Travis picking, the fingerpicking technique used in guitar playing that involves alternating the bass line with the melody, has become a staple in various genres such as folk, blues, and rock. Country music guitarist Merle Travis perfected the technique, incorporating it into his own unique style and popularizing it through his recordings and live performances in the 1940s and 1950s.
History of Travis Picking
Early country and blues music guitarists used their thumb to play the bass line while their fingers picked the melody. Travis picking soon became a popular technique in country and western music and has since been used in a wide range of musical genres. “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas, “Blackbird” by The Beatles, and “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac are some of the most well-known songs that use Travis picking.
Fingerpicking Technique
Travis picking involves alternating the bass notes and melody notes, with the thumb playing the bass line and the fingers playing the melody. To play a basic Travis picking pattern, place your thumb on the low E string and your index, middle, and ring fingers on the G, B, and high E strings respectively. Pluck the low E string with your thumb, followed by the G string with your index finger, the B string with your middle finger, and the high E string with your ring finger. Repeat the pattern with the same finger order, using the next bass note in the chord progression.
Different Styles
There are different styles of Travis picking, including the classic Travis picking style, Chet Atkins style, John Fahey style, and contemporary Travis picking style. Each style has its unique way of incorporating the technique into guitar playing.
Classic Travis Picking Style
The classic Travis picking style involves alternating the bass notes with the thumb and the melody notes with the fingers. The thumb typically plays the bass note on the downbeat of each measure, while the fingers play the melody notes on the upbeat. This creates a driving, syncopated rhythm that is perfect for country and western music.
Chet Atkins Style
Chet Atkins was one of the most famous guitarists to use Travis picking, and he developed his own unique style that involved more intricate fingerpicking patterns. In the Chet Atkins style, the thumb plays a more complex bass line, while the fingers play arpeggios and other melodic patterns. This creates a more intricate and melodic sound that is perfect for jazz, blues, and other genres.
John Fahey Style
John Fahey was another guitarist who used Travis picking in his music, but he developed his own unique style that was influenced by blues, folk, and classical music. In the John Fahey style, the thumb plays a more percussive bass line, while the fingers play complex, melodic patterns. This creates a more intricate and atmospheric sound that is perfect for folk and acoustic music.
Contemporary Travis Picking Style
Contemporary Travis picking is a more recent development that combines elements of classic Travis picking with other fingerpicking techniques. In this style, the thumb still plays the bass line, but the fingers play more complex, syncopated patterns that incorporate elements of blues, jazz, and rock. This creates a more modern and dynamic sound that is perfect for contemporary music.
Learning to Travis Pick
To learn Travis picking, start with a simple pattern and gradually increase the complexity as you become more comfortable with the technique. Consistent practice, using a metronome, experimenting with different chord progressions, and watching and learning from other guitarists can help you improve your Travis picking skills.
Travis picking is a fingerpicking technique that has become a staple in various musical genres. With its alternating bass line and melody, it creates a driving, syncopated rhythm that is perfect for country and western music, as well as more intricate and melodic sounds that are perfect for jazz, blues, folk, and acoustic music.