Pop in C — alternating bass fingerstyle
The same C-G-Am-Em grid as the catalogue's basic fingerstyle version, but with an alternating bass: instead of repeating the same bass string on every beat, the thumb switches between two different strings, usually the chord's root and its fifth. This alternation, known as 'Travis picking', underlies the fingerstyle of a huge number of folk and pop songs: it gives a three-finger accompaniment a rhythmic foundation close to that of a bass guitar, even though only one instrument is playing.
Tips
Isolate the thumb's movement alone first, without the fingers, until switching between the two bass strings feels automatic and even.
Only add the index, middle and ring fingers on the treble strings once this foundation is solid: the thumb must stay steady even while the other fingers get active above it.
Slow down the moment the thumb hesitates between the two strings: that's a sign it's still consciously following the pattern rather than having absorbed it.
Understanding this type of exercise
C-G-Am-Em, alternating-bass fingerstyle
Same finger playing, but the thumb alternates between two bass strings instead of staying on one: the accompaniment becomes a steady bass walk under the pop loop. The thumb has to run on its own, without thinking, before you add the fingers on top.
Chord progression — C
Chords
The same exercise in other keys
Related sheets
- Pop in E — alternating bass fingerstyle (Level 5)
- Pop in F — alternating bass fingerstyle (Level 5)
- Pop in D — alternating bass fingerstyle (Level 5)