Travis Picking, named after guitarist Merle Travis, is a foundational fingerpicking style used across a wide range of musical genres. It serves as the rhythmic and harmonic backbone in songs like Dust in the Wind (Kansas), Landslide (Fleetwood Mac), Freight Train (Elizabeth Cotten), Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right (Bob Dylan), Kathy’s Song and Homeward Bound (Simon & Garfunkel), to name just a few.
While there are countless variations, the essential pattern centers on a steady bass played on beats 1 and 3—typically by the thumb—while the index and middle fingers add rhythm and harmony. The style can become very complex by adding melody and moving bass lines. Listen to Leo Kottke for examples of a more advanced style.
My approach to learning Travis Picking builds ability by first establishing the bass in half notes followed by pairing strings 6/2 and 4/3. This pairing will set up the overall pattern and rhythm. Once that is established the completed accompaniment more consistent.
