Travis Finger Picking Pattern 2 – C Major / A minor
Outline
This lesson builds on the 4 string finger picking patterns learned in the previous videos.
The same picking pattern can be applied to both C Major and A minor and in this tutorial I expand to five and six string picking patterns.
Concepts
* Travis Picking
* Downbeats played with the thumb
* Offbeats played with fingers
* Roots and Fifths
Playing time: 5:18
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.
Finger Picking Pattern 1 in E Minor / G
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Finger Picking Pattern 2 in D Minor and F Major
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