Henehene Kou `Aka – Basic Tutorial
September 2, 2010 
25 Comments
I had the privilege of sitting in and playing a few tunes with my good friend Kirby Keough while visiting Kauai a couple of weeks ago. One of the songs we always jam on is Henehene Kou `Aka. Ive been meaning to either do a tab or tutorial for this one for quite some time but just never seemed to get around to it. Tonight Im posting up a video tutorial that presents my approach to the intro and verse sections of Henehene based loosely on the version IZ plays on his Facing Future CD. This video isnt as detailed as some of my previous tutorials and it still went beyond the 10 minute limit imposed by Youtube. I was hoping to be able to get it all on just one video but it didnt work out that way. I will present the solo in another video in the next few days. Though not as detailed, I believe this tutorial will give you a good idea of how Im approaching the tune and have you well armed to play it with your friends at the next club meeting or jam session. Visit Dominator Ukulele Tabs at: www.dominator.ukeland.com
they’re 16th notes, not triplets, for the record and your information. hope this helps!
Thank you soo much. this was perfect. I got it down now!
Tuning is GCEA
is it for adfish or gcea? I play with gcea but it sounds a little bit different but maybe i’am to stupid
!
btw thanks its great!
matthias
Dang I love this it’s just so fast and hard for me to play
yes, but not 7th chords. Bb, B, and C. Can be played with full barre or as a G shape leaving the open G ring for all three. I usually mix it up.
I think I figured it out. I think the verse goes from D7 to G7 and stops with a quick half-step walk up with B-flat7, B7, C7. Right?
What about the part that “goes up” at 6:15? What chords are those?
I believe you are referring to the D7 chord at the 5th fret = 5655. Then add the ring finger on the 1st string 7th fret = 5657.
Great tuturial but I’m stuck on the chord at 6:08 Can you tell me what the fingering is for that? It looks like some rendition on C but I’m not sure. Thanks
This is a great tutorial. On a more basic level, do you have any tutorials on how to play the triplets (and how to play them with increasing speed)? I love this song and the video but can’t seem to figure out how you do it!
This is awesome. Can I give you my first born son for this?
right at 6:57 it is a regular C chord. Index finger over the E and A strings (3rd fret) and the middle finger at the 4th fret of the C string and the ring finger at the 5th fret of the G string.
Hey Dom! thanks for the video. ive always wanted to play this song and now i can. i have one question though. at 6:57, what is the fingering for that chord? thanks again
Thank you for making such a great video! There are other videos teaching Henehene kou aka but none as helpful as this one. I hope you are able to make more, especially on music like this
thanks alot for this!
you are the shit! I have always wanted to play this song, braddah iz will always be the best tho
I have noticed that the Glyph is getting a little dusty these days lol. I don’t blame you one bit though.
Thanks David. Yes, the spruce top tenor is developing quite nicely over the last few months. I just can’t seem to put her down.
Dom I love the tutorial and all. However what really gets me is the sweet sound on that Dominator custom you’re strumming. She has really settled in nice. wow.
thanks dom, it wasnt too long ago when i was at the specialist and was advise i had carpel tunnel. Yes i understand where your coming from. I’ve given this song a bit of a break until probably tomorrow after work. Ill def let you know how i go Dom. Cheers again mate.
Nemo, do not overdo it. I have problems with my wrist also and I’m learning to deal with it but it becomes increasingly difficult. The key, which I know is hard to do, is to stop playing when you feel the pain. And it may take longer than a couple of hours. Even if you rest for a couple hours but play the same song you are activating and using the same muscles which will continue to aggrivate the situation. Best to play something different if you must continue playing. Good luck.
how did you get this stamina playing this. haha my left hand where my wrist is it kinda hurting. im putting the ukulele down for an hour or 2. in the mean time, im watching this on repeat! thanks again Dom.
Thanks everyone. Nemo, glad it is helping. I hope to get the short section on the solo posted later tonight.
thanks dom! very good tutorial. im getting the hang of it now. cheers mate