Travis picking is a fingerpicking style used primarily on the guitar. It involves alternating between the bass notes played with the thumb and melody notes played with the fingers. This technique creates a rhythmic and melodic sound, making it popular in various music genres, including folk, country, and blues. The style is named after the American guitarist Merle Travis, who popularized it in the mid-20th century. In Travis picking, the thumb typically plays a steady bass line, while the index and middle fingers pluck higher strings, allowing for intricate patterns and harmonies. This method enhances the overall texture of the music.