The Real Merle Travis Guitar
HOMESPUN
Like Father, Like Son
Taught By Thom Bresh.
Level 4
90-minute DVD or VHS, includes music and tab

Here's a guitar lesson that is a must for all fans of Merle Travis! The only son of the legendary guitarist gives us an in-depth look at the famous technique that changed the course of guitar history. When Merle Travis passed away in 1983, we lost one of our most innovative and distinctive musical voices. Fortunately, his songs and fingerpicking style live on in the hands of his son, Thom Bresh, a talented and dynamic guitarist who learned the real Travis-style guitar right from the source.

Thom Bresh grew up listening to, and later playing with, his famous father, and his skilled hands bear a haunting resemblance to his father's. He takes you -- step-by-step -- through Merle's timeless techniques, playing the famous 1938 Martin D-28 with the custom Bigsby neck that was passed on to him by Travis. By the time this powerful lesson is over, you'll have gained an understanding of the real Travis sound, and will be playing such guitar instrumental standards as “Guitar Rag,” “Cannonball Rag,” “Walking The Strings,” “I'll See You In My Dreams,” “Bugle Call Rag,” “Farewell My Blue Belle,” “Hangin' With The Girls I Know.”

Homespun is proud to present this lesson to the growing number of Travis enthusiasts and fingerstyle guitarists worldwide. It will make a valuable addition to the collections of all serious guitar students and historians, as it offers a rare opportunity to see and learn from the real-life continuance of a musical legacy -- Travis, the next generation.

About Thom Bresh
Thom Bresh is a singer, songwriter, recording artist, TV personality and one of the world's greatest thumbpickers. His style, although uniquely his own, was inspired by Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed and his father, Merle Travis. Thom's solo performances and recordings receive consistent praise. He has performed with such artists as Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, John Prine, the Everly Brothers and scores of others. He has appeared on Nashville Now, Austin City Limits, The Merv Griffin Show and as the host of the Canadian TV show Nashville Swing. Thom's instructional video, "The Real Merle Travis Guitar," is one of Homespun's most popular tapes.