Hey Friend,
Today, we’ll look at one of the simplest Travis picking patterns you can learn. This is the first pattern I learned way back in the Stone Ages (I turned 53 today…).
As I mentioned last time, your thumb is in charge of the three lowered-pitched strings - the sixth (E), fifth (A), and fourth (D). These will provide the bass notes in the arrangement.
The first three fingers only manage one string each, but they can have their work cut out for them depending on the tempo of the song and the pattern you’re playing.
Lucky for you I put together an easy pattern to start!
The Notation
In the tabs I used the traditional method to denote which finger is used to pluck the string. Here’s a refresher of how these are notated:
P = thumb
I = index finger
M = middle finger
A = ring finger
The letters come from Spanish, since the modern guitar as we know it came out of Spain centuries ago. The letters stand for:
P = pulgar
I = indice
M = medio
A = anular
This first exercise focuses only on the picking pattern, so you don’t need to worry about chord changes and fingering for your fretting hand. Just give your picking hand all the attention.
The only variation between each system is the bass note, so your fingers will repeat the pattern for each bar. Only your thumb will change strings.
Download or open these in your browser.
Let me know if you have any questions. Have a great one!
Peace~
Dave
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