A question about the Travis lesson (and all lessons)
I have just begun to study the Travis lesson. I have a fair amount of playing experience (about 15 years) but almost no studying-experience or guitar lessons...I am pretty much self-taught with some study of music theory along the way. I can now see via Youtube etc that much of my technique is adequate and functional at least. I guess the form and structure of the instrument sort of dictates how you interact with it. Anyway...
I play with a flatpick mostly or with some small amount of rhythmic fingerpicking when I can manage it. I have always wanted to be able to use a flatpick and fingers. I have also always wanted to be able to use a thumbpick. Now that I am embarking on this Travis adventure, would it be best to try to use a thumbpick (pretty much totally new ground for me) or stick with a flatpick and fingers (slightly more comfortable)? In other words...a bunch of new stuff at once or keep some of the familiar technique intact?
I play with a flatpick mostly or with some small amount of rhythmic fingerpicking when I can manage it. I have always wanted to be able to use a flatpick and fingers. I have also always wanted to be able to use a thumbpick. Now that I am embarking on this Travis adventure, would it be best to try to use a thumbpick (pretty much totally new ground for me) or stick with a flatpick and fingers (slightly more comfortable)? In other words...a bunch of new stuff at once or keep some of the familiar technique intact?
Comments
There is no "right" way. If you look at Lenny Breau, Django or Wes Montgomery they all play great music despite completely different picking hand techniques...
My observation - Because they committed to one way they mastered their approach. So, if you are on the fence - I suggest you try a thumbpick then try a hybrid (pick and fingers) approach and make a committed decision.
Me? I use hybrid and the Travis lesson demonstrates a hybrid technique ... I prefer hybrid because I can strum like Pete Townsend, flatpick jazz lines and fingerpick a Travis style without switching up. I also like choking up on the pick and getting some skin on the string for expressive passages.
But obviously all approaches have their advantages and disadvantages.
Anyway - I hope this helps and thanks for ordering the lesson. I hope you have fun learning it!