As the twangs and strums of country guitar sing in the hearts of listeners, one name remains synonymous with fingerstyle guitar. This artist changed the course of country guitar, and his music still resonates with guitarists and fans alike. Who was this fingerstyle legend? Well, his name was none other than Merle Travis. His journey from humble beginnings to revolutionizing country music is an inspiring tale filled with creativity, perseverance, and groundbreaking technique. Join me as we delve into the life and music of the one and only Merle Travis.
Who was Merle Travis?
Merle Travis is a name that looms large in the world of guitar playing and country music. His unique fingerpicking style pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the instrument and influenced countless musicians who came after him. But who was this legendary figure, and how did he come to shape country music in the way that he did? Let’s take a closer look at the life and legacy of Merle Travis.
Early Life
Merle Travis was born on November 29, 1917, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. He was the second son of Robert and Mollie Travis. His father was a coal miner and a musician who played the guitar, fiddle, and harmonica. Robert Travis used to play country music with Ike Everly, the father of Don and Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers.
Merle Travis grew up in poverty and started working in the coal mines when he was only 14 years old. He used to work 12 hours a day, 6 days a week, for a meager wage of $2.50 a day. The hard labor in the coal mines left him with a lifelong back problem.
Despite his difficult circumstances, Merle Travis developed a deep love for music from an early age. He learned to play the guitar from his father, who taught him basic chords and fingerpicking techniques.
Merle Travis was also influenced by other Nashville sound pioneers such as Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb, as well as blues musicians like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Blind Blake.
In his teens, Merle Travis became interested in radio and began performing on local stations. He also started writing his own songs, drawing inspiration from his life experiences and the people and places he knew.
Merle Travis’ early life was marked by poverty, hard work, and a passion for music. His humble beginnings would influence his legendary career as a musician and guitarist, shaping his unique style of fingerpicking that would impact generations of musicians to come.
In the next section, we’ll explore Merle Travis’ musical beginnings, and how he developed his distinctive guitar playing style.
Musical Beginnings
Merle Travis, born on November 29, 1917, in Kentucky, grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a guitarist and fiddler, while his brother played mandolin. At the age of six, Travis was already playing the guitar himself. He was mainly self-taught and devised his own unique style of playing, which combined fingerpicking and strumming.
Travis’ early musical influences came from the hillbilly and country music that was popular in Kentucky during his childhood. He was especially drawn to the music of black musicians such as Arnold Schultz and Mose Rager, who were known for their innovative guitar styles.
| Artist | Influence on Merle Travis |
|---|---|
| Arnold Schultz | Introduced Travis to thumbpicking |
| Mose Rager | Inspired Travis’ fingerpicking style |
| Jimmie Rodgers | Introduced Travis to yodeling |
| Riley Puckett | Introduced Travis to chord progressions |
Travis’ early musical career was focused mainly on radio performances, where he gained popularity performing his own songs and covers of popular country music hits. However, his breakthrough moment came when he moved to California and started working for a movie studio. There he was given the opportunity to record his music and became known as a recording artist.
Merle Travis’ musical talent and contributions to guitar music had a significant impact on the music industry. His unique fingerpicking technique has inspired countless artists, including Chet Atkins, Doc Watson, and Maybelle Carter.
Travis-Style Fingerpicking
When it comes to country guitar playing, one name stands out among the rest: Merle Travis. His revolutionary fingerpicking technique, which would later come to be known as “Travis-style,” set him apart from his peers and solidified his status as a guitar legend. But what exactly is Travis-style fingerpicking, and how did it impact the world of country music? Let’s dive in and explore this innovative technique that completely changed the way guitarists approached their instrument.
The Technique
Merle Travis’ unique fingerpicking technique revolutionized the sound of country music and guitar playing. The technique involves using the thumb to play the bass notes while the index, middle, and ring fingers pick out the melody notes. Let’s take a closer look at how this technique works.
| Thumb | Index Finger | Middle Finger | Ring Finger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plays the bass notes | Picks out the melody notes | Picks out the melody notes | Picks out the melody notes |
This innovative approach to fingerpicking allowed Travis to create complex arrangements, adding a unique depth and richness to his music. His use of the technique was by no means simplistic. The bass and melody lines blended together seamlessly to create an intricate and harmonious sound.
Merle Travis’ fingerpicking technique was also closely tied to his personal style, giving his music an unmistakable character. It was his trademark, and his technique was as intertwined with his identity as his voice and guitar. Such was its impact that it would go down in history as “Travis-picking.”
Not only did Travis’ technique change the sound of country music, but it also influenced numerous guitarists who followed in his footsteps. Chet Atkins, Doc Watson, Tommy Emmanuel, and Jerry Reed are among the many guitarists who adopted the Travis-picking style, making it a recognizable feature in various genres of music.
Merle Travis’ fingerpicking technique was a game-changer, and his legacy continues to inspire guitarists and musicians all over the world. He was a true pioneer of fingerstyle guitar playing, and his music will be remembered for generations to come.
Impact on Guitarists and Country Music
Merle Travis’ impact on guitarists and country music is undeniable. He revolutionized the fingerpicking technique and is regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Let’s take a look at some of the ways Travis influenced other musicians and shaped the country genre.
| Innovation of Fingerpicking Technique | Encouraged Experimentation | Expanded the Possibilities of Country Music |
|---|---|---|
| Travis-style fingerpicking, also known as Travis picking, involves using the thumb to play the bass notes and the fingers to pluck the melody and chords. This technique allowed for more complex arrangements and embellishments than the traditional strumming style used in early country music. | Travis was known for experimenting with different tunings and chord progressions, inspiring other guitarists to do the same. He encouraged musicians to find their own unique sound and style, rather than simply copying popular artists. | By expanding the possibilities of the guitar and popularizing the fingerpicking technique, Travis was able to create a distinct sound that was both traditional and innovative. This influence can be heard in the work of countless country musicians who followed in his footsteps. |
| Impact on Guitarists | Impact on Country Music | Legacy on the Genre |
| Many of the greatest guitarists of all time, including Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel, cite Travis as a major influence on their playing style. His innovative approach to fingerpicking continues to inspire new generations of guitarists around the world. | Travis’ impact on country music cannot be overstated. His unique sound and style helped to shape the genre during its early development, inspiring countless musicians to experiment and innovate. His influence can be heard in everything from modern country to rock and roll. | Merle Travis’ legacy on the country genre is one of innovation, experimentation, and virtuosity. His contributions to the fingerpicking technique and his influence on countless musicians continue to be felt today, cementing his place in the pantheon of music legends. |
Merle Travis’ impact on guitarists and country music was immense. His innovation and virtuosity helped to shape the genre in its early days and his influence continues to be felt today. From his innovative fingerpicking technique to his encouragement of experimentation, Travis’ legacy is one that will continue to inspire and influence musicians for generations to come.
Merle Travis’ Legacy
As Merle Travis’ career progressed, it became increasingly clear that he had left an indelible mark on the world of country music that would continue to echo for decades to come. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the countless musicians who were inspired by his innovative style of fingerpicking, his boundless creativity as a songwriter, and his unwavering dedication to the craft of country music. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into the impact that Merle Travis had on the music world, exploring his enduring legacy and the ways in which he influenced generations of guitarists and country music fans alike.
Influence on Modern Guitarists
Merle Travis’ unique fingerpicking style has had a profound influence on modern guitarists, particularly those in the country and folk music genres. Here are some of the ways Travis’ legacy has impacted modern musicians today:
- Chet Atkins: The most obvious example of a guitarist influenced by Travis is Chet Atkins, who actually coined the term “Travis picking” to describe the distinctive fingerpicking style. Atkins took elements of Travis’ technique, such as the alternating thumb pattern, and incorporated them into his own playing. Atkins became a hugely influential guitarist, known for his clean, melodic playing style that drew heavily from Travis’ innovations.
- Tommy Emmanuel: Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel has also cited Travis as a major influence. Emmanuel is known for his virtuosic fingerpicking skills and incorporates Travis-style picking into many of his songs.
- Lindsey Buckingham: While he is best known as the lead guitarist for Fleetwood Mac, Lindsey Buckingham has also cited Travis as one of his biggest influences. Buckingham’s fingerpicking on songs like “Never Going Back Again” was heavily influenced by Travis’ technique.
- John 5: Though he’s primarily known for his work as a heavy metal guitarist, John 5 has also noted Travis as one of his biggest inspirations. He even released an album in 2017 called “Season of the Witch” that features a cover of Travis’ classic song “Dark as a Dungeon.”
Travis’ impact extends beyond these individual guitarists, though. His fingerpicking style has become an essential part of the country and folk music canon, influencing countless musicians who incorporate elements of Travis’ technique into their own playing. It’s impossible to overstate the impact that Merle Travis has had on guitar playing over the past several decades, and his music continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians to this day.
Discography
When it comes to Merle Travis’ discography, it’s hard to narrow down just a few standout albums. This fingerstyle legend had a prolific career spanning several decades, and his music continues to inspire guitarists and country music fans today. Here are some of his most notable albums:
| Folk Songs of the Hills | Released in 1947, this album showcased Travis’ unique fingerstyle guitar playing and songwriting talent. It features classics like “Sixteen Tons” and “Dark as a Dungeon.” |
| The Merle Travis Guitar | Released in 1956, this album is a must-listen for any fan of fingerstyle guitar. It features Travis’ intricate guitar work on tracks like “Blue Smoke” and “Memphis Blues.” |
| Back Home | Released in 1978, this album showcases Travis’ songwriting skills as well as his guitar playing. It includes the touching ballad “I Am a Pilgrim.” |
| Songs of the Coal Mines | As a former coal miner, Travis was intimately familiar with the struggles of the mining life. This album, released in 1963, features original songs and covers of traditional tunes about the coal mining experience. |
| Travis Pickin’ | This 1983 album captures Travis’ later work, showcasing his continued mastery of fingerstyle guitar. It includes tracks like “Cannon Ball Rag” and “Wildwood Flower.” |
These albums are just a few highlights from Merle Travis’ extensive discography. Each one showcases his unique talent and lasting influence on the world of country music and guitar playing. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering Travis’ music for the first time, these albums are sure to impress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Merle Travis was a true pioneer and legend in the world of country guitar. His unique thumbpicking style, also known as Travis-style fingerpicking, revolutionized the genre and left a lasting impact on countless musicians.
Through his intricate melodies and impeccable technique, Travis brought a level of complexity and sophistication to country guitar playing that was previously unheard of. His influence can still be heard in the music of modern artists, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of guitarists.
Travis’ contributions to country music and guitar playing cannot be overstated. He forever changed the way people approached the instrument, and his legacy will continue to shape the genre for years to come.
If you’re a fan of country music or guitar playing, take the time to listen to some of Merle Travis’ masterpieces. You’ll be amazed at the sheer skill and artistry on display, and you might just find yourself inspired to pick up a guitar and start playing. Thank you, Merle Travis, for everything you’ve given us. Your music will continue to live on for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Travis-style fingerpicking?
Travis-style fingerpicking is a unique fingerstyle guitar technique developed by Merle Travis characterized by steady bass lines played with the thumb and syncopated melodies played with the fingers.
What guitar did Merle Travis play?
Merle Travis played a Martin D-28 guitar which he nicknamed “Black Diamond.”
When did Merle Travis become famous?
Merle Travis rose to fame in the 1940s with his hit song “Sixteen Tons” and became widely recognized as a fingerstyle guitar legend.
What inspired Merle Travis to start playing guitar?
Merle Travis was inspired to start playing guitar after watching a black guitarist play on a street corner in his hometown of Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.
How did Merle Travis influence modern guitarists?
Merle Travis’s unique fingerpicking style has influenced countless guitarists across various genres, including Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, and Mark Knopfler.
What is the impact of Merle Travis on country music?
Merle Travis’s influence on country music was immense. His innovative fingerpicking style and songwriting influenced numerous country musicians and helped to shape the genre as it is today.
What is Merle Travis’s most famous song?
Merle Travis’s most famous song is “Sixteen Tons,” a No. 1 hit in 1955 that’s been covered by various artists such as Tennessee Ernie Ford, Johnny Cash, and Eric Burdon.
What other musicians did Merle Travis collaborate with?
Merle Travis collaborated with numerous musicians throughout his career, including Grandpa Jones, Doc Watson, and Jean Ritchie.
When did Merle Travis pass away?
Merle Travis passed away on October 20, 1983, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, due to heart failure.
What awards did Merle Travis receive in his lifetime?
Merle Travis received several awards during his lifetime, including induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.