Lesson Length: 5:18

Instructor: George Goodman

Concepts:
* Travis Picking
* Downbeats played with the thumb
* Offbeats played with fingers
* Roots and Fifths

George Goodman's Guitar and Harmonica Method

Takamine EG541SC
I am playing my black tak in this one.

This is a Takamine G Series EG541SC bought in North Carolina when I was playing in a band called Double Take.
Specs:
Top - Solid Spruce
Back - Nato
Sides - Nato
Finger Board - Rosewood
Electronics - TK40
Finish - Gloss Black
Check out more Takamine G Series Guitars

Pattern 2 - 5 String in C Major
Pictured below is pattern 2, 5 string picking pattern for C Major.

This pattern uses strings 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1.
Start by fretting C Major with the left hand.
The thumb is used for all bass notes which sound on the down beats on strings 5 and 4. Finger 1 will play string 3 and finger 2 will be used for strings 1 and 2. ( You could also use finger 3 for string 1 and finger 2 for string 2).
The pattern starts on beat 1 playing strings 5 and 1.
This is followed starting on beat 2 by the strings 4, 3, 5, 2, 4, 3. Then the pattern repeats.

Pattern 2 - 6 String in C Major
Let's expand the pattern now to include the 6th string

Start this exercise by first ensuring that you are playing the chord C/G - that is C Major with G in the bass.
The only change with this pattern from the previous is that we will play string 6 with the thumb on beat 3.
The sequence of strings starts with 5 and 1 together on beat 1 followed on beat 2 - 4 3 6 2 4 3.
51 4 3 6 2 4 3.

Pattern 2 - 5 String in A Minor
These same two patterns can be used with the chord A minor as well as many other chords.
Starting with the 5 string pattern:

Form the chord Am with your left hand.
Beat 1: strings 5 and 1 together - lasts for a quarter note or full beat
Starting on beat 2: strings 4 3 5 2 4 3 - each one lasts for an eighth note or half beat.

Pattern 2 - 6 String in A Minor
Looking at the 6 string pattern:

The difference here again is playing string 6 on beat 3.
Beat 1: strings 5 and 1 together - lasts for a quarter note or full beat
Starting on beat 2: strings 4 3 6 2 4 3 - each one lasts for an eighth note or half beat.

Now practice alternating between C and A minor.
Start with the 5 string picking pattern and play C for 2 bars and then A minor for two bars and repeat.
Then work out the 6 string picking pattern the same way.

Things To Work On
Start slowly and build up speed.

Ear Training - Keep practicing singing the root notes.