Classic “Boom-Chick” Travis Picking
Now, let’s learn the classic sound of Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Tommy Emmanuel. This is one of the most fun things you can do on guitar in my opinion. Take a listen below and start learning this style as there is nothing else like it on guitar!
How to Travis Pick in the Vintage Styles of Merle, Chet, and Tommy
Step #1 The Bassline
Step #2 High E String Ping
Step #3 Moving Melody
It is so important you get the above sorted before moving on to the next steps. Remember to check out the TAB, slow the videos down, and watch multiple times if you need to.
Step #4 Doubling the Melody
Step #5 A Rich Chordal Pinch
Step #6 Adding More Groove
Step #7 Change of String
Keep taking your time with this lesson and keep having fun! Retrace the earlier steps for this technique if need be – it won’t take long, but it may make a big difference. If you are ready, let’s move on to the next section…
Step #8 Mixing Up Strings
Step #9 Adding Pull-Offs
Step #10 The Final Example
It took me many hours to get half-decent at this style. Be patient, work on it one step at a time, and you will get there! Most of all, enjoy the journey!
I wish I could do this but my pinkie is significantly shorter than my other fingers. I’ll have to go to one of the other lessons that is more doable for me. My small hands and very short pinkie get me so discouraged. (Yeah I know, Django Reinhardt 🥹
This lesson sounds so lively… I’m looking for what’s doable for me 😔
You could try using a capo further up the fretboard and using different fingers. E.g. Using the index, middle, and ring only. It means these fingers may have to jump around a little more but it’s a possibility. 🙂
the only problem I have with all the lessons is trying to read the tabs as I cant figure them out as no one seems to show how to read tabs.
Hi Gary, try this guide HERE for reading TAB.
thanks
It would be nice to have closed captioning for us with hearing issues.
I’ll have a look at how to get them turned on. Not sure why the option is not there. Will keep you updated on this.
Sorry Dan but I don’t seem to be able to access my content for Vimeo being in the way. Where am I going wrong?
Hi Liz, it was a glitch with Vimeo – they had a big and thankfully rare problem on their end which affected some users. It should be working okay now and it’s fine here. They said it’s fixed but please let me know if you have any more issues – we are monitoring it.