How to Play the Hawaiian Steel Guitar (Book/CD Set)

The sound of the Hawaiian steel guitar is sweet, nostalgic, and unmistakably Hawaiian. You can almost feel the trade winds and the surf in its subtle vibrato. In this well-illustrated and easy-to-understand book, acclaimed musician Henry Kaleialoha Allen shares everything you need to know in order to play this beautiful instrument from purchasing a guitar, to performing with that special Hawaiian flourish. This primer, adapted from Allen's popular self-published guide, features a history of the Hawaiian steel guitar; instructions for reading musical notation; a practical guide to buying and tuning a steel guitar; guidance on using the bar; sheet music for 11 original songs; exercises; a discussion of the nuances of the Hawaiian touch; and much more. Written for beginning and intermediate students alike, this book and its accompanying audio CD will have you playing like a pro in no time.