12 October 2025
The Hawai'ian Turnaround is a II7 V I chord progression in a major key. The II7 V I is the chord’s harmonic function within that key and a way of comparing like chord progressions, songs and harmonic cells.
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This is actually a pretty common chord progression or harmonic movement in general and just so famously a part of Hawai'ian music that is has become associated with that style of music and culture. When you hear it you'll think Hawai’i.
The Hawai'ian Turnaround can be used as a Vamp for the introduction of a song or interlude between sections. The vamp gives off an instant island feel that is was named The Hawai'ian Turnaround.
In the key of C major the II7 V I chords are D7 G7 C/.
One characteristic that make it distinctly sound Hawai'ian is the duration of the chords are the same duration for the II7 and V chord and twice as long for the I chord.
Example: The Hawai'ian Turnround in the Key of C Major :
- || D7 / G7 / | C / / / ||
- || D7 / / / | G7 / / / | C / / / | / / / / ||
The chords can be played harmonically, either strummed or finger-picked or played melodically outlining the chords using the chord tones prominently.
The Hawai'ian Turnaround is a II7 V I chord progression in a major key. The II7 V I is the chord’s harmonic function within that key and a way of comparing like chord progressions, songs and harmonic cells.
Available for Premium Site Access Plans Only
Sorry, can't give it ALL away!
This content requires a Premium / Gold Access Plan or enrolled in the Study with Curt - On-line or Private Lesson Program.
To view additional content for this page you'll need to either Sign In or Register or Upgrade to a Premium Site Access Plan .
This is actually a pretty common chord progression or harmonic movement in general and just so famously a part of Hawai'ian music that is has become associated with that style of music and culture. When you hear it you'll think Hawai’i.
The Hawai'ian Turnaround can be used as a Vamp for the introduction of a song or interlude between sections. The vamp gives off an instant island feel that is was named The Hawai'ian Turnaround.
In the key of C major the II7 V I chords are D7 G7 C/.
One characteristic that make it distinctly sound Hawai'ian is the duration of the chords are the same duration for the II7 and V chord and twice as long for the I chord.
Example: The Hawai'ian Turnround in the Key of C Major :
- || D7 / G7 / | C / / / ||
- || D7 / / / | G7 / / / | C / / / | / / / / ||
The chords can be played harmonically, either strummed or finger-picked or played melodically outlining the chords using the chord tones prominently.
Related Lessons, Videos, Lesson Series, Songs, Books & Reference Charts, Resources & Assets, Workshops are below.
The Hawai'ian Turnaround.
Introductions are a composed or improvised pieces of music that introduce - sets the stage for - a song or composition. Introductions, or intro for short, are used in all types of music. In this lesson, the focus is on introductions in contemporary pop, rock, blues, country, folk and jazz styles.
The Hawai'ian Turnaround.
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. This analysis is then used to make scale selections for improvisation and chord substitution.
Finally, learn the names of the notes of the ukulele fingerboard in C tuning .
Learn the six fingering principles to navigating the ukulele fingerboard. Fingering is one of the most universal topics. Book: Six Secrets of the Ukulele Fingering
Harmonic Analysis is the understanding of the functional sequence of chords. It is the process used to analyze the harmonic structure of a progression, song or composition. Book: Harmonic Analysis for Scale Selection and Chord Substitution
Learn to read single note melodies in the first/open position is a lot easier than you might think. Book: Ukulele – Reading Music Series – Primer
An organized collection of daily practice and reference material for the contemporary ukulele player for developing the vocabulary and knowledge necessary for single note playing. Book: Daily Practice Material for the Contemporary Ukulele
Checkout the Books & Reference Charts for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.
Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for C Tuning, Low or High G – G C E A
Ukulele Fingerboard Chart for G Tuning, Low or High A – D G B E
A handy reference chart of all 15 major and relative minor key signatures. US Letter 8.5 x 11 sized (ANSI-A), A4
Checkout the Books & Reference Charts for additional Handy, Dandy Reference Charts.
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