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Anyone know how to play Snow Blind Friend by Steppenwolf? I can't identify the picking pattern in the song. I think it is a Travis Picking pattern of some sort.

I love that song too and would love to learn it. I also like Tenderness.

eagle670 wrote:

Anyone know how to play Snow Blind Friend by Steppenwolf? I can't identify the picking pattern in the song. I think it is a Travis Picking pattern of some sort.

Wow, great old Hoyt Axton song! I haven't heard that in years.

I just checked an old Powertab I have of this and its sort of Travis although not totally repetitive paterns are used but close patterns.

Chasplaya wrote:

I just checked an old Powertab I have of this and its sort of Travis although not totally repetitive paterns are used but close patterns.

I've always seen it cross picked and not Travis picked. It slides into strumming about halfway through as I recall.

I'm going to have to call Merle up and ask him just what 'Travis' picking really is. LOL

The tab I have would be difficult to cross pick as it has a lot of doubled up notes i.e. bass and treble together. Merle Travis once said the pattern named after him was nice but he doesn't actually do it as generally described as he mixes things up a lot and doesn't always repeat patterns

Its what happened after someone tried to theorise his playing style based on a small sampling of his music

Just watched a purported studio recording w/ video of the song and it does appear to be a Travis pattern. The chords are easy. John Kay capos up 2 frets and plays out of the G position. Here's the video (if it will post). Been having a bit of trouble getting vids and such to show up and I can't preview my posts since the server migration.

Chris

[video][/video]

After learning Neil Youngs "The Needle and Damage Done" from Neil, the strumming/picking pattern sounds real similar. I have the tab as well and it is really hard to follow. I am hoping the Neil can do his magic on it and show us the way.