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!

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. :-)

A genius at his craft who a) is willing and b) is able to teach others?? What a brilliant person

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.)

GREAT LESSON!! They don't get much more better than this. He knows how to teach.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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!

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!

Thanks for the friendly comments, folks. Those of you who are obsessing with my curly string ends need another drink. ;-)

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!

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! 😃

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 think this is the best sounding acoustic guitar that you can hear on KZfaq

Dan, thanks so much for this - it's probably the clearest and best lesson on KZfaq for demonstrating how important the PATTERNS are in Travis picking. So much you can do with two or three solid patterns. Great stuff.

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!

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 KZfaq. It's a privilege to learn from a man of your exceptional talent.

This is the best guitar tutorial I’ve ever seen. Felt like a real lesson 👏🏻

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.

Wow, thank you, this was very helpful to me.

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!

This is the best lesson I've ever seen on Travis picking. The mystery is solved! I can actually do this! Thanks!

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.

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.

Finally... an ocean of videos... I happen across this lesson.

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.

After exploring all Google and KZfaq lessons about Travis picking..finally one real understandably and usefully lesson.You are a great teacher dude!

This is seriously the best description I've ever heard. Explained so easily. Thank you so very much.

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 !!!

A terrific instructor...one of the best I have witnessed on YT. Methodical, clear, soft-spoken, patient, and, humble.

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.

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!

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!

THE BEST Travis Picking instructional video on KZfaq!

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you

I feel like I just stumbled on a pot o gold. Absolutely fantastic instruction. A real gift from a sublime player!

67 years old and loving it - Thanks for the insight - I’m on 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.

Gotta love it when virtuoso extraordinaire Mr. Ross, says “It makes it a lil challenging”...gives us mere mortals a glimmer of hope 🙂

this is a really good lesson, showing all the angles of the fret and going over it slowly with individual picks works for me

What an amazing teacher!

Great lesson ! For those complaining it's too long etc, maybe they are too "advanced" for this. For me, it was perfect. It's like a teacher sitting in front of you teaching. Many thanks again for the effort, Don. Keep it up !

Hi Don, thanks so much for this wonderful lesson. I tried 2 others but you seem to build the Travis style in just the right way. Greatly appreciated. Love your guitar btw!

Thanks for teaching a 69 year old how to fingerpick ,,,travis style,,,,much appreciated,,,many thank ... Stormin

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!

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

Thanks so much for this video. We all love your music, and in addition, you're a great teacher who's easy to listen to and follow. We look forward to all of your videos, Don. Blessings.

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

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 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.

Best Travis picking lesson I've experienced, thank you.

Mate, that was a wicked lesson. You certainly have the gift of teaching.

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 !!!!!!!!

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!!!

This guy is a wizard! I can’t believe my fingers are doing this 😭 ty 🙏🙏

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

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

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.

One of the best guitar video on YT

Great organization, great voice, good sound... one of the best , easiest to follow finger style demos online... I have your album in my car Don and play it all the time!! Thanks for this!!!

Grazie, un docente come te, calmo e rilassato, mi ha insegnato quello che in anni non avevo capito, ancora grazie. Thanks, a teacher like you, calm and relaxed, taught me what I had not understood in years, thanks again.

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.

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 .

Thanks Don for breaking down this concept in such a way that your delivery of lesson is inspiring for us picker wannbes to succeed!

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.

Thank you for this tutorial…for the first time Travis Picking makes sense :) Very thankful for your detailed walk through of each string and the different chords!

I think I got it. Explained slowly enough and clear enough to get it. Thanks

Thank you for this excellent lesson. I really needed someone to break it right down for me! I wish comments by trolls would just delete themselves!

THis is my new favorite picking pattern! You rock, thank you!

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..

It’s your patience that makes the lesson work so well. Thank you so so much

Great lesson- its so nice to have such slow, clear instruction! Thank you!

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.

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.

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)

Great video. Thanks for posting. Much information and detail presented. I will have to return later for additional processing.

9 years old awesome teacher I would love to have a teacher like that

Thank you very much Don. Finally, I'm starting to get it. Your patience really helps

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 KZfaq great.

I've been playing for 7 years and still struggling with Travis picking. This lesson really enlightens me. Thank you!

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 KZfaq is even better with the available Slow Motion. It makes it so easy for an old man to see.

I've been playing 50 years and can play most things .l like your clarity, thanks and keep up the good work you can always learn something new.

FANTASTIC TEACHER relaxed and clear explanation lesson,and thank you

Intelligent, articulate, and clear. Good detail, good instructor. This guy is great.

You are an AMAZING TEACHER dear buddy - Absolutely fantastic. CONGRATS and THANK YOU very much indeed.

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.

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! :-)

Bob Ross teaches you how to paint...Don Ross teaches you how to play the guitar

I learnt of this lesson some years back and it helped me a lot. Todate, I keep referring my students for this particular lesson. I learnt how to teach travis picking pattern from you and now I'm comfortable teaching it besides playing.

I cannot imagine a lesson more perfectly done. Thank you so very much Mr.Ross...

Enjoyed every second of that video. Great teacher who really broke it down step by step. Thank you very much!

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!

Hands down, the best finger picking instruction I have found!

I really appreciate Mr. Ross's style of teaching. Thank You Mr. Ross I look forward to learning more from your teaching videos.