Probably the best lesson I've ever watched - and I'm 60 years old. Don obviously has the 'chops', but doesn't try to impress beginners with his obvious talents. And frankly, this was pretty simple, even an old fart like me could follow along. I don't know if this is a style I'll ever embrace, but this was an awesome instruction video. Hands down - one of the best I've seen! Full of content and 'hands-on' lessons...
Don Ross loved you ever since I first heard you in guitar class back in 96 or so. Pretty sure every single Canadian guitar teacher secretly wanted to be you.
I’ve been playing guitar for almost twenty years. I am sitting here speechless... speechless and for the first time ever, after years of trying to figure how to play fingerstyle I’ve finally GOT IT! and as soon as I connected if the sixth string, the floodgates opened. In the last twenty minutes I’ve been hammering on the sixth and fifth strings, sliding and playing songs I’ve been trying to play for years... I can’t thank you enough for this. You’re an amazing teacher sir. Can’t wait to watch all of your videos and toss coin into the Patreon and most importantly spread the word about your channel.
This is an excellent lesson. I've played fingerstyle for decades, but never learned this pattern (I started on "The Lee Shore" and "Dust in the Wind" and don't play much country.) But this is probably the very best pattern to learn first and is very widely used in a wide variety of styles. For folks who want to know what's next, to continue where this lesson ends (and to start to get an idea what Leo K meant), I suggest these steps: 1) Learn a compatible pattern for the 5 root position chord shapes: C, A, G, E, and D. (In C, you move your 3rd finger every 2 beats. You've seen E and G, and A is like C. D is like A but omit the ring finger.) Learn to shift between chords (learn songs!) 2) Play the pattern two ways: stressing the downbeats on your thumb, versus stressing the middle and ring finger to get a more syncopated sound. (Find other ways too!) 3) AFTER you've really mastered the above and can do it in your sleep, change the picking order from (strings) 6-3-4-2-6-3-4-1 to 6-2-4-3-6-2-4-1 4) Learn patterns that instead of alternating all strings, that play two notes at the same time, like 6+3-rest-4-2-6+3-rest-4-1. This is almost identical to the original pattern, but the 3rd string is struck at the same time as the root, with nothing played in its normal time slot. A very small change that makes a very nice difference in the result. 5) ... and here's where Leo's message comes through: at each step, pay attention to the resulting sound, and as you evolve with LOTs of practice, learn to think about the sound rather than your fingers. When you start to get this going, you'll find you can think about the sound you want and your fingers will adjust, and you won't really know which finger you're using to play each note, you'll just know you're playing each note you want, right when you want it. You'll be able to flow between similar patterns without thinking fingers, but rather, PLAYING THE MUSIC that's in your head. At least, within a set of related fingering patterns. 6) Learn a completely new pattern and start these steps all over again, like I'm doing today! I suggest Dust in the Wind, which has a simple underlying pattern but adds a few nice nuances. You can start with just the simple pattern and everyone will recognize the song, and add the nuances as you can. Add enough new patterns and variations and bingo, you're Don or Leo! (OK, I skipped a few hundred steps there.)
I realize this is an "old" video but as an old guy just picking up the guitar and learning this technique it is new an fresh! Of all the Travis picking videos I have seen so far, this one is the most comprehensive and well taught out there! Thank you soooo much!
Don Ross -- the first time I ever heard of you was about 3 years ago, when my newphew (a Berklee graduate) told me to search Andy McKee and Tight Trite Night --- I saw your duet of that with McKee. I never imagined a guitarist could do those things. Now after watching and listening to your outstanding travis picking instruction, my respect goes to a whole new level. You're an incredible player--- yet also an exceptional teacher --- your virtuosity at both is indescribable. Of all of the travis picking lessons I've watched on here and on DVD's yours is by far the best. Your natural intelligence is clearly revealed here. I can't thank you enough for posting this lesson here on UA-cam. It's a privilege to learn from a man of your exceptional talent.
Hi Don, I've been playing for over 50 years. I can strum the hell out of a guitar, but I have never had the patience to learn how to fingerpick. After watching your tutorial I realized at 66 years old there is still hope for me. You're good!!! Thank you very much.
Don Ross is far more than a guitar teacher, he's the only person to have won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship twice and has around 16 solo records(Passion Sessions being my fav). When you have that strong of a resume you would think how you like to string your guitar wouldn't be an issue.
Finally, a wonderfully clear, methodical and usable explanation of the principles of Travis picking. I've learned more from this one video than all the others that I've watched. Kudos to the teacher. So many guitarists are really technically proficient but simply can't teach....and can't teach simply! Much appreciated. Thanks 👍
Thank you Don, you have such a great talent for teaching! There are not many, who can play so well, yet have the patience and clarity to take us back to the very basics and repeat the pattern several times. It has been very helpful!
You’re a natural born teacher! My first attempts at finger picking came from McCartney’s Mother Nature’s Son and Blackbird, much simpler forms. After 60 years I may not be your target student but I have kids in my life who can truly benefit from your patient tutoring. Well done, and thank you! 😃
Dan, thanks so much for this - it's probably the clearest and best lesson on UA-cam for demonstrating how important the PATTERNS are in Travis picking. So much you can do with two or three solid patterns. Great stuff.
Hi Don. Can't believe I found you! I recorded a load of your music directly from a radio show in Vancouver back in the early 90s! I have since lived in Spain for 15 yrs and am now back in my native Manchester, UK. I have never forgotten that cassette I probably still have somewhere - I wrote "Don Ross fingerstyle guitar" on it! Thanks for this video, I am taking up guitar again after failing and giving up too many times in the past. Your great teaching style is going to be a huge benefit for me! Cheers!
I've tried Travis picking on and off for years and never managed to nail it. Within a week of going through your video I'm finally Travis picking, and at a pretty fast rate too. Thank you Don,, you're the man!
Hey Don, I remember you well from your days with the St Veronica choir back in the 70s. You inspired me to try learning the guitar back then, but it didn’t stick. I retired in 2017 and gave it another try. It stuck! Now I’m addicted to playing everyday. Thanks, All the best!
I am a beginner at 49. Just started playing a month ago. Travis picking is the next thing I want to focus on. This is a fantastic video and didn’t make my eyes glass over. Thank you
Hi Don ,thank you ,very good video ...is an 11 years old video , I just now come across it ..but no matter, it is not long since I started practice the Travis fingerpicking ....the tutorial is simple and helpful .God bless you.
This video is one of the best one's on Travis picking I've seen on youtube. I'm a blind guitar player. I've always loved to listen to pickers like Dock Watson and have always wanted to try Travis picking. Don, thanks so much for telling exactly which finger goes on which string. So many videos that teach Travis style are to visual for someone who can't see the strings or what the teacher is doing. Your guitar is very good as well with wonderful tone. It sounds like maybe a martin d18, or maybe a d28. Thanks again for a great video and I'll enjoy getting better at finger style.
I use screen reading software on my computer which reads me the text on the screen. When I read the comments and I want to put up my own comment, I can easily find the edit box by either down arrowing and pressing enter, or I could just hit the letter e for edit then hit enter to comment.
From time to time among many, there is someone like Don Ross, who explains his teaching, crystal clear, he is the person who can save the student years of study.
You my friend are a very good teacher. I have fake finger picked for years but am now ready to take my time and discipline my self to learning proper regimented techniques... no cheating what so ever. I believe your eloquence on finger to string dynamics will help me accomplish my goal. Thank you!
Thanks for the learning pace and not going so fast, as many others do. 75 here and just getting into finger picking. Flat picked all my life, so a change, well for the right hand. Never dreamed a right thumb could cause so much grief.
Im doing 15 minutes a day of focused travis picking practise, broken up into 2.5 minute intervals, its crazy how quickly you can learn it if you force your brain into focusing solely on a task like that, try it out sir :)
Its not about the age man, its about the relaxation in your hands every time you try. The difficulty of the process needs to be accepted, but thats not the main point of practicing, you cannot start a task always telling yourself that what you are doing is so hard, so complicated... You have to remember always that music is for human joy.
Amazing lesson, Don. Always fun when I'm able to pick something up to better myself as a player. Especially when it is taught by someone who makes it seem so easy. Whilst Travis picking is something that takes time just like anything else, you've given me a great step in the right direction. I made some great notes, and spent about an hour pausing and working on things while switching between my Tele and my acoustic. Thank you, again. Your teaching method is second to none. I wish I could find an instructor like yourself locally for stuff like this.
Hi everyone. So many people are asking about the artificial nails on my picking hand. I buy kits that consist of pre-made artificial nails, glue and a file. There are a few different brands, including "Kiss" and "Nailene." The nails are too thin to be useful with only one glued on, so I double them up by gluing one on top of the other on my nail, for double thickness, then all is well. I can do my own nails (three of them) in 10 minutes. Going to the salon and getting them done makes for longer-lasting, more natural-looking results, but is expensive and a problem if you break one on the road as you spend a crazy amount of time in a foreign country hunting down a nail salon! :-)
Thank You, Don! FINALLY -- the gods sing out and the angels weep! -- someone who has all the qualities of a superb teacher: clarity, patience, foresight, and an understanding of how to explain things in a way that even my cat can grasp. I've been fingerpicking for years - well; really more of a strum & pick - but I never had anyone tell me how to do it confidently and economically. May all the blessings of the Buddha befall you! And thanks for the information on the artificial nails. I've been wanting to get away from steel fingerpicks for years, but didn't know anyone to ask about it.
As aSitarist for 40 years and always loved noodling on the guitar. This instruction is superb. So glad i stumbled on this. Thank you. Im looking forward to hrs of fun exploring this picking style. rare to find such clarity in instruction.
Don Ross I have to admit Don that initially I was annoyed by the strings then I reminded myself that we all have the right to personal expression. Now more than ever we need to be tolerant of differences and focus on what's important. You are a great guitarist and teacher. Peace
Don Ross I noticed your 1, 2 and 3 fingers appear to have false nails installed. How well do these stay on? I find regular finger picks to be a little clumsy and I can't grow my nails out.
It was 1999 or 2000 when i first heard Don Ross and Tommy Emmanuel in vinyl cassettes, in the album Fingerstyle, i instantly fell in love with fingerstyle playing!!! ... Thank you for opening this world to me!!!...God bless you guys!!!
Awesome man, you really set me up to learn finger picking, I've been playing rock and blues guitar for 28 yesrs, but never really got too much into finger style, now I will.
Many years ago I met a beautiful woman who forced me to listen to your gifted guitar playing. I picked up a guitar took lessons and I have just recently rediscovered your music . She’s long gone but my interest in playing guitar is still here . Take Care Don Ross .
Thank you, thank you, thank you. The best teaching on this I have seen. I feel like I can now learn to do this. I am willing to practice, but you have to know what it is you are doing and you show that very clearly. Thank you Don.
Der Mann ist nicht nur symphatisch sondern für mich als ,,blutigem" Anfänger ein toller Lehrer, der mich die ersten Schritte zum Travis Picking erfolgreich gehen liess.. . . . .Danke dafür !!!
I'm thirteen and I just started playing guitar but you made this super easy and fun and after an hour I was able to go really fast while doing this and switch chords quickly, too. Thanks!
Thankyou so much, as an aged beginner (67) (seems to be a common theme in this thread) took up guitar around a year ago when I bought myself an epiphone hummingbird which with a tusq saddle and nut and ebony pins added really has a lovely tone to it. I failed in my twenties when I had a guitar which needed molegrips to hold a chord so I was determined to get something playable this time. Anyway, I learnt to strum and change a few basic chords but sort of stagnated until after a while realised that strumming was fine but the guitarists I really enjoy are pickers. Tried a few tutorials but again stagnated until I saw this video. You have a great way of feeling patient but at the same time inspire progression. After about a week at an hour or so a day I can use all of the fingers at around 90 tempo at 4/bar on my Korg tuner/metronome for around 6 or 7 bars before I stumble. I have never made this kind of steady progression and still yearned for more before. I have now started subconsciously quietly practicing while watching tv or listening to the radio over the last couple of days I don't even have to look at my hands just quietly playing my guitar. So, slow but steady advancement, and it's really nice and calmingly enjoyable. Again thankyou. Really.
Love that lesson on picking! Don Ross is so cool, and he speaks slowly. He makes something quite complex, much easier with the tone of his voice, and clear explanation, for a beginner. It's a bit long, but I enjoy watching it over and over, weeks after weeks. And I grasp a few things each time, while practising. Thank you so much! -Pascal
Hi Don, you can tell from your lesson that you are an incredible guitarist. You are that good you don’t have to show off all the time just to prove it on your video. Your video is done really well. Clear, with all the important angles covered. And the pace is just perfect.Thank you for posting this great finger style lesson. Cheers Brent
Well, Don, I remember reading an interview with Chet Atkins some years (and years... and years) ago when he was asked if there was a "specific name' of the style of playing he did. He answered (my paraphrasing as I can't remember the exact quote), "Well, I call it Travis Picking because Merle Travis is the one who taught me how to do it." And yes, Merle DID indeed use only his thumb and one finger. Chet mostly just used two fingers. There are not many people that 1.) use three fingers (you and I and a few others) 2.) even Travis pick at all anymore. Thanks for teaching it and carrying on the tradition!
Thank you for this, I've watched alot of finger pick tutorials and this is the clearest instruction , and very friendly teaching style always helps too. Let's get too it!
Mr.Ross, hope you are safe and healthy during pandemic. I don’t read notes/music or own musical instruments. I been watching your Travis’s picking. And Damn you for being so good at teaching, I ordered my first ever guitar. Btw I’m 56 and multi tasking does not compute what little I have left on the brain cells. Thank you for inspiration..
Don, you're awesome! This is such a great lesson. I was able to follow along and pick up some speed. I'm not quite where you were at the end there, but I see how to get there, and I have a road map to layer on complexity. Your careful, patient explanations just work. Thank you!
You have no idea how much this has helped. I have been learning guitar for a short time but I don't enjoy or feel comfortable with strumming. I felt finger style was a better choice and your instruction is so clear and easy to follow. I really enjoyed this video. Thank you so much.
The absolute best and most effective way I've ever seen someone teach Travis Picking. You provided a great music theory background that actually was so helpful in explaining how to play the pick. Love this !!!!!!!!
Don, this is the best lesson on Travis picking. Ive been playing this video for three days and Im getting there. that third finger wants to do its own thing.
This is not a joke, to start. I had been watching a Mark Knopfler instructional guitar video and had tabbed to another application while it played in the background. When it ended, this video came on and ran for a few moments. My focus switched back from what I was reading to this man's voice and I thought to myself, "Wow, this is the Bob Ross of guitar instructors..." Only to read his name was Don Ross... Very pleasant voice, sir.
@G Kess A bad habit of making a sucking sound... really? So you want him to change how he talks so you are pleased? Come on, man. If you don't like how he talks, then don't watch his videos. Also, if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything.
Dear Don Ross, Thanks to you I'm now a fingerstyle guitar player. This video was so helpful, really helped me to get to know the basics of travis finger picking. Thanks so much! Greetings from Germany, Jens
Bob,came back from Vietnam in '68 and picked up a guitar and learnt some basic chords and have been playing basic ever since, always loved the idea of pickin' style music and somehow found your site. You gotta be the best teacher to learn with and I am stoked to the max man, Keep up the good work. I'll check your web site. Cheers Dhu Fish Jerki'n' George from Geraldton
These are the songs I practiced to get comfortable with Travis picking: April Come She Will - Simon and Garfunkel Going to California - Led Zeppelin Landslide - Fleetwood Mac The Boxer - Simon and Garfunkel Kathy's Song - Simon and Garfunkel Never Going Back Again - Fleetwood Mac (Save this one for last, trust me)
Im really grateful for this video. This gentleman Really takes his time and Spells everything out so it makes sense a your doing it Which makes it easier then trying to just mimic and keep up. This is the best tutorial I've seen yet. Thanks so much.
Fantastic Don, and thank you sir. Like John below, I'm 66 and this is precisely the Travis picking video I was looking for. And to have done this on UA-cam is even better with the available Slow Motion. It makes it so easy for an old man to see.
Thank you for this gift tutorial, Don Ross. You are a Titan of this art form who has shared so much more than your method with those of us who are struggling to master the intricacies of the guitar. You have deconstructed guitar picking for me like no other.
Thanks for this video. I am improving nicely. You are a master guitarist and a master teacher of your art. Thanks so much for your detailed method into the travis picking pattern. This is great for people that goes beyond your personal interaction groups.
Don ,I so appreciate your methodical approach to teaching us slugs how to Travis pick. You have a gentle and patient way in your style of teaching that makes learning easier and fun to boot! Keep up the good work.
Hey man I actually had a question about that- what's Don using here (looks like some kind of onboard mic) and what do you recommend? I've just had a Baggs M1A installed and it sounds *amazing* amped, but still comes out tinny when recording. My friend just mikes his amp, but there has to be a better way- what are the electronics like Don's got here, where can you get them, and is anything more needed to get sound like this video other than what we see in his guitar and maybe a basic preamp?
Thank you so much. Your calm manner is just what I need to get my head (and fingers) around this. After trying this out and failing a couple of weeks ago, I went back today and gave it another shot and I managed it. Brilliant video.
Don, you're as great a teacher as you are a player. Your approach is calm, friendly and accessible for anyone at any level. Thank you so much for making it easy for even the most challenged student to learn guitar!
I woke up in the middle of the nite and watched this tried it cant wait to wake up and work pn it. Been struggling with travis picling for 26 yrs thank you
Probably the best lesson I've ever watched - and I'm 60 years old. Don obviously has the 'chops', but doesn't try to impress beginners with his obvious talents. And frankly, this was pretty simple, even an old fart like me could follow along. I don't know if this is a style I'll ever embrace, but this was an awesome instruction video. Hands down - one of the best I've seen! Full of content and 'hands-on' lessons...
OK folks. This video is 8 years old. I wasn't cutting my string ends much at the time. I tend to now. Hope everyone can let it go now. :-)
no
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Love you Don!
Very nice tutorial Don! Thanks!
Don Ross loved you ever since I first heard you in guitar class back in 96 or so. Pretty sure every single Canadian guitar teacher secretly wanted to be you.
I’ve been playing guitar for almost twenty years. I am sitting here speechless... speechless and for the first time ever, after years of trying to figure how to play fingerstyle I’ve finally GOT IT! and as soon as I connected if the sixth string, the floodgates opened. In the last twenty minutes I’ve been hammering on the sixth and fifth strings, sliding and playing songs I’ve been trying to play for years... I can’t thank you enough for this. You’re an amazing teacher sir. Can’t wait to watch all of your videos and toss coin into the Patreon and most importantly spread the word about your channel.
56 years old and starting to learn guitar. This video was awesome and I was making some music come out of my guitar! Thank you!
Justin Johnson also has a good video explaining finger picking that helped me out a lot. I wish you luck on your guitar journey.
@@michaelsmith9544 i agree. this has already helped me, and I just found this today.
Thanks 😊 appreciate your time and patience.
This is an excellent lesson. I've played fingerstyle for decades, but never learned this pattern (I started on "The Lee Shore" and "Dust in the Wind" and don't play much country.) But this is probably the very best pattern to learn first and is very widely used in a wide variety of styles.
For folks who want to know what's next, to continue where this lesson ends (and to start to get an idea what Leo K meant), I suggest these steps:
1) Learn a compatible pattern for the 5 root position chord shapes: C, A, G, E, and D. (In C, you move your 3rd finger every 2 beats. You've seen E and G, and A is like C. D is like A but omit the ring finger.) Learn to shift between chords (learn songs!)
2) Play the pattern two ways: stressing the downbeats on your thumb, versus stressing the middle and ring finger to get a more syncopated sound. (Find other ways too!)
3) AFTER you've really mastered the above and can do it in your sleep, change the picking order from (strings) 6-3-4-2-6-3-4-1 to 6-2-4-3-6-2-4-1
4) Learn patterns that instead of alternating all strings, that play two notes at the same time, like 6+3-rest-4-2-6+3-rest-4-1. This is almost identical to the original pattern, but the 3rd string is struck at the same time as the root, with nothing played in its normal time slot. A very small change that makes a very nice difference in the result.
5) ... and here's where Leo's message comes through: at each step, pay attention to the resulting sound, and as you evolve with LOTs of practice, learn to think about the sound rather than your fingers. When you start to get this going, you'll find you can think about the sound you want and your fingers will adjust, and you won't really know which finger you're using to play each note, you'll just know you're playing each note you want, right when you want it. You'll be able to flow between similar patterns without thinking fingers, but rather, PLAYING THE MUSIC that's in your head. At least, within a set of related fingering patterns.
6) Learn a completely new pattern and start these steps all over again, like I'm doing today! I suggest Dust in the Wind, which has a simple underlying pattern but adds a few nice nuances. You can start with just the simple pattern and everyone will recognize the song, and add the nuances as you can.
Add enough new patterns and variations and bingo, you're Don or Leo! (OK, I skipped a few hundred steps there.)
A genius at his craft who a) is willing and b) is able to teach others?? What a brilliant person
Yorkshire Dave How kind! Thank you.
What are those picks on your right hand fingers? Glued on??
@@rayvoith1344 Artificial nails, yes.
I realize this is an "old" video but as an old guy just picking up the guitar and learning this technique it is new an fresh! Of all the Travis picking videos I have seen so far, this one is the most comprehensive and well taught out there! Thank you soooo much!
Don Ross -- the first time I ever heard of you was about 3 years ago, when my newphew (a Berklee graduate) told me to search Andy McKee and Tight Trite Night --- I saw your duet of that with McKee. I never imagined a guitarist could do those things.
Now after watching and listening to your outstanding travis picking instruction, my respect goes to a whole new level. You're an incredible player--- yet also an exceptional teacher --- your virtuosity at both is indescribable. Of all of the travis picking lessons I've watched on here and on DVD's yours is by far the best. Your natural intelligence is clearly revealed here.
I can't thank you enough for posting this lesson here on UA-cam. It's a privilege to learn from a man of your exceptional talent.
GREAT LESSON!! They don't get much more better than this. He knows how to teach.
Hi Don, I've been playing for over 50 years. I can strum the hell out of a guitar, but I have never had the patience to learn how to fingerpick. After watching your tutorial I realized at 66 years old there is still hope for me. You're good!!! Thank you very much.
I want
Don Ross is far more than a guitar teacher, he's the only person to have won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship twice and has around 16 solo records(Passion Sessions being my fav). When you have that strong of a resume you would think how you like to string your guitar wouldn't be an issue.
Don and Andy McKee and everyone else I've seen on that CandyRat record label, are incredible players. But Don and Andy just blow my mind.
@@fenderstratguy Micky blew me
Ohh wow!!! Congratulations Don!
Finally, a wonderfully clear, methodical and usable explanation of the principles of Travis picking. I've learned more from this one video than all the others that I've watched. Kudos to the teacher. So many guitarists are really technically proficient but simply can't teach....and can't teach simply! Much appreciated. Thanks 👍
Thank you Don, you have such a great talent for teaching! There are not many, who can play so well, yet have the patience and clarity to take us back to the very basics and repeat the pattern several times. It has been very helpful!
You’re a natural born teacher! My first attempts at finger picking came from McCartney’s Mother Nature’s Son and Blackbird, much simpler forms. After 60 years I may not be your target student but I have kids in my life who can truly benefit from your patient tutoring. Well done, and thank you! 😃
Dan, thanks so much for this - it's probably the clearest and best lesson on UA-cam for demonstrating how important the PATTERNS are in Travis picking. So much you can do with two or three solid patterns. Great stuff.
Hi Don. Can't believe I found you! I recorded a load of your music directly from a radio show in Vancouver back in the early 90s! I have since lived in Spain for 15 yrs and am now back in my native Manchester, UK. I have never forgotten that cassette I probably still have somewhere - I wrote "Don Ross fingerstyle guitar" on it! Thanks for this video, I am taking up guitar again after failing and giving up too many times in the past. Your great teaching style is going to be a huge benefit for me! Cheers!
I've tried Travis picking on and off for years and never managed to nail it. Within a week of going through your video I'm finally Travis picking, and at a pretty fast rate too. Thank you Don,, you're the man!
Nice to hear. Sorry it took me so long to say so!
Best beginner fingerpicking vid yet, the complainers are those who have learned just enough to impress at a party and think they are pros,Thank you.
Wow... this is a hidden gem on YT. Hands down the best picking video I've seen amongst many I've seen- truly a gem here
Hey Don, I remember you well from your days with the St Veronica choir back in the 70s. You inspired me to try learning the guitar back then, but it didn’t stick. I retired in 2017 and gave it another try. It stuck! Now I’m addicted to playing everyday. Thanks, All the best!
This is seriously the best description I've ever heard. Explained so easily. Thank you so very much.
I am a beginner at 49. Just started playing a month ago. Travis picking is the next thing I want to focus on. This is a fantastic video and didn’t make my eyes glass over. Thank you
After exploring all Google and UA-cam lessons about Travis picking..finally one real understandably and usefully lesson.You are a great teacher dude!
Hi Don ,thank you ,very good video ...is an 11 years old video , I just now come across it ..but no matter, it is not long since I started practice the Travis fingerpicking ....the tutorial is simple and helpful .God bless you.
This video is one of the best one's on Travis picking I've seen on youtube. I'm a blind guitar player. I've always loved to listen to pickers like Dock Watson and have always wanted to try Travis picking. Don, thanks so much for telling exactly which finger goes on which string. So many videos that teach Travis style are to visual for someone who can't see the strings or what the teacher is doing. Your guitar is very good as well with wonderful tone. It sounds like maybe a martin d18, or maybe a d28. Thanks again for a great video and I'll enjoy getting better at finger style.
We are so glad this video worked well for you Joshua!
How did you figure out where to leave a comment?
I use screen reading software on my computer which reads me the text on the screen. When I read the comments and I want to put up my own comment, I can easily find the edit box by either down arrowing and pressing enter, or I could just hit the letter e for edit then hit enter to comment.
From time to time among many, there is someone like Don Ross, who explains his teaching, crystal clear, he is the person who can save the student years of study.
You my friend are a very good teacher. I have fake finger picked for years but am now ready to take my time and discipline my self to learning proper regimented techniques... no cheating what so ever. I believe your eloquence on finger to string dynamics will help me accomplish my goal. Thank you!
This is such an A+ Guitar Training video 👍
Thanks for the learning pace and not going so fast, as many others do. 75 here and just getting into finger picking. Flat picked all my life, so a change, well for the right hand. Never dreamed a right thumb could cause so much grief.
Im doing 15 minutes a day of focused travis picking practise, broken up into 2.5 minute intervals, its crazy how quickly you can learn it if you force your brain into focusing solely on a task like that, try it out sir :)
ua-cam.com/video/V_Aq5JBSuuU/v-deo.html
Its not about the age man, its about the relaxation in your hands every time you try. The difficulty of the process needs to be accepted, but thats not the main point of practicing, you cannot start a task always telling yourself that what you are doing is so hard, so complicated... You have to remember always that music is for human joy.
Great teacher. Thanks for this.
Amazing lesson, Don. Always fun when I'm able to pick something up to better myself as a player. Especially when it is taught by someone who makes it seem so easy. Whilst Travis picking is something that takes time just like anything else, you've given me a great step in the right direction. I made some great notes, and spent about an hour pausing and working on things while switching between my Tele and my acoustic. Thank you, again. Your teaching method is second to none. I wish I could find an instructor like yourself locally for stuff like this.
Hi everyone. So many people are asking about the artificial nails on my picking hand. I buy kits that consist of pre-made artificial nails, glue and a file. There are a few different brands, including "Kiss" and "Nailene." The nails are too thin to be useful with only one glued on, so I double them up by gluing one on top of the other on my nail, for double thickness, then all is well. I can do my own nails (three of them) in 10 minutes. Going to the salon and getting them done makes for longer-lasting, more natural-looking results, but is expensive and a problem if you break one on the road as you spend a crazy amount of time in a foreign country hunting down a nail salon! :-)
+The Subscriber Beneteau
Thank You, Don! FINALLY -- the gods sing out and the angels weep! -- someone who has all the qualities of a superb teacher: clarity, patience, foresight, and an understanding of how to explain things in a way that even my cat can grasp. I've been fingerpicking for years - well; really more of a strum & pick - but I never had anyone tell me how to do it confidently and economically. May all the blessings of the Buddha befall you!
And thanks for the information on the artificial nails. I've been wanting to get away from steel fingerpicks for years, but didn't know anyone to ask about it.
Hi ! Can u please make a video showing all about how to put those artificial nails ?
I think this is the best sounding acoustic guitar that you can hear on UA-cam
Beneteau
I like the sound of it as well. is that a breedlove?
This is the best guitar tutorial I’ve ever seen. Felt like a real lesson 👏🏻
THE BEST Travis Picking instructional video on UA-cam!
As aSitarist for 40 years and always loved noodling on the guitar. This instruction is superb. So glad i stumbled on this. Thank you. Im looking forward to hrs of fun exploring this picking style. rare to find such clarity in instruction.
Thanks for the friendly comments, folks. Those of you who are obsessing with my curly string ends need another drink. ;-)
I do the same things with my strings.
May I ask why you don't?
Don Ross hey don is the only way to purchase those lessons you have for fingerstyle on jamplay is to subscribe and be a member?
Don Ross I have to admit Don that initially I was annoyed by the strings then I reminded myself that we all have the right to personal expression. Now more than ever we need to be tolerant of differences and focus on what's important. You are a great guitarist and teacher. Peace
Don Ross I noticed your 1, 2 and 3 fingers appear to have false nails installed. How well do these stay on? I find regular finger picks to be a little clumsy and I can't grow my nails out.
It was 1999 or 2000 when i first heard Don Ross and Tommy Emmanuel in vinyl cassettes, in the album Fingerstyle, i instantly fell in love with fingerstyle playing!!! ... Thank you for opening this world to me!!!...God bless you guys!!!
Awesome man, you really set me up to learn finger picking, I've been playing rock and blues guitar for 28 yesrs, but never really got too much into finger style, now I will.
Thanks for the class needed bad
Many years ago I met a beautiful woman who forced me to listen to your gifted guitar playing. I picked up a guitar took lessons and I have just recently rediscovered your music . She’s long gone but my interest in playing guitar is still here . Take Care Don Ross .
A terrific instructor...one of the best I have witnessed on YT. Methodical, clear, soft-spoken, patient, and, humble.
Glad you liked it! Thanks for the positive words! You can find more of Don's courses on our site: www.jamplay.com/guitar-teachers/107-don-ross
Thank you, thank you, thank you. The best teaching on this I have seen. I feel like I can now learn to do this. I am willing to practice, but you have to know what it is you are doing and you show that very clearly. Thank you Don.
Don, you have a very calming demeanor which makes it easy to focus on your fingers and what you're saying. I've learned that lesson easily. Thank you!
Finally... an ocean of videos... I happen across this lesson.
Der Mann ist nicht nur symphatisch sondern für mich als ,,blutigem" Anfänger ein toller Lehrer, der mich die ersten Schritte zum Travis Picking erfolgreich gehen liess.. . . . .Danke dafür !!!
I'm thirteen and I just started playing guitar but you made this super easy and fun and after an hour I was able to go really fast while doing this and switch chords quickly, too. Thanks!
A very clear lesson of picking! Thanks
This is the best lesson I've ever seen on Travis picking. The mystery is solved! I can actually do this! Thanks!
Thankyou so much, as an aged beginner (67) (seems to be a common theme in this thread) took up guitar around a year ago when I bought myself an epiphone hummingbird which with a tusq saddle and nut and ebony pins added really has a lovely tone to it. I failed in my twenties when I had a guitar which needed molegrips to hold a chord so I was determined to get something playable this time. Anyway, I learnt to strum and change a few basic chords but sort of stagnated until after a while realised that strumming was fine but the guitarists I really enjoy are pickers. Tried a few tutorials but again stagnated until I saw this video. You have a great way of feeling patient but at the same time inspire progression. After about a week at an hour or so a day I can use all of the fingers at around 90 tempo at 4/bar on my Korg tuner/metronome for around 6 or 7 bars before I stumble. I have never made this kind of steady progression and still yearned for more before. I have now started subconsciously quietly practicing while watching tv or listening to the radio over the last couple of days I don't even have to look at my hands just quietly playing my guitar. So, slow but steady advancement, and it's really nice and calmingly enjoyable.
Again thankyou. Really.
Mate, that was a wicked lesson. You certainly have the gift of teaching.
I like the press on nails, my wife hates it that I grow my nails a little long. You are a much better teacher than I could ever be. I salute you sir.
Love that lesson on picking! Don Ross is so cool, and he speaks slowly. He makes something quite complex, much easier with the tone of his voice, and clear explanation, for a beginner. It's a bit long, but I enjoy watching it over and over, weeks after weeks. And I grasp a few things each time, while practising. Thank you so much!
-Pascal
Thank you your an awesome teacher
Hi Don, you can tell from your lesson that you are an incredible guitarist. You are that good you don’t have to show off all the time just to prove it on your video. Your video is done really well. Clear, with all the important angles covered. And the pace is just perfect.Thank you for posting this great finger style lesson. Cheers Brent
Hands down, the best finger picking instruction I have found!
Thanks for teaching a 69 year old how to fingerpick ,,,travis style,,,,much appreciated,,,many thank ...
Stormin
Nice
S t o r m i n
I'm seventy and got a channel here. lol :-)
Ron
Agreed, I'm 68 ;)
nice
Well, Don, I remember reading an interview with Chet Atkins some years (and years... and years) ago when he was asked if there was a "specific name' of the style of playing he did. He answered (my paraphrasing as I can't remember the exact quote), "Well, I call it Travis Picking because Merle Travis is the one who taught me how to do it." And yes, Merle DID indeed use only his thumb and one finger. Chet mostly just used two fingers. There are not many people that 1.) use three fingers (you and I and a few others) 2.) even Travis pick at all anymore. Thanks for teaching it and carrying on the tradition!
Thank you for this, I've watched alot of finger pick tutorials and this is the clearest instruction , and very friendly teaching style always helps too. Let's get too it!
Mr.Ross, hope you are safe and healthy during pandemic. I don’t read notes/music or own musical instruments. I been watching your Travis’s picking. And Damn you for being so good at teaching, I ordered my first ever guitar. Btw I’m 56 and multi tasking does not compute what little I have left on the brain cells. Thank you for inspiration..
Don, you're awesome! This is such a great lesson. I was able to follow along and pick up some speed. I'm not quite where you were at the end there, but I see how to get there, and I have a road map to layer on complexity. Your careful, patient explanations just work. Thank you!
You have no idea how much this has helped. I have been learning guitar for a short time but I don't enjoy or feel comfortable with strumming. I felt finger style was a better choice and your instruction is so clear and easy to follow. I really enjoyed this video. Thank you so much.
One of the best guitar video on YT
The absolute best and most effective way I've ever seen someone teach Travis Picking. You provided a great music theory background that actually was so helpful in explaining how to play the pick. Love this !!!!!!!!
this is a really good lesson, showing all the angles of the fret and going over it slowly with individual picks works for me
Don, this is the best lesson on Travis picking. Ive been playing this video for three days and Im getting there. that third finger wants to do its own thing.
I feel like I just stumbled on a pot o gold. Absolutely fantastic instruction. A real gift from a sublime player!
This is not a joke, to start. I had been watching a Mark Knopfler instructional guitar video and had tabbed to another application while it played in the background. When it ended, this video came on and ran for a few moments. My focus switched back from what I was reading to this man's voice and I thought to myself, "Wow, this is the Bob Ross of guitar instructors..." Only to read his name was Don Ross... Very pleasant voice, sir.
It’s your patience that makes the lesson work so well. Thank you so so much
67 years old and loving it - Thanks for the insight - I’m on it! 🎸
Intelligent, articulate, and clear. Good detail, good instructor. This guy is great.
He has a bad habit of making a sucking sound when he talks.
@G Kess
A bad habit of making a sucking sound... really?
So you want him to change how he talks so you are pleased? Come on, man.
If you don't like how he talks, then don't watch his videos. Also, if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything.
Dear Don Ross,
Thanks to you I'm now a fingerstyle
guitar player. This video was so helpful, really helped me to get to know the basics of travis finger picking.
Thanks so much!
Greetings from Germany,
Jens
What an amazing teacher!
Bob,came back from Vietnam in '68 and picked up a guitar and learnt some basic chords and have been playing basic ever since, always loved the idea of pickin' style music and somehow found your site.
You gotta be the best teacher to learn with and I am stoked to the max man, Keep up the good work.
I'll check your web site. Cheers Dhu Fish Jerki'n' George from Geraldton
Best Travis picking lesson I've experienced, thank you.
Watch Tim Lerch's Travis picking video. He cuts the talking and covers the more distinctive Travis licks.
I am a beginner and have been working on drilling this over two weeks. Fantastic! Thank you. Best instructional video I have found
These are the songs I practiced to get comfortable with Travis picking:
April Come She Will - Simon and Garfunkel
Going to California - Led Zeppelin
Landslide - Fleetwood Mac
The Boxer - Simon and Garfunkel
Kathy's Song - Simon and Garfunkel
Never Going Back Again - Fleetwood Mac (Save this one for last, trust me)
Thanks for some extra info on good music to help improve
Don"t forget Dust in the Wind!
Classical Gas
This is the absolute best lesson I have ever seen on the web
That's awesome! You can find more of his courses on our site: www.jamplay.com/guitar-teachers/107-don-ross
Saw this comment first got me excited.
Bob Ross teaches you how to paint...Don Ross teaches you how to play the guitar
Cool ha
Providing a modicum of bogus information in the process.
@@TheRealJanKafka modicum nice
It's now in attendance to my condescending words dictionary
Bob Ross teaches you how to glue plastic nails on your fingertips.
And Diana Ross taught singers how to steal the limelight and be selfish on stage.
Im really grateful for this video. This gentleman Really takes his time and Spells everything out so it makes sense a your doing it Which makes it easier then trying to just mimic and keep up. This is the best tutorial I've seen yet. Thanks so much.
Glad it helped! You can find more of his courses on our site: www.jamplay.com/guitar-teachers/107-don-ross
I've been playing for 7 years and still struggling with Travis picking. This lesson really enlightens me. Thank you!
GuitarCailuong its all about the thumb!!! Keep practicing! You got this!
Fantastic Don, and thank you sir. Like John below, I'm 66 and this is precisely the Travis picking video I was looking for. And to have done this on UA-cam is even better with the available Slow Motion. It makes it so easy for an old man to see.
Thanks Don for breaking down this concept in such a way that your delivery of lesson is inspiring for us picker wannbes to succeed!
Thanks teacher you are really Grate and some more videos 📹 are still requiring
Gotta love it when virtuoso extraordinaire Mr. Ross, says “It makes it a lil challenging”...gives us mere mortals a glimmer of hope 🙂
Are you a squirt boy?
Thank you for this gift tutorial, Don Ross. You are a Titan of this art form who has shared so much more than your method with those of us who are struggling to master the intricacies of the guitar. You have deconstructed guitar picking for me like no other.
I know this is old.. but thank you! Such a simple picking pattern that can be modified for almost any chord. This is what makes UA-cam great.
Thank you, this lesson has been so helpful as a starting point for me.
I am a rookie at guitar but I have a good understanding of teaching and learning. In my estimation Mr. Ross is real good at teaching.
Really excellent lesson. Thanks! 😀
Thanks for this video. I am improving nicely. You are a master guitarist and a master teacher of your art. Thanks so much for your detailed method into the travis picking pattern. This is great for people that goes beyond your personal interaction groups.
Don ,I so appreciate your methodical approach to teaching us slugs how to Travis pick. You have a gentle and patient way in your style of teaching that makes learning easier and fun to boot! Keep up the good work.
Great lesson- its so nice to have such slow, clear instruction! Thank you!
You are by far the best teacher I have seen . Thank you !
Finally an acoustic player that knows how to amplify his guitar properly. I'm so tired of all this terrible, tinny, acoustic pickup crap.
Great tone!
Hey man I actually had a question about that- what's Don using here (looks like some kind of onboard mic) and what do you recommend? I've just had a Baggs M1A installed and it sounds *amazing* amped, but still comes out tinny when recording. My friend just mikes his amp, but there has to be a better way- what are the electronics like Don's got here, where can you get them, and is anything more needed to get sound like this video other than what we see in his guitar and maybe a basic preamp?
+Jonathan Russell Music He's not just a player. He's Don Ross. Don Ross > Player.
True!
Jon Russell Music ii
jazzlehazzle 0
Mmmkm
Thank you so much. Your calm manner is just what I need to get my head (and fingers) around this. After trying this out and failing a couple of weeks ago, I went back today and gave it another shot and I managed it. Brilliant video.
I think I got it.
Explained slowly enough and clear enough to get it.
Thanks
Bravo ! Signore. Sei grande, da Vero. Grazie di cuore.
I love this lesson. Starts slow and easy. Please leave this lesson up forever because i think its going to take me a while
Don, you're as great a teacher as you are a player. Your approach is calm, friendly and accessible for anyone at any level. Thank you so much for making it easy for even the most challenged student to learn guitar!
I woke up in the middle of the nite and watched this tried it cant wait to wake up and work pn it. Been struggling with travis picling for 26 yrs thank you