The G-Double Slack Tuning (“Double Slack Tuning”) is uncommon. Those of us that play in it get a real joy out of it. We find it delightful. It’s got a nice feel and you’ll have fun with it. You should know that it is based on Taro Patch Tuning, but involves one more step. That’s how it got its name. First you slack down to Taro Patch, then you slack again. Double slack. Following is the rundown.
Tune your Guitar to ‘G’ Taro Patch, lets review how:

  1. Slack the first string down so that it is the same pitch as the second string, third fret. (This is the note D.)
  2. Since the second, third and fourth strings remain in the standard tuning, the next step is to tune the fifth string on octave below the sound of your third string open. (The note G).
  3. Tune the sixth string one octave below the sound of your fourth string open. (The note D).
  4. Check your tuning by listening to the following Taro Patch Tuning audio file and comparing it to your guitar.

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Taro Patch Tuning Audio

Now for the ‘double slack’ – tune your third string (the note G) down 1/2 step to F#.

  1. Check your tuning by listening to the following Double Slack Tuning audio file and comparing it to your guitar.

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G-Double Slack Tuning Audio

Wow – that’s pretty cool. Play this a bit. Fool around. Congratulate yourself! Can you find the “tonic” G chord or an inversion? (Hint .. third string – 1st fret, then sound the guitar from 5th string down).
Double Slack has a great sound. Strum down with your index finger from the 5th string to the 1st string (don’t fret any notes). Notice the interesting coloration. Advanced players listen intently to the coloration of their tunings. Coloration is a tool. A useful comparison is with that of a painter. If the artist was creating a dramatic sunset, he or she would probably place on their palette the colors of red and orange. In Kī Hōʻalu, coloration is an important choice resulting in depth and evocative tonality.
Next: A wonderful solo entitled Ka Lupe ‘Ula -The Red Kite!