only because (at least the way I play) there are so many partial-chord shapes, and you might need to worry about sounding out-of-chord notes (especially on the bass strings).
My own self, if I were just strumming along, I'd do it in standard, since there are so many useful voicings available, and even the first-position "cowboy chords" cover all six strings.
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
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Rich_Smith
Lokahi
USA
242 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2006 : 07:59:52 AM
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| Thank you for the response. Strumming in standard seems impractical unless you happen to have two guitars at your disposal everywhere you go. One might solo a piece one minute and strum along on the next. Rich |
Rich Smith |
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`Ilio Nui
`Olu`olu
USA
826 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2006 : 09:40:56 AM
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Rich,
I think this is a very important question. Thanks for asking it. I don't know of any written material.
When you're playing with a group of people, whether you know the song or not, and it's not your pa`ani, carrying a good "background" rhythm guitar is essential. I have been fortunate enough to have had a few lessons with Dennis Kamakahi in the last couple months to work on technique. The last lesson revolved specifically around this very question. What I took away was this; The most important part of the background is the bass, the signature of Slack Key. The first thing to do is carry the bass line, since the person doing the pa`ani is no longer playing it. On the intervals between (or as the rhythm dictates) try to do a light sweep with your index finger (or as John Keawe says "Which ever one gets there first") of the chord. It's not as easy as it sounds. I practice it all the time and still have plenty of problems.
You can get a good idea of what this sounds like by listening to Hui Aloha, Sons of Hawai`i, Martin Pahinui etc. You can also just play lightly arpeggiated chords, but remember, Keep Da Bass goin'
A hui hou,
Dave |
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Mainkaukau
Lokahi
USA
245 Posts |
Posted - 05/07/2006 : 10:21:18 AM
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| Aloha Rich, in my unorthodox way of teaching I start with a focus upon only the rhythm cords. In the Taropatch tuning they do exsists. Picking comes out of the rhythm chords and the traditional series of runs ( single, double or triple notes). We learn the chords and play the rhythms to simple songs such as "Maori Brown Eyes" and Dennis's "Wahine Ilikea" for hours before we start picking. Dave is correct in writing that the bass must be the center of attention and the other notes built around that. In some chords you will find the finger positioning to be quite difficult at first. Learning to play rhythm in slack-key sounds really special when you are playing and singing solo. Shaka brahda! |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2168 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2006 : 05:00:42 AM
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| Like was said before, kkep the bass thumb thing going and brush the chord formations. If there is no ukulele, I like to play some of the chords up the neck. The main thing is to stay away from the "lead" player during their pa'ani to avoid muddying up the sound. Listen hard to the lead, play soft, keep the thumb going. |
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Rich_Smith
Lokahi
USA
242 Posts |
Posted - 05/08/2006 : 6:53:04 PM
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Hey Kori (Thumbstruck) see you at Jean's on Saturday for the Kani Kapili. rich
so far no one has recommended a good instruction book for this. Maybe one doesn't exist. here's and opportunity for the teachers! |
Rich Smith |
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Uncle Mahi
Aloha
USA
12 Posts |
Posted - 05/10/2006 : 12:45:22 AM
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Rich,
Simple subject, got a book coming out on this, however I also got 10 other books 50% finished.
Especially when playing in Taro patch or even dropped C, it is fairly easy to accompany other slack keyers. I have identified all scales including minors which I use. You can merely use the standard identified major chords and their family of chords. I never go back to standard tuning all of my gigs are performed in slack key tunings, no matter what tuning. Even to the surprise of many other island musicians, been concentrating on this the past 25 years.
Don't know how long you 've been playing ?
If its in the G tuning, "picking patterns" (in leu of strumming) works.
Remember you must be picking with your thumb and index finger, that is true
slack key picking. No any other way.
1. The basic 5,2,4,1,- 5,2,4,1 picking pattern works in 4/4 timing,
Thats picking 5, w-thumb, 2,w-index, 4w-thumb and 1,w-index continuously keeping time and counting each time your thumb hits the 5, and 4 strings.(alternating)
(Remember hawaiian music utilizes the "and" beat) so here we have 4 counts in 2 beats. Or theoretically 8 notes in 4 counts.
Hawaiian music counts...& 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 etc
True count.............. 1 2 3 4 although the strong beatis 4,
th th th th
we picked 8 notes.
So you can, No1. "pick pattern" the melody, or No 2.pick and thumb brush pattern, the melody. Meaning after picking 5, when picking 4 on the next alternation, this time brush 4 and 3 & 2 in that order, down stroke, while continue picking the treble strings,in a steady rythym and beat against the melody. Takes practice. Pick and pattern in time and tyrhym to the other person who's playing slack key or not.
No 3.You can also strum softly with a pick at first trying not to hit those certain strings, practice works. Know what strings in the common major chords you can strum or pick. Work with light strum patterns first.
I do strum with a pick as well works excellent in dropped C.
I use thumb and alaska picks to "pick pattern" or "pick pattern, thumb brush"a melody. I urge all my students to use it as well.
You really need to know what strings are odd and in which chords.
Heres your ticket,
Good Luck,
Uncle Mahi |
Charles M Kaimikaua Jr |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2168 Posts |
Posted - 05/10/2006 : 04:13:38 AM
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| Mahalo, Uncle. Mostly I have things clearly in mind but not in mouth. Looking forward to the books. |
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Rich_Smith
Lokahi
USA
242 Posts |
Posted - 05/10/2006 : 6:23:58 PM
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| Thank you very much Uncle. I will watch for your book! Rich |
Rich Smith |
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