Instrumentalists began developing their own guitar tunings – the trend was to loosen some of the strings, so the same instrument could be used for both bass and melody. The Spanish style of guitar had an incredible impact on the musical scene on the islands. When they came to the islands, they brought their guitars with them. Mexican cowboys were perhaps the most influential of all outside forces on Hawaiian music. Slowly but surely, a new form of music was being born. Musicians found each other, and in short order western musicians were swapping tips and styles with the Hawaiians. In the 1800s, people from around the world began coming to Hawaii. The art of hula dancing has existed for centuries, and is still a large part of Hawaiian culture today. As you might have guessed, the latter also included dancing, and is the historical root of modern hula. There were two main types of chanting – mele oli, which had no accompanying music, and mele hula, which often featured drums or other instruments. As far as the music itself was concerned, Native Hawaiian music was mainly done through chants. The subject of the celebration could be nature, the gods or just general exuberance for life – music and dance were a way for the community to spend time together. Native Hawaiians used music to honor something. Here's a quick overview of Hawaiian music history: Native Hawaiian music The blend of cultures that has defined these islands has also shaped the songs and compositions that have been made there. Something new and wonderful is born of this mutual exchange, and that is particularly true in Hawaii.
Musical styles are developed over centuries, as musicians with different skills and playing methods come together and share their knowledge. Music is one of the most defining cultural traditions for any location.