Makika means mosquito in Olelo Hawai’i (Hawaiian Language)

This is a good fun – advanced piece where your slack key guitar will imitate the sound of a mosquito by using slur (hammer on and pull off ) type ornamentation to musically illustrate the sound a mosquito makes when he is buzzingaround you. Think of this idea as you approach the piece.

Despite its whimsical nature, Makika is a solid piece with an interesting melody.

Keola Beamer

The key to the musicality of Makika lies in the smooth execution of the ornamentation coupled with clear elucidation of melodic sections. Start at a slower tempo and gradually build up speed as you begin to get the piece “in your hands”.

  • Level: Advanced
  • Tempo: Moderate – Fast
  • Tuning: F Wahine or Leonards’ F
  • Length: 2:20
  • 4 pages

Be sure and refer to Keola’s video lesson notes of this piece. Listed below are some of the techniques and concepts covered in this detailed lesson:

  • Slurs or Hammer On’s and Pull Offs
  • Triplets

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Lesson Resources

Tuning: Audio for F Wahine or Leonard’s F


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