How to Travis Pick on Guitar

The "Travis pick" is a standard right-hand technique for finger style guitar. It depends on a steady alternating bass line. Becoming proficient with Travis pick will help you create a steady thumb rhythm for all of your finger style pieces.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar
• Practice

How to Travis Pick on Guitar

1. Finger a standard C chord.

2. Pluck the low C (5th string) with your thumb and the high E (1st string) with your middle finger at the same time. Hold that tone for one beat.

3. Pluck the low E (4th string) with your thumb. Hold that tone for a half beat.

4. Pluck the high C (2nd string) with your index finger. Hold that tone for a half beat.

5. Pluck the low C (5th string) again with your thumb. Hold it for a half beat.

6. Pluck the high E (1st string) again with your middle finger. Hold it for a half beat.

7. Pluck the low E (4th string) with your thumb again. Hold that tone for a half beat.

8. Pluck the low E (4th string) with your thumb again. Hold that tone for a half beat.

9. Repeat those four beats.

10. Practice until you can play that lick smoothly and repetitively.

11. Try different chords and different strings combinations once you can Travis pick the C chord comfortably

Tips & Warnings

• Practice emphasizing different melody notes as Travis picked songs often integrate the melody into the finger notes.
• Practice with different chords and moving around on different melody strings to alternate the sounds.