My Long Journey to Learn This DIFFICULT Guitar Technique

Join Guitar Super System today: guitarsupersystem.com
Stream my debut album Lotus on Spotify: spoti.fi/40kR5x2
Stream my debut album Lotus on Apple Music: apple.co/476OXuP
Follow on Instagram: / musiciswin
Follow on Facebook: / musiciswin
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - I failed learning Jeff Daniels' technique before
1:04 - My background of fingerpicking
1:45 - The Thumb pick and Travis Picking basics
2:30 - Starting from the bottom
3:30 - A small breakthrough
4:10 - The secret to learning ANY guitar technique
5:40 - I'm tired of being a Travis poser
6:33 - The real joy of learning an instrument
7:10 - "It's okay. You don't have to be any good."
8:01 - A very special guitar might help me
8:40 - The results of my practice

[@madeline906]

"Why do we always go faster when we don't have it even close?" Felt that

[@bldallas]

Please invite Jeff to join you for an interview and jam session. I’d really love to see you two talk thru this. Great stuff.

[@thomasgoude8800]

YES! PLEASE

[@tsunami6082]

@@thomasgoude8800 And Jim Carrey

[@chingrimungrei]

Oh yeah

[@dreel1981]

DO it.

[@brookwood570]

Make this happen, please

[@Tonicwine999]

Really cool to watch you learn this process from start to finish showing all the mistakes and tips on learning something so difficult.

[@escargotomy]

Travis "poser" here. I started playing guitar at 15 years old in 1983. Within the first 6 months I got a hold of the Tab for "Dust In The Wind" and couldn't figure out why what I was doing didn't sound like the record. A little later than that I tried picking out Lindsey Buckingham licks from their hits and wondered why what I was doing didn't sound like the record when I could actually play the into to "The Trees" by Rush and it sounded just like the record. 40 years later, I still play Dust In The Wind and Rhianon all wrong but The Trees sounds perfect. But as Mr. Daniels says, " it's OK ...you don't have to be any good". Thank you Mr. Daniels! PS: loved ya in Gettysburg!

[@shanealan2995]

Rush rules man

[@dewardroy6531]

Yes, my brother! It’s all about the little victories. The little victories are the ones that make me smile, and it’s all about the journey.

[@DavidPerry-ui2qz]

Travis picking is truly next level and took me years and years to get to a point where the flow is completely natural. Keep working Tyler, you’re getting it. 🤘🎸🤘

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

The best way to learn finger picking? Lose as many picks as I do, you’ll have no choice 😂

[@bezalel5081]

And stay away from table saws……. Just in case that penchant for losing picks insists on following you🫠

[@kevincooreman]

If you're completely new to fingerpicking start by choosing something with a pattern that repeats throughout the song. Preferably something fairly simple 😅. Cause then you only have to learn 1 pattern and just add cords. Once you've picked a song. Start by learning the pattern on a single cord. You could do it without holding a cord, but then it doesn't sound as good. Once you've mastered the pattern on a single cord you can start trying to switch between cords and even adding embellishments. Hope this helps

[@danielshultz8008]

Same here ... 😅😂

[@Blinkerd00d]

That's 100% dead ass.... I struggle to use a pick now lol

[@JohnnyApp1eseed]

I so relate to the part where you go off on some tangent trying things as your attempting to learn something. “Stay focused” lol You end up hearing something good and then you start playing around with it, totally forgetting what you were doing. I can go off doing that for hours

[@KDMusic62]

Thanks for showing us the struggle!

[@I.M.Guitar-Nerd]

Try swapping out that BlackMountian pick for a fitted Dunlop, I really like my BlackMountian picks but they are not the same as a one piece that you mold to fit your thumb. It might be the difference that your missing.

[@freesk8]

So cool to see your learning process! :)

[@KRColson]

You are amazing Tyler! I so enjoy watching and learning from your videos. Cheers.

[@BradColemanisHere]

I love that you did this. It's a beautiful song and I love that you showed everyone how difficult a "simple" song can actually be, and sort of the hidden gem of what makes it great. If Jeff is ever in Nashville, have him stop by and say hello! I'd love to hear more about just guitar stuff from him.

[@rick49]

Bravo! Another great piece of work.

[@95somun]

This is what i love about playing an instrument. Travis picking for me came very naturally, but still there is a ton of stuff i have yet to learn. Good luck, I would gladly show you what i cinsider the easy way to learn this!

[@slide8570]

I liked this episode, well, honestly I like them all. I also liked that you had a Jeff Beck album on your shelf! That guy was one of my "Guitar Hero's"! I started with a thumb pick, and now I can't stand them! Keep on playing and sharing Bro!

[@ajrocker1353]

Luckily my uncle taught me to play kinda muted while i am watching tv for muscle memory, so i learned it early on but a lot of other things being mostly self taught I'm still playing catch up on. Also having a guitar in every room of the house is the best practice guarantee (if you have enough guitars) or just next to somewhere you often sit other than your room helps a ton

[@musicallyinclined6588]

What an awesome video! I particularly love how the sequence clearly demonstrates beyond a shadow of a doubt that the key to sounding great is to get hold of the right equipment above all else.....gear trumps practice every time 😅

[@weets69]

Tyler nailed in his practice quote, why do we start going faster when we don’t have it close. Damn that’s me. I do this all the time, then get frustrated and stop trying. Reflection is key🤘

[@mjkcomposer]

the air guitar method of practicing is so damn useful. im naturally as fidgety person so its my go to stim. the best part is it really does train your muscle memory like you said. i

[@KellySharkey-ir4tc]

Totally loved the video

[@user-tg6uw3xz7b]

I needed this video. Trying to learn Ocean by John Butler and keep procrastinating. Must practise more.....

[@deano572]

Great follow up video, dang near got me to try that one but I’m still working on Funk 49

[@dalonergan]

Really well done

[@SZG65]

This may be noteworthy... I find this one of the BESTEST videos for compilation of information and production inclusions. I am kind of at a similar level of finger-picking, so it really hits the LIKE button on me. ¡?¡

[@JohnnyApp1eseed]

Sounds good bro 👍 I was just learning a rush song I never hear until today (rivendall)(easy btw) but this inspired me to learn Jeff’s song after seeing your yt short. Thankfully I Travis pick a lot so I’m picking it up kinda quick. But still gonna be a wile before I catch all the nuances.

[@DonBeckett]

I'm inspired too. Thanks!❤

[@Gargamore]

Not gonna lie this video inspired me probably more than it should have haha thanks Tyler :)

[@naskivik]

your heart is pumpin

[@stereoroid]

Another fingerpicking legend is Alex deGrassi, especially in his altered tunings - well worth checking out.

[@ethansc]

I first learned Travis picking for Angeles by Elliott Smith, took me probably a week of going slow to get it up to speed and it’s still my favorite song to play. He’s got some great songs that help get the chops down for different rhythms

[@amin4993]

People already loved Jeff Daniels for his silly comedy, wise dramatic acting, and now this? What a gem.

[@josephcovino9697]

Good video. And good effort by you! Though I still don't have any big desire to do this kind of picking, I've got one of those thumb picks in my guitar case for years and I think I'll take it out and give it a try this week. Like you I'm a procrastinator also, heck I didn't even get a birth mark until I was 7. 😊 JOE.

[@JJgeetarisst]

Travis picking, or just finger picking in general, is always something I’ve had a love/hate relationship with. I’ve always gravitated towards playing with my fingers when playing acoustic, but even after almost 20 years of playing I’m still not particularly good at it. I can get by, I’ve written a couple songs with fingerpicking, but it just never really clicked with me. Besides the physical coordination it takes to do the biggest obstacle for me was always the timing. Figuring out the rhythm of parts that are finger picked (knowing where the beats land, and then practicing to a metronome) can go a long way.

[@MikeB12800]

Just got a Taylor GS mini, guitar is awesome!!!!

[@JumboJimbo015]

I’m no master, but I learned the basics of fingerpicking, because I loved Jerry Reed’s songs so much. If you think Jeff Daniel’s song is hard, that barely scratching the surface. It’s good to break out of your comfort zone, when learning new techniques.

[@realbigsquid]

I've been learning Travis picking. I had shoulder surgery on my left arm and can't play two handed for a few months. You gotta do the thumb without thinking, just do your thumb over and over and over until you get the muscle memory. I'm awesome at it now.

[@Fl4ppers]

There are about 3 or 4 types of thumb picks I've seen. There is the "plectrum clamped to your thumb" type, the loose and floppy brass type, the chunky stubby type thats like the bone in a nut, and those small pointy sharp little ones that I always missed the string with. The brass ones usually came in a set with finger ones here. The folkies used them sometimes.

[@benpowersguitar]

Jeff is awesome! You should get him on the channel.

[@jonaspereira007]

Entre dos aguas at the beggining, great song. Also, Jeff Daniels already played great 13 years ago.

[@DoU12Rock]

I recommend trying the Fred Kelly speed pick thumb pick. I struggled with using a thumb pick just too uncomfortable. But I decided to force myself to adjust to them plenty of people use them and so can I. Best decision I could have made. I got used to them and use them quite often, and when you want to just plain ole pick just put your index finger on it and go to town.

[@johnbohland]

Really enjoyed this video. For a perhaps easier Travis picking song, try John Prine's "Summer's End."

[@mercuryII]

"accidentally play it right" is very relatable! I suppose you just need to play it enough times it feels like you wrote it

[@AdamHarrisArts]

I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Like you, I felt a need to work on this song after I saw the clip from The Kelly Clarkson Show. I posted a short of my attempt, but I am still working on it because his playing style is a little different than other Travis Picking songs I have worked on.

[@GeorgeSharp-rv6ez]

I understand, drives me crazy until I figure something out. Jeff is really good for a "casual" player. As someone else stated, interview the man and have him show you how he plays. On another note, please do a thumb pick demo of various types, like your flat pick demo! Please loose the hybrid and give thumb picks a try. Great content as always, thank you!

[@elproff007]

A $15 clip on tuning device is enough magic for me. 🎸

[@jackgilchrist]

Nice going, Taylor... I mean Travis... I mean Tyler! 😉 Maybe try a different thumb pick. That thing looks bulky and uncomfortable. I'm not a big thumb pick guy myself, but when I have used them I find that a lightweight Dunlop or similar that fits my thumb well works best. I hardly know it's there after a few minutes. If need be you can put a plastic thumb pick in hot water to make it malleable, so you can adjust it to your thumb better. But often just getting the right size (small, medium or large) is enough.

[@midnightflyer7510]

I think an episode of Guitar Villains is in order with Jeff Daniels!

[@NashMusicStudios]

A tiny nuance thing that might help with your fingerpicking that I got from classical guitar is try to relax your wrist a little more into a slight arch. You look like you did it when you explained finger picking, but revert to a more anchored position when you play. Keep at it!

[@rufus_mcdufus]

The thing I still have trouble with is when you hammer on or pull-off so that the resulting note coincides with the next bass note. My brain has trouble coordinating them. It's used in Jansch-type folk a lot too.

[@ziggy4465]

Never knew he had his own signature model. I don’t use thumb picks either, but I also don’t play finger style that often either.

[@johncutie5769]

I used to be a metal guitarist and I ended up putting my instruments down for almost 10 years between college and my first jobs. A friend got me into fingerstyle playing and I had to start basically from the ground up because I had totally forgot how to play. Its an incredible style and feels more connected to me. Getting accustomed to the songs feels great, learning them feels great. I did the boom chick pattern while watching tv for a few days to get used to it while not thinking about it. You'll only ever have notes that line up with the boom chick and notes that don't, so pinches and alternate picks. Then what helps me a lot is just going though every permutation you think of when you learn a new pattern. Practice doing it with only your index finger, only your middle, etc. Practice it with index and middle, then with middle and ring, then with all three. Tabs are incredible useful there's so many notes happening at once, you need a tab. Take it ridiculously slow and laugh at how bad you are while you're learning it because there's no shame and some of these songs are so difficult they make good players sound like they just started. And then learn from the greats! Im using Brooks Robertson's tutorials, Tim Van Roy, etc learning songs I like and just having fun. Having fun is important too you learn better when you're enjoying it

[@JohnBiddleMusic]

It’s so funny what techniques are hard or easy for some. My dad first taught me guitar. His biggest influence was Gordon lightfoot and Travis style was most of what he played and one of the first techniques I learned. It comes naturally now, but I couldn’t sweep pick to my save my life

[@johnhopper1979]

Years ago some old country pickers at a tv station where I worked said throw away that pick boy..they would show me how it worked..great technique..give the claw a try fer fun ..Jerry Reed the goat imho

[@MDCapitanio]

Mike Dawes has an excelent travis picking lesson online... it's what got me going

[@Just_Drink]

If you’re looking for a new challenge, I think you should look at Take the Journey by Molly Tuttle. I think it’s a fun riff and solo even if it’s not good enough for a video lol. I’ve been trying it for years and still can’t nail the claw hammer guitar technique. I think you’ll like it!

[@whatevereyewant]

Green green rocky road is another one I have such a hard time wrapping my head around

[@HarlanHarvey76]

Jeff Daniels is a Legend

[@ArkaNC]

Maybe Freight Train by Elizabeth Cotten (T.E. or Chet Atkin version) would have been a much more easier song to pick to get the technique right. But kudos to you! Happy finger picking !

[@DenzelLim]

For me i didnt use a pick consistently until 2 years into my playing. I always fingerpicked everything before then.

[@joesmoke27]

I only use thumb (and finger) picks I think it gives me more ability than a normal pick for any genre

[@bldallas]

Funny, I’ve also never been a thumb pick guy. I’ve tried, and gave 3 or 4 different styles in my guitar tool box, but they either feel like they’re going to fall off, at no any moment, or they’re too tight and seem to cut off huge blood supply to the tip of my thumb. Steve Eagle uses those newer styled yellow picks connected to a black thumb wrap. I don’t recall the brand. Seems like a good idea, but they still feel weird to me.

[@steveking9081]

Great job Tyler!!! Now sing it.

[@MrHellfinger]

Timberline guitar, eh? One of my favorite childhood bands was named Timberline and even had a song on their album by the same name.

[@roygaber8659]

So Tyler, what was the final count of hours to learn this? You did well.

[@N7CAL]

There was a time when I wasn't into your videos . But lately they are great. Was it the bottle? (Too soon?) Love your editing and sound design. P.S. That dude needs to be caught and made to listen to Guitar Center licks for the entirety of a long jail sentence

Man I’d love to own a Martin. Surely Tyler can afford one.

[@nuthinbutlove]

Which thumb pick... Brand, etc? Thanks

[@rudolphcordon3017]

Hey Tyler, that outro song or track..is that one of your own creations?

[@MikeNevill3]

Tommy the cat on bass (the main riff ) i wanted to learn for ao long . So ine day i had enough and just slowed down the video to see. After a while i did get it . Ill never be Les. But uts close

[@jayethompson3414]

You probably shouldn’t look at Poncho and Lefty by Townes VanZandt from Heartworn Highways

[@ChrisCanMakeStuff]

Lol at "Just don't stop doing this" 🤣

[@bereanwarrior]

Maybe you need a Jeff Daniels plaque under your Jeff Beck one?

[@mcmac1272]

I’ve been playing guitar for over 35 years and I still can’t use a thumb pick🙄 I use hybrid picking instead and works for me most of the time

[@jayethompson3414]

Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen via Travis picking…I can do it, but it’s exhausting due to the odd time signature.

[@byah160]

Where’d the scar on your head come from? I missed that video.

[@greatrp]

You have to learn the songs one measure at a time. Over and over until it finally feels right. But when it does, your fingers dance on the strings.

[@stevenpalty2027]

I've been playing for 50 years, but when I watch Tommy Emmanuel I feel like using my guitars for firewood.

[@benjaminnewberry363]

Learned Travis Picking, had used a Thumb Pick while Playing Banjo, Lap Steel GTR so I didnt have to adjust, eventually stopped using the Thumb on GTR!

[@truthup4364]

Politely ask what model Timberline is that?!

[@frodeleirvik]

Good! And now you sing.

[@lt.reubenrozeyt5716]

So this is why we learn riffs, to play them on the signature guitar in the guitarstore.

[@JohnDeWeese-lq4pf]

I swear Jeff's pinky finger never leaves the guitar when he's Travis picking.

[@user-uo9cy2ep2h]

Me. I want Dos Jeffs. Daniels and Bridges cut an album together.

[@nickrouse8426]

Tyler: "For the guy who wants to sweep pick but can't sweep pick but I hit a pinch harmonic now and then and it sounds pretty cool." (Give or take) Me: "That's not you anymore bro. We took that long break and came back fresh and now we can hit like 2 different sweeps now and then and pinch harmonics are EASY!...F**k."

[@smokeynewton]

In that first clip Jeff is also using finger picks.

[@Bobyoudontneeemyname]

Im going through this right now lol

[@artyomloukashov636]

Tommy Emmanuel said it's just to learn how to make your thumb play independently from the other fingers. How hard can that be?

[@devilkillerthemonarchofhop7943]

I had a coworker call me Taylor for 13 years. My name is Tyler. He had to read my name tag to tell customers my actual name.

[@TylerJohnstonGuitar]

Man, the Taylor thing is annoying 😂 My great grandmother even called me that.

[@nobodynothing6551]

Your name is devilkillerthemonarchyofhop7943

[@Leo7G]

thumb pick

[@psychotronic_x]

Mediterranean sundance 👍

[@Alliedforces11]

Eric Johnson is a sick Travis picker. His acoustic instrumentals are a bi-otch to play.

[@Ghostguitars2]

Its Illegal To Be this Early

[@Clarckson811]

Please invite Tommy Emmanuel for interview. I think he is the best acoustic player.

[@williamhurrelbrink3324]

The vid length is 11:11… I’ve made my wish.

[@spook3420]

My most difficult journey is just learning guitar in general LOL, 4.5 months in wish me luck y'all

[@6stringMcgee]

Tyler what happened to ur head? Baseball? Miniature shark bite? The people deserve to know

[@slayinbass2396]

Time to learn Blind Blake police dog blues.

[@thomaswitch3357]

Flat picking alternately is way harder than any finger picking

[@Charles53412]

In the words of Paul Reid Smith: " The three most important things one needs to do to be a good guitar player is being able to play rhythm, harmony, and melody together. Otherwise you'll just be a mediocre player." Most don't continue learning, due to it being difficult, and now as Tyler has demonstrated, you know why!