A Wahine slack key tuning adds a major 7th interval to the open strings to create a Cmaj7 chord. The second most common tuning is C wahine. It’s a good resource for those wanting to play more obscure songs in a slack key tuning. is one of the few dynamic chord sites that takes the time to display slack key chords.

Strumming all the open strings with this tuning gives you a C major chord instead of the normal C6 of standard tuning: G C E G. To create this open C tuning, you tune the A-string down one whole step to G. Since the ukulele is tuned five steps higher than the guitar, that turns into C taropatch. The most commonly used slack-key guitar tuning is open G (taro patch). If you remain with a high-g string you’ll find you get a more Troy Fernandez-sounding slack key style. For more on low-G strings, head over to the Strings page. This drops the pitch of a typical ukulele G string down an octave for a linear sound and, more importantly, gives you a powerful bass drone. But sometimes it makes songs easier.Īn almost-requirement is a low-G string. So if it’s a style, you do not need to tune your ukulele differently to play slack key. One time when we were playing I asked him, ‘Uncle Fred, what key this?’ He told me, ‘Boy, no worry what key, jus’ press.'” Jus’ press was something he would always tell us when we’d ask him a question. He said, ‘It’s easy, jus’ press the right strings’. “When I was young my Uncle Fred told me you can play slack key in standard tuning. However, the general consensus is that slack key is a style, not a tuning. To avoid ruffling any feathers, maybe it would be best to call this page just “Hawaiian style ukulele” and say we are using alternate tunings. Does it mean a tuning? Is it a style? Can it even be played on the ukulele? It’s all a matter of opinion. So first a disclaimer… The term “slack key” is kind of a touchy thing. Uncle Led would be my hero even if he didn’t play ukulele, but because he does so he is my baseline reference for anything slack key uke related.

Uncle fred be a player