Travis Picking Rhythm II

The "Travis Picking Rhythm II" lesson picks up where we left off on part I. The rhythms are slightly more complicated and utilize a new shape. However, the shape here is similar. You will notice that we are playing the bass notes an octave higher than in the last lesson. I really like this shape as it helps to mix with a bass player better. Again this lesson is inspired by the Merle Travis style with constant alternating bass notes. It is imperative that you palm mute the picked bass notes and typically let the notes played with the finger ring out. I find that in practicing its always good to warm up by playing only the alternating bass notes to recall the muscle memory and then begin to add the higher notes. Please take note of the four different patterns used in this lesson. They can be mixed and matched to create many more possibilities.

Key: G
Chords: G7, C6, D6
Time Signature: 4/4
BPM: 105

Gear: Ibanez AS153>Wampler Ego Compressor>Vox AC15C1>Sennheiser e906>Presonus>Ableton Live

Scales for Soloing: While there is no soloing in this lesson try these scales to solo over the Jam track.

G Mixolydian Mode


G Bluesy Pentatonic with flexible third