They differ from "proper"
slack key guitar pieces, both in style and tuning. For instance, traditional Hawaiian
slack key C Wahine tuning is C-G-D-G-B-D but most of my pieces tune down
just the lower two strings, producing C-G-D-G-B-E (a C major ninth chord).

These preludes should be performed in a relaxed style producing deep sounds
in the bass and a full singing melody in the treble. I have specified
string numbers and barred passages throughout to make clear where everything
is to be fingered on the guitar. Harmonics are sometimes marked with small
circles, but many other times notated with diamond notes and specified frets
and strings.

The special serenity and nostalgia that characterizes Hawaiian slack key guitar
is immediate even for first time listeners. With its European roots, simple
harmony, sheer beauty of sound (loosening the guitar's lower strings to give
them "slack"), this is music emotionally available to anyone, without special
knowledge or familiarity with its traditions. That openness I find to be the
magical root of Hawaiian culture.

My Maui Slack Key Preludes reflect my desire to recapture the special relaxed
aloha that one feels immediately upon arriving on the island of Maui. Kaupo is
inspired by the spectacular arid ranchland on the southwestern tip of the island. It is
home to cattle, horses, and stirring vistas of mountain and ocean. Just around the
parched landscape of Kaupo is Hana, the wettest lush tropical area of Maui, famed
for its beautyand special tranquility. My Hana prelude was written in memory of
Dr. Laurie Bottoms,a writer and educator whose calm, nurturing inspired me as a
teacher. Makawao is"upcountry" Maui, a town originally famed for its ranchland and
paniolos (Hawaiian cowboys). Slack key guitar was in fact first created by Hawaiian
paniolos in the 19th century. Today Makawao has a vibrant arts community and...
many chickens and roosters roaming the streets! The harmonics and trills in this prelude
capture the delightful energy of this locale.