@@sobeit1927 thanks for the suggestion, I will take it onboard. Some of my videos do begin with examples and perhaps that would've been a good idea for this one :)
This really is the best introduction I have seen to Travis picking. Too often tutors skip the most basic elements of what can be a tricky guitar skill to master. Without good foundations it will always be a struggle.
Thank you so much. It's been a week since i started watching trevis style contents... this video was the missing key and now i can keep a simple tune. I really don't know how to thank you.
@StreaminFreedom, yes got to love Maton's! I think your model the SRS70C was the one that replaced the model I am playing in this video which is an EM325c. It was discontinued around 2010 I believe.
FINALLY A DETAILED EXPLANATION:) SO MANY JUST PLAY IT AND EXPECT A DYSLECTIC LIKE ME TO SEE IT:) SO MANY ARTIST DO THIS; I.E. JOHN DENVER , DYLAN, OTHERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH .
Danny Carey can play guitar!? I didn’t know he was Australian!? 🙂🙂 But seriously! This was a great video, especially if you’ve watched every instructional video about Travis picking. Thank you.
I say the link for your lessons in the video but I don’t see it anywhere now. Could you send a link to the finger picking lessons your offering? I really like your style of teaching
Hi Gregory, thanks for your message :) The link is in the description below the video. I'll leave it here for you too: acousticguitarlessonsonline.net/fingerpicking-guitar-lessons
That is correct Dan Vitale :) The fingers you use do not constitute whether you are Travis Picking or not however if that is what you are implying? It's all about the bass.
Great lesson as always. Your content is secondary to none. I’m slightly confused however (my issue, not because of this video). How do guitarists use travis picking but seem to pick out the melody at the same time? And- how is this different from what’s called chord melody?
@julianfester3104, thanks! Glad you liked the video :) I have a video on Travis Picking the style as opposed to just the pattern you can check out here, that goes into adding the melody etc: th-cam.com/video/R32aaqcVQE4/w-d-xo.html Chord/Melody is a general term used for when playing both the chords and melody to a tune on one guitar, Travis Picking is just one way you can go about it, there are many. So you could say Travis Picking is a substyle of Chord/Melody if hat makes sense. I also have a video on Chord/Melody playing if you are interested: th-cam.com/video/ZqeWEax-HcU/w-d-xo.html
@MrBarrynicholas, you want to start the bass pattern from the root note typically, however, you can include the G on string 6 in a 5, 4, 6, 4 pattern for a C chord, where the G would be the note on the 6th string if that makes sense.
You could transfer the pattern to string set 3/4. So you would have a 3 4 3 4 pattern essentially or a 3 4 5 4. I sometimes use a D/F# open chord so I can apply a 6 4 6 4 bass. You could also voice the D chord somewhere else, but may not be practical if the other chords you are using are open. Hope that helps :)
I'm a little late to the party! I've heard the term 'root note' in other videos but how do you know which root note to use? I guess I missed that information.
@@acousticguitarlessons -- Hmm, let's see. With the G chord, the low E string is the root note, right? So why is it the root note? Does it have to do with the finger placement? Sorry for not being clear. I can't read a note of music! So far all I know is the name of the strings: E A D G B E.
@@LLewis-vu9qf, not a problem :) Yes, the root note for the G open chord is on the 6th string/3rd fret. It is the root note becasue it is a G note and you are playing a G chord. Which finger you use is incidental. For an E chord, it is the Low E string. For the C chord, it is the 5th string/3rd fret. Hope this helps :)
@michaelmacinnis8421, thank you! Glad you like the video :) If you are referring to fingerstyle tremolo technique I have a video on that here: th-cam.com/video/VCXMrLcwpco/w-d-xo.html
Thank you. I just checked it out, and not surprisingly, even though after 6 months or more, I’m not a total beginner, I still learned something from your approach to teaching the basics of tremolo. 👍
@bobanpen1, you could apply a 4, 3, 4, 3 or 4, 3, 5, 3 bass pattern. Alternatively, you could use the root 5 or root 6 D bar chord and apply the appropriate bass pattern :)
Picking bass notes with my thumb coming along really well. 🤗 Stick a Dunlop pick on my thumb for the Travis style , appallingly bad. ( I’m driving My Lady Wife to despair with just the picking bass notes practice , I’ve had to lock myself away in the spare bedroom.) 🫣
@ReXo31BbeaT, ha ha! Yes, partners and loved ones do have to put up with a bit regarding our practice :) I've never really liked the Dunlop Thumbpicks. They protrude too far out from the thumb for me. I prefer the Fred Kelly thumbpicks (Bumblebees). Have you tried those?
@@acousticguitarlessons no not yet. I knew I had a Dunlop kicking around in the bag & rember buying it because Tommy Emmanuel uses them. That’s as far as I got at that time. I will have a look see at your option & let you know how I get on. 🤗
It is really annoying to see this alternate bass line being called a "Travis pick", after Merle Travis, its so-called inventor, when should you ever go on-line to "Freight Train" by Elizabeth Cotton, you will see she is playing this bass line before Merle Travis was even born, and doing it on a upside-down guitar without changing the strings.
Hi Anthony. Merle Travis was born and well into his career when Elizabeth Cotton recorded Freight Train. She did write it as a teenager though, so I get your point, but I think you'll find Merle Travis developed the style much more extensively than Elizabeth Cotton, despite whoever did it first, as great as her recording of Freight Train is and as much of a pioneer that she was
You dropped tons of theory and variation before even showing the pattern itself slowly. :) it’s like you’re revealing complete chemical theory of carbon in quantum physics to show how to draw a line with pencil. Useless approach.
Ah, a visual learner :) For this learning style, concepts explained verbally don’t work and you’ll do better going to the demonstration right off the bat (just scroll through the video). Many other learning styles work the opposite way around. It’s good to be clear on what works for you :)
Tablature for examples presented in this lesson can be found here: acousticguitarlessonsonline.net/travis-picking-pattern-part-1
A great start to your video would be an example of what we would be aiming to achieve by watching . I had no idea where you were going with this .
@@sobeit1927 thanks for the suggestion, I will take it onboard. Some of my videos do begin with examples and perhaps that would've been a good idea for this one :)
This really is the best introduction I have seen to Travis picking. Too often tutors skip the most basic elements of what can be a tricky guitar skill to master. Without good foundations it will always be a struggle.
Thanks! I am glad you liked the video and found it helpful :)
Nice video and presentation on Travis picking. Thank you for sharing ! Much appreciated Simon !
@user-ls9nm9uy5s, you are very welcome! Glad you liked the video :)
New to your channel, very glad to have found it. Excellent lesson, thank you !
@MrFrogman54, you are very welcome :) And welcome to the channel!
Explained very well and easy to understand the principles. You're a great teacher. Thanks!!
You are very welcome Thad! Glad you found the video helpful :)
Thank you Simon - as always another great lesson from you.
@peterthornton6318, you are very welcome! Glad you liked the lesson :)
Thank you so much. It's been a week since i started watching trevis style contents... this video was the missing key and now i can keep a simple tune.
I really don't know how to thank you.
That's so great to hear Daniele Gemei! Really happy the video has helped you :)
Thank you for the lesson. Your a great teacher.
You are very welcome! :)
this is an amazing intro to Travis picking.
AND a practice routine too! super helpful.
thanks you for this.
You are so welcome! :)
Thanks for the lesson. I’ve been TP for a while but did not know a lot of what you explained. Ta 🎶🎸🎤👍
You are very welcome! Glad the lesson was useful to you :)
Great to see another Maton player love my srs70c not to many here on American TH-cam.
@StreaminFreedom, yes got to love Maton's!
I think your model the SRS70C was the one that replaced the model I am playing in this video which is an EM325c. It was discontinued around 2010 I believe.
Nicely and clearly explained
Glad to hear Rosamma George :)
Thank you! I do love learning new picking pat'ns.
You are most welcome! :)
I'm going to get this. This is great! You explain it is easy Steps! Thank you. Will be watching you over and over again!!
So glad you found the lesson helpful dakotahstr! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions :)
Fantastic explanation. Thank you.
You are very welcome! :)
Awesome lesson! Thanks so much!🙏🎸
You are very welcome! :)
Excellent 😮instructions. Thanks
You are most welcome Stephen! :)
Thanks so much, a great start lesson for me 👌
@marciahammond9735, you are very welcome! :)
Looked at a multitude of Travis picking videos. Ty. You excell. Makes it straight forward. Got you closer to a 1000 subs. You deserve it.
Thank you for the kind words and the sub! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful :)
Thanks Simon, I don’t use a plectrum (can’t hold it well enough) so this is a very welcome video.
You are welcome Stuart :)
FINALLY A DETAILED EXPLANATION:) SO MANY JUST PLAY IT AND EXPECT A DYSLECTIC LIKE ME TO SEE IT:) SO MANY ARTIST DO THIS; I.E. JOHN DENVER , DYLAN, OTHERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH .
You are very welcome rafdecc! Glad the lesson was helpful for your playing :)
Perfect as it is.thanks
You are welcome Behnam Zadeh :)
Awesome lesson.
@waynewarnock5076, thanks! Glad you liked it :)
Very helpful. Thank you.
You are very welcome Norman! :)
Brilliant! Love logic! 😃
@sandrafowkes53, glad you liked the lesson :)
Nice lesson well presented and subscribed, look forward to learning this, thanks.
You are very welcome Simon K :) Goad you enjoyed the lesson!
Great video, thanks Simon! :)
You are very welcome Sue! :)
Excellent. Thanks Simon.
You are very welcome Ray! :)
Great lesson, thanks!
You are very welcome! :)
great video !
@buzzycharpia8648 you are welcome! Glad you liked the video :)
thanks from ireland
You are welcome! :)
Danny Carey can play guitar!?
I didn’t know he was Australian!?
🙂🙂
But seriously! This was a great video, especially if you’ve watched every instructional video about Travis picking.
Thank you.
Ha ha! I had to look up who Danny Carey was. I can see the resemblance! lol Glad you liked the video :)
Thanks
@sehkholunkipgen5279, you are very welcome! :)
ive been doing this because it sounded cool didnt know it was a thing
Sure is! Checkout players like Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel etc :)
😲I'm learning 🙂
Great to hear T Lee! :)
Thankyou.,
@jackbond8237, you are very welcome! :)
I say the link for your lessons in the video but I don’t see it anywhere now. Could you send a link to the finger picking lessons your offering? I really like your style of teaching
Hi Gregory, thanks for your message :) The link is in the description below the video. I'll leave it here for you too: acousticguitarlessonsonline.net/fingerpicking-guitar-lessons
Please make some videos for percussive guitar! ✨🎸
Hi Akshay. I have one already recorded that will be released shortly. I'll move it up in the queue for you :)
Here is the percussive guitar video if you haven't checked it out yet: th-cam.com/video/ne6qMBlBekM/w-d-xo.html
Is there a part two?
Yes there is Bill :) Here is a link to part 2: th-cam.com/video/6uT2AQGN8oE/w-d-xo.html
Merle Travis played with 2 fingers, thumb and index only.
That is correct Dan Vitale :) The fingers you use do not constitute whether you are Travis Picking or not however if that is what you are implying?
It's all about the bass.
So that’s what I’ve been doing all these years. I didn’t know there was any particular name to it I’m self-taught.
@marshalllee2509, yes, travis picking :)
Thanks! I sent this to my son. Does every Aussie play a Maton? Lol
Ha ha! It seems that way doesn't it. Great guitars :)
I literally just asked myself the same question 😂. Maybe that's their secret😁 lol
😂
Great lesson as always. Your content is secondary to none. I’m slightly confused however (my issue, not because of this video). How do guitarists use travis picking but seem to pick out the melody at the same time? And- how is this different from what’s called chord melody?
@julianfester3104, thanks! Glad you liked the video :)
I have a video on Travis Picking the style as opposed to just the pattern you can check out here, that goes into adding the melody etc: th-cam.com/video/R32aaqcVQE4/w-d-xo.html
Chord/Melody is a general term used for when playing both the chords and melody to a tune on one guitar, Travis Picking is just one way you can go about it, there are many.
So you could say Travis Picking is a substyle of Chord/Melody if hat makes sense.
I also have a video on Chord/Melody playing if you are interested: th-cam.com/video/ZqeWEax-HcU/w-d-xo.html
@@acousticguitarlessons many thanks. I’ll definitely check those videos out. (Happy new year)
@@julianfester3104 happy new year! :)
A very east way of learning the Travis picking style
@dinopalangdan4408, glad you found the video useful :)
The C cord has a lower bass note on the sixth string a G surely that should be used.
@MrBarrynicholas, you want to start the bass pattern from the root note typically, however, you can include the G on string 6 in a 5, 4, 6, 4 pattern for a C chord, where the G would be the note on the 6th string if that makes sense.
With Travis picking you do mute the bass strings with your palm though
Yes you do, but not necessarily when using the Travis picking pattern in more contemporary fingerpicking songs
What do you do with the D chord?
You could transfer the pattern to string set 3/4.
So you would have a 3 4 3 4 pattern essentially or a 3 4 5 4.
I sometimes use a D/F# open chord so I can apply a 6 4 6 4 bass.
You could also voice the D chord somewhere else, but may not be practical if the other chords you are using are open.
Hope that helps :)
I'm a little late to the party! I've heard the term 'root note' in other videos but how do you know which root note to use? I guess I missed that information.
@LLewis-vu9qf, I'm not sure I understand your question.
Can you rephrase it?
There is only ever one root note in any given situation.
@@acousticguitarlessons -- Hmm, let's see.
With the G chord, the low E string is the root note, right? So why is it the root note? Does it have to do with the finger placement? Sorry for not being clear. I can't read a note of music! So far all I know is the name of the strings: E A D G B E.
@@LLewis-vu9qf, not a problem :) Yes, the root note for the G open chord is on the 6th string/3rd fret. It is the root note becasue it is a G note and you are playing a G chord.
Which finger you use is incidental.
For an E chord, it is the Low E string. For the C chord, it is the 5th string/3rd fret.
Hope this helps :)
@@acousticguitarlessons -- Thank you for the help. I understand it a bit better now.
Great tutorial! Do you teach tremolo too?
Definitely worth a LIKE and SUBSCRIBE.
@michaelmacinnis8421, thank you! Glad you like the video :)
If you are referring to fingerstyle tremolo technique I have a video on that here:
th-cam.com/video/VCXMrLcwpco/w-d-xo.html
Thank you. I just checked it out, and not surprisingly, even though after 6 months or more, I’m not a total beginner, I still learned something from your approach to teaching the basics of tremolo. 👍
Flat picking what it is and how to do it!
@nigelssongs, this isn't flat picking if that is what you mean?
I know, there is something called flat picking that's what I mean.@@acousticguitarlessons
@@nigelssongs, cool, gotcha :)
👏👍🙋♂️🇮🇪🎸
Glad you liked the video Francis :)
@@acousticguitarlessons Thank you...
@@francismaloney8775 you are very welcome :)
What about the D chord?
@bobanpen1, you could apply a 4, 3, 4, 3 or 4, 3, 5, 3 bass pattern.
Alternatively, you could use the root 5 or root 6 D bar chord and apply the appropriate bass pattern :)
"If Carlsburg did guitar lessons "to ,you know the rest
Glad you like the video Jacko! :)
as an aside, I've always liked dear prudence over blackbird, but I was more of a lennon fan anyhow
Dear Prudence is a great song! :)
What about the 5 chord???
Hi John. In what context are you speaking?
a worn aussie Maton guitar and jazz in the bookshelf -- obviously someone who follows real talent instead of just guitar basics or pop
Ha, yes! The Maton has seen some action and travelled some miles, that's for sure :)
Peter Piper Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers...Just saying! 😉
OK?
Is that a question John? :)
@@acousticguitarlessons No. It is a hint.
@@johnshaw7328 You've got me??
Picking bass notes with my thumb coming along really well.
🤗
Stick a Dunlop pick on my thumb for the Travis style , appallingly bad.
( I’m driving My Lady Wife to despair with just the picking bass notes practice , I’ve had to lock myself away in the spare bedroom.)
🫣
@ReXo31BbeaT, ha ha! Yes, partners and loved ones do have to put up with a bit regarding our practice :)
I've never really liked the Dunlop Thumbpicks.
They protrude too far out from the thumb for me.
I prefer the Fred Kelly thumbpicks (Bumblebees).
Have you tried those?
@@acousticguitarlessons no not yet.
I knew I had a Dunlop kicking around in the bag & rember buying it because Tommy Emmanuel uses them.
That’s as far as I got at that time.
I will have a look see at your option & let you know how I get on.
🤗
Standard light all the way up to large x heavy.
I’m using large Dunlop what do you suggest ?
@@ReXo31BbeaT if you are referring to the Bumble Bee picks, I like the heavy. I have both the jazz pick and tear drop ones.
Good lesson but too much yapping. Not enough actual playing of songs or chords.
@benjaminsmith-ql6tl, glad you liked the lesson despite the yapping :)
You give to much information for a nitwit like me who is 57 and learning only now.
Please... just tell what the pattern is....👍
Ha ha, I hope the pattern was useful once I finally got to it Peter :)
SOOOOO much talking.
There's a bit to explain :)
It is really annoying to see this alternate bass line being called a "Travis pick", after Merle Travis, its so-called inventor, when should you ever go on-line to "Freight Train" by Elizabeth Cotton, you will see she is playing this bass line before Merle Travis was even born, and doing it on a upside-down guitar without changing the strings.
Hi Anthony. Merle Travis was born and well into his career when Elizabeth Cotton recorded Freight Train. She did write it as a teenager though, so I get your point, but I think you'll find Merle Travis developed the style much more extensively than Elizabeth Cotton, despite whoever did it first, as great as her recording of Freight Train is and as much of a pioneer that she was
You dropped tons of theory and variation before even showing the pattern itself slowly. :) it’s like you’re revealing complete chemical theory of carbon in quantum physics to show how to draw a line with pencil. Useless approach.
Ah, a visual learner :)
For this learning style, concepts explained verbally don’t work and you’ll do better going to the demonstration right off the bat (just scroll through the video).
Many other learning styles work the opposite way around.
It’s good to be clear on what works for you :)
More playing, less talking .
Yes, I do tend to talk a bit :)
Sometimes some videos require me talk a little more but I take your point :)
Lol i bet you still can not play it
Guaranteed you are trash at everything you've ever tried 👍
Same goes to you