Travis Picking

What is Travis Picking?

Travis picking is a syncopated fingerstyle technique named after Merle Travis, a country and western singer-guitarist. This style creates a rhythmic, driving sound by alternating bass notes with melody notes on the higher strings.

Basic Pattern

The fundamental pattern alternates between:

• Thumb: Plays alternating bass notes on the lower strings (E, A, D)
• Fingers: Pluck the melody and harmony notes on the higher strings (G, B, E)

The syncopation comes from the thumb maintaining a steady bass while the fingers play off-beat melody notes, creating a polyrhythmic effect.

Key Characteristics

1. Independence: Your thumb and fingers operate independently
2. Alternating Bass: The thumb alternates between two or more bass strings
3. Syncopation: Melody notes fall between bass notes
4. Steady Rhythm: Maintains a consistent, driving rhythm

Learning Path

Week 1-2: Basic Pattern

• Practice the alternating thumb pattern alone
• Add simple melody notes on the first string
• Keep it slow and steady

Week 3-4: Expanding

• Incorporate more strings
• Try different chord shapes
• Increase tempo gradually

Famous Examples

Travis picking is used in countless songs:

• Dust in the Wind by Kansas
• Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
• Tommy Emmanuel's arrangements use advanced Travis picking

Tips for Success

• Start extremely slow
• Use a metronome
• Focus on thumb independence
• Don't rush the learning process
• Practice each hand separately first