Folk Picking Patterns on the Ukulele

An attempt of a workshop by Floyd Blue

Hi folks. After having been forced a few times to show how I do my finger picking stuff and
constantly being reminded ;), here's an attempt to explain...

A few examples:
High & Down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGc80NYRCaA
Snowfall: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynlHvR7NAhQ
Murghi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVxdm_B6TQo
Sound examples for the thumb pickings, sub patterns and favourite patterns will be added later (or
shown on a meeting).

Basics
After playing this style for many years, I have recently learned the name. It is named Travis-Picking
after the musician Merle Travis.
The whole thing is based only on three different sub patterns, which can be combined randomly.
The middle finger is used for the a-string and the index finger is used for the e-string.
But at first the

Thumb picking
Important is, that the thumb picks quarter notes, precisely as a clockwork -> practise with
metronome!
Possible pickings are (1) on the same string and (2) alternating on g- and c-string.

(1) (2)
T T
T T T T T T

(1) (2)
T T T T T T
T T

Any combination is imaginable...

The Sub Patterns
are always two quarter pieces, combined as a pair in a whole 4/4 bar.

(a) M
I
T
T

(b) M
I
T
T

(c1) M (c2)
I
T T
T T

Try the thumb on a different string too...

My Favourite Patterns (4/4)

Favourite Pattern (I)

(Sub-Pattern a) (Sub-Pattern a)
M M
I I
T T
T T

Favourite Pattern (II)

(Sub-Pattern b) (Sub-Pattern c1)

M M
I
T T
T T

Favourite Pattern (III)

 (Sub-Pattern b) (Sub-Pattern a)
M M
I I
T T
T T

All patterns are possible with the thumb picking on just one string and many varieties with the
fingers are imaginable too, also with the ring finger. Thumb and fingers can be played at the same
time (pinch) or alternatingly.

Examples
As an example for simple, plucked song accompaniment, you could take "Brain Damage" of Pink
Floyd (Dark Side of the Moon). Favourite Pattern II would work nicely on this. A recording of the
song with the ukulele is planned.
The beginning of "High & Down" (Link above) is an example for an instrumental, based on
Favourite Pattern (II):

3 3 5 3 3
1 0 1
0 0 0 0 0
2 2 0 0 2

Prospect
Possibilities to develop the whole thing:
• Include melody.
• Include strummed chords.
• Hammerings, Pull Offs, Slides, Triller...

Epilog
It is best to try anything what comes to the mind. Experiments are welcome and anything is
allowed.
So, for now, have fun trying out this little workshop. Please let me know, how it works for you.
Email: floyd.blue@floydblue.com

(c) 2009, by Floyd Blue / Ralf Prangenberg