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Tuning: Keola’s C or C Wahine Tuning (CGDGBE)
Level: Advanced

Introduction

This is my arrangement of a sweetly melodic Charles Hopkins song written at the end of the 19th Century. I learned this song from my ʻohana (family).

The mamo is the safflower or false saffron from Asia. The yellow feather-like flowers were highly prized and loved by Hawaiʻi’s people. This piece is in triple meter with its distinctive waltz feel and contains a modulation (change of key) element within the form.

Triple meter is rare in Hawaiian Music, so if you are looking for a refreshing rhythmical change of pace (plus a modulation!) check out this wonderful piece. The tabs, lyrics, detailed notes, and the audio file are in the Resources section, below.

Aloha nui,
Keola Beamer