How to Play the Hawaiian Steel Guitar

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.

Author: Henry Kaleialoha Allen