This post features two Travis Picking patterns for beginner guitar players. I’ve included guitar tab and chord diagrams for the chords we will be using.
Travis Picking
Travis Picking is a fingerstyle guitar technique named after Merle Travis. It involves playing a bass pattern with the thumb while plucking the higher strings with the index, middle and ring fingers.
The Bass Line
Aside from keeping a steady pattern, there are a few ways to play the bass line. The most popular method is to use a thumb-pick while muting the strings with the palm of your hand. I play it using the flesh of my thumb without muting the strings. I have also seen guitarists play it with the flesh of the thumb while still managing to mute the bottom three strings. Each style affects the tone you’ll get. Find what sounds and works best for you.
Play the exercise below until you are comfortable with it. Practice it in a slow tempo at first. When the notes are clean, you’ll be ready to raise the tempo.
The High Notes
Now that we’ve got the bass line down, we are ready to start adding the melody and the harmony.
Merle Travis used only his index finger to pluck the higher strings. Chet Atkins used his index, middle, and ring, the way most players, myself included, do it today. In most cases, you would keep your index finger on the G string (3rd string), your middle finger on the B string (2nd string) and your ring finger on the high E string (1st string).
Pattern 1
Adding some high notes, while maintaining a steady rhythm on the bass.
Pattern 2
Changing the pattern of the high notes, while playing the same bass line.
Although this lesson is free, a PDF of the TABs is available for your convenience and to support this website.
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More Travis Picking
For a traditional Travis Picking song with tablature
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Tabs
A Complete List of Guitar Tabs
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