1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
e|-0---------------|
b|-1---------------|
g|-2---------------|
D|-2---------------|
A|-0---------------|
E|-0---------------|
This is the foundation of this technique. First you must develop a steady rhythm with the alternating bass notes, plucking them with your thumb. Pluck the Open A first and then the 2nd Fret on the D String.
At this point you should only be using your thumb plucking back and forth in a steady rhythm. It’s important that you get a rhythm of “1 and 2 and 3 and 4″, hitting the notes on the 1, 2, 3, 4; because as we add more notes the rhythm will be harder to keep.
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
e|-----------------|-----------------|
b|-----------------|-----------------|
g|-----------------|-----------------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----2-------2---|
A|-0-------0-------|-0-------0-------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|
This is called a pinch. As you pluck down on the A String with your thumb, you also pluck the 1st Fret of the B String with your middle finger.
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
e|-----------------|-----------------|
b|-1---------------|-1---------------|
g|-----------------|-----------------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----2-------2---|
A|-0-------0-------|-0-------0-------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|
Now here comes the fun part. We are going to add a note right between the alternating bass notes. Remember your rhythm should be the same. 1, 2, 3, 4 but there is an eighth note between the first 2 quarter beats, played with the index finger.
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
e|-----------------|-----------------|
b|-1---------------|-1---------------|
g|---2-------------|---2-------------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----2-------2---|
A|-0-------0-------|-0-------0-------|
E|-----------------|-----------------|
Now you just basically keep adding notes. So after you hit the second alternating bass note you put another note in before the 3rd bass note; all the while keeping the rhythm intact. It helps to count out loud or tap your foot, “1 and 2 and 2 and 4 and…”.
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
e|-----------------|------------------|
b|-1-----1---------|-1-----1----------|
g|---2-------------|---2--------------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----2-------2----|
A|-0-------0-------|-0-------0--------|
E|-----------------|------------------|
Again we are adding another note between the 3rd and the 4th beat. Keep in mind that the 2 lowest notes are plucked with the thumb, the G String notes are always plucked with the middle finger and the B String notes are always plucked with the Index finger.
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
e|-----------------|------------------|
b|-1-----1---------|-1-----1----------|
g|---2-------2-----|---2-------2------|
D|-----2-------2---|-----2-------2----|
A|-0-------0-------|-0-------0--------|
E|-----------------|------------------|
There you go. These are the basics of Travis Picking. The patterns and chord changes can get a lot more complex. The pinch and syncopation can change throughout a pattern and you can combine Travis Picking with other techniques such as hammer-ons to make it even more dynamic.
But most patterns follow this basic technique. I suggest just sticking with one pattern until you master it, then look around for other patterns and songs to play that utilise this technique.