slack-key

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See also: slack key

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From a translation of the Hawaiian ʻalu (loosen the key).

Adjective

slack-key (not comparable)

  1. (music) (of a string instrument or a manner of playing one) Performed with loosened strings, such that all of the strings play in the same key (most often G major).
    • 2007, Tim Brookes, Guitar: An American Life, page 56:
      Spanish-style guitars played in the standard position, though probably in altered tunings slack-key fashion.

Usage notes

Slack-key is almost always used in reference to Hawaiian music, where it is an important technique. In this context it may be referred to as a music genre, slack-key guitar. Transliterations of the original Hawaiian are also common: Kiluea tuning or ki ho'alu guitar.

Anagrams