Travis Picking
Travis picking (named after the Country and Western legend Merle Travis) is a technique that involves playing a constant bass pattern with the thumb of the right hand. In order to master this technique you must get your thumb to become completely independent from the rest of the fingers on your picking hand, thus freeing up your other fingers to create rhythmic and melodic interest. Try repeating this lick (using only your thumb) to get yourself started –
e——————————————————-
B——————————————————
G——————————————————
D————–2—————–2——————-
A—-3————————————————
E———————–3——————————
p p p p*
And now add in the rest of your fingers –
e———————————————————
B————————————1——————
G———————-0—————————0—
D————-2—————————-2———–
A—–3————————————————-
E——————————3————————
p p i p m p i*
*p = Thumb
i = Index
m = Middle
a = Ring
Once that is down, try the pattern on some other open chord shapes!
Check out this clip of Kristian Mattson, “The Tallest Man on Earth”, for a modern interpretation of this style of guitar playing – Click Here
Notice how his thumb is constantly alternating between the bass notes of the chords, allowing his other fingers to play the melody.
You can try using a thumb pick as Mattson does to help the bass part stand out but it will take some getting used to. Good luck singing at the same time!
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