Fingerpicking Tweak That Changed Everything

Hey there, friends! Welcome to this exciting journey into the world of Travis picking. Today, I'm thrilled to guide you through your first Travis picking exercise. This technique, though simple, packs a powerful punch and will have you sounding like a pro in no time. Let's dive right in.

First, Travis picking is named after the legendary Merle Travis, who popularized this fingerpicking style. However, he’s not the only one who mastered it—greats like Chet Atkins, Les Paul, and many others have also used this technique to create beautiful, intricate music. The essence of Travis picking lies in how the thumb plays the bass notes, hopping between different strings to lay down a rhythmic foundation.

Imagine holding a chord and using your thumb to pluck alternating bass notes to give you a quick demonstration. For example:

(Here, you might imagine the sound of a thumb plucking a steady rhythm on the bass strings.)

The magic of Travis picking is that it allows you to take a basic chord and make it sound elaborate and intricate. Adding techniques like hammer-ons and varying the chords can create a rich tapestry of sound.

Let's get started with the basics. I'm going to hold a simple C chord. My thumb will take charge of the fifth string (the A string), while my first and second fingers will be responsible for the third (G string) and second strings (B string), respectively. Visualize this setup: thumb on the fifth string, first finger on the third string, and second finger on the second.

Now, let's execute the basic picking motion. Rest your fingers on the strings and gently peel your hand down, allowing each finger to pluck its respective string. Start with the thumb on the fifth string, followed by the thumb moving to the fourth string. Here’s how it goes:

(Imagine the sound of a smooth, steady picking pattern.)

Repeat this motion slowly and deliberately. The goal is to ensure that each note is clear and clean. Cleanliness in your picking will eventually translate to speed. Remember, you can only get fast by first mastering the clarity and precision of your picking.

As you get comfortable, you can incorporate a rhythm or tempo. Initially, it's crucial to play at a pace that allows you to maintain clarity and accuracy. Speed will naturally come with time and practice.

Here’s a neat tip: you can rest your hand on the bridge of your guitar. This technique won't significantly affect the sound, unlike resting your hand on the face of the guitar, which can dampen the volume. This is why classical guitarists often keep their hands floating above the strings to maintain volume and resonance.

You can include a hammer-on to add a bit of flair to your picking. For instance, when you pluck the fourth string, you can hammer on to a higher note:

(Imagine the enhanced sound with the added hammer-on.)

Practice this addition slowly, then gradually work it into your tempo. This little embellishment can add a lot of character to your playing.

Now, let’s expand our repertoire. After mastering the C chord, you can move to an A minor seven chord by simply lifting one finger. This slight adjustment changes the character of the chord, offering a new sound to explore:

Similarly, you can experiment with an E minor chord, where you’ll alternate between the sixth and fourth strings with your thumb:

When I first discovered Travis picking, I was blown away. The technique opened up a world of possibilities, allowing me to explore different chords and add various "noodle notes" to my playing. I started with the basic C chord, then moved to other chords like A minor seven and E minor, each time uncovering new sounds and textures.

The key is to start simple. Focus on the C chord initially, then gradually introduce chords like A minor or A minor seven by lifting or placing a finger. Once you're comfortable, experiment with different chords and discover what sounds good.

In many Travis picking patterns, the bass note alternates between the root and the fifth or the root and the third of the chord. Understanding this concept can help you create more dynamic and exciting picking patterns.

To summarize, here are the critical steps to mastering your first Travis picking exercise:

1. Start with the Basics: Hold a simple C chord. Position your thumb on the fifth string, your first finger on the third string, and your second finger on the second string.

2. Perfect the Motion: Rest your fingers on the strings and practice peeling your hand down, plucking each string in turn. Move your thumb from the fifth to the fourth string.

3. Prioritize Cleanliness: Play slowly and focus on getting a clean sound. Speed will come with time and practice.

4. Incorporate Rhythm: Once comfortable, add a basic rhythm or tempo. Ensure your picking remains clean.

5. Add Flair: Add a hammer-on to your picking pattern to enhance the sound.

6. Expand Your Chord Repertoire: Move from the C chord to A minor seven by lifting a finger—experiment with other chords like E minor, alternating the bass notes with your thumb.

7. Explore and Experiment: After mastering the basics, experiment with different chords and picking patterns. Have fun and see what unique sounds you can create.

The REAL magic lies in the lick, which you must hear in the video.  Please visit me there.

Travis picking is a fantastic technique that can transform your playing. It allows you to turn simple chords into intricate, beautiful music. So, grab your guitar, start with these basics, and let your creativity flow. Happy picking!

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