147 - 5 Picking Patterns that Changed Acoustic Guitar Forever

<p>Are you ready to learn some guitar history AND learn 5 awesome picking patterns? I'm covering these 5 picking patterns because they essentially transformed how we listen and play to the acoustic guitar.</p> <p>In this video, I'll introduce each picking pattern and explain it's origins. From there, you'll get an awesome example of what the picking pattern sounds like and who has continued to use and innovate on the original pattern.</p> <p>Also in this video, I'm featuring Halland Guitars in Livingston, Montana. This is an excellent builder who is making some seriously crafted acoustic guitars. Last but not least, I want to feature an Acoustic Tuesday viewer who is combining the spirit of heavy metal music with the sound of acoustic guitar.</p> <p>So, without further ado, let's dive right into the 5 picking patterns that changed acoustic guitar forever!</p> <p>Picking Pattern #5: The Carter Scratch</p> <p>While the Carter scratch is typically associated with Maybelle Carter of the Carter Family, it actually originated with Lesley Riddle. Using the thumb to predominantly play melodies, the Carter scratch was revolutionary in its day.</p> <p>Instead of being primarily a rhythm instrument, the Carter scratch allowed the guitar in folk and country music to become a melody instrument. Other names for the Carter scratch include the 'thumb brush' technique, the 'Carter lick,' and also the 'church lick.'</p> <p>Picking Pattern #4: Travis Picking</p> <p>Stemming from the Carteeer scratch, Travis picking gets its name from Merle Travis. You see, Merle Travis used an alternating thumb technique to drive the bass while the rest of his picking hand played a syncopated melody gets played on the higher strings.</p> <p>What's interesting is that Travis didn't necessarily invent Travis picking as we know it today. He often referred to his style of playing as "thumb picking", possibly because the only pick he used when playing was a banjo thumb pick, or "Muhlenberg picking", after his native Muhlenberg County,