We're well used to seeing Travis’ songs storming up the charts with their triumphant blend of pop and indie, but have you ever stopped to ponder the craftsmanship behind them? Guitarist Andy Dunlop gives us a free songwriting workshop. Are you sitting comfortably? Then we’ll begin…

Here’s the brutal truth:the crowd doesn’t care about the way you combine your scales – but they all really love the bit when you break a string and gaily forge ahead without dropping a note. Pete Langman outlines some of the best tricks that every guitar player should know…