Chords for Crosspicking 101

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_ _ [G] _ _ _ _ Cross picking is basically the technique of using a flat pick to simulate the fluid sound
of finger picking.
[Dm] It is most commonly associated with bluegrass guitar and mandolin players.
[Em] The effect is a rolling, [Dm] syncopated sound similar to Skrug's [G] style banjo playing.
Just like three [Em] finger banjo rolls, cross picking [C] is based on three note phrases [G] played
across multiple strings with a four beat pulse.
There are three [C] fundamental patterns, or rolls.
The first is alternate picking, or down-up-down.
[G] This is the equivalent of the square [Em] or double thumb banjo roll.
[F] The second is down-down [G]-up.
This is basically a forward roll.
And the third is down-up-up.
[C] This is sort of like a backward roll.
Once you become familiar with these three patterns, you'll start mixing them up in
[G] order to fit them into four beat measures.
[Em] The ultimate goal is to accent [G] melody notes so they stand out among the array of filler notes.
To hear classic examples of cross picking, check out Jesse McReynolds' mandolin [C] playing
with Jim and Jesse, George Shuffler's guitar playing with the Stanley Brothers, or just
about anything from Doc Watson, Clarence White, or [G] Norman Blake.
The following videos demonstrate the three [Em] fundamental patterns, or rolls, [Bb] and give you
some ideas of [C] how to use them along with open string drones, harmonized scales, and double [G] stops.
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