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Learning Ukulele with Curt
The Hawai'ian Turnaround
The Hawai'ian Turnaround is a II7 V I chord progression in a major key. The II7 V I refers to the chord’s harmonic function within that key and a way of comparing like chord progressions, songs and harmonic cells.
Author(s): Curt Sheller Publisher: Curt Sheller Publications Code: UL92
Main Category: Arranging Main Instrument: Ukulele
Categories: Arranging, Chords, Melody, Progressions, Major, Hawaiian
2026-08-23
Number of Pages: 1
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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.
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.
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