The big problem with "travis picking" (he never used it)

Travis Picking is one of the most beneficial guitar patterns when beginning to play fingerstyle guitar. Whether you're a fan or Merle Travis, or have never heard of him, this pattern is one of the most affective techniques out there. But as a huge fan of Merle Travis, I've noticed over the years that the pattern most people call, "Travis Picking", bares very little resemblance to the way Merle Travis actually played guitar. I wanted to take a moment to talk about that today, and give you a little bit of insight into how he actually played, as it might be even MORE useful to the pattern floating around out there today.

Tab and slow play-along for Nine Pound Hammer linked below!
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ABOUT KYLE:
Kyle Orla is a Duluth-born folk musician who champions bygone tunes and instruments from the depression era. Kyle has a deep reverie for the vintage styles of playing guitar, and is constantly looking for new ways to create relevance for folks who feel the same.

Kyle is the sole-operator of K.O. StringWorks - offering education and restorations for vintage music and instruments - and co-owner with his wife of the Northerly School for Music.

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