Crosspicking is a technique used in both mandolin and guitar playing that involves using a plectrum or flatpick to create a rolling, syncopated sound across three strings. This technique is often used in bluegrass music and has been popularized by guitarists such as Doc Watson, Clarence White, and Tony Rice. Crosspicking is essentially a guitar version of the fingerpicked banjo roll, where individual notes are flatpicked across the strings to create rolling patterns that outline both the melody and chords.
To execute the crosspicking technique, guitarists use a flatpick to repeatedly cross over a group of strings, simulating the fluid sound of fingerpicking. This technique is different from alternate picking, where the pick moves up and down in a consistent pattern. Crosspicking requires a certain level of dexterity and precision, as the pick must move in a specific pattern to achieve the rolling sound. It can be a challenging technique for beginners, but with practice, it can add a dynamic element to a guitarist’s playing style.
Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, crosspicking is a technique worth exploring. It can add a unique flavor to your playing and help you stand out in a crowded musical landscape. With its syncopated sound and rolling patterns, crosspicking has become a staple of bluegrass music and beyond.
Understanding Cross Picking
Cross picking is a technique used in bluegrass and other styles of music that involves playing a rolling, syncopated style across three or more strings using a plectrum or flatpick. In this section, we will explore the origin of cross picking and the fundamental concept behind this technique.
Origin of Cross Picking
Cross picking has its roots in traditional American music, particularly bluegrass. It was first developed by guitarists who were trying to emulate the sound of the banjo, which is often played using a technique called “roll picking.” Roll picking involves playing a series of notes in a repeating pattern across several strings, and cross picking is a variation of this technique.
One of the earliest examples of cross picking can be heard in the playing of Maybelle Carter, who was a member of the famous Carter Family. Maybelle developed a unique style of playing that involved using her thumb to play the bass notes and her fingers to play the melody on the treble strings. This technique became known as “Carter picking,” and it was a precursor to cross picking.
Fundamental Concept
The fundamental concept behind cross picking is to play a repeating pattern of notes across three or more strings, usually in a pattern of eighth notes. The pattern can be played in a variety of ways, depending on the song and the player’s preference. For example, the pattern might start on the lowest string and move up to the highest string, or it might start on the highest string and move down to the lowest string.
To get the hang of cross picking, it’s important to start with a simple pattern and practice it slowly at first. One common pattern is to play across strings 4, 3, and 2, low to high. Once you have this pattern down, you can start to experiment with different patterns and variations.
cross picking is a versatile and expressive technique that can add a lot of depth and complexity to your playing. By mastering this technique, you can create a rolling, syncopated sound that is perfect for bluegrass and other styles of music.
Techniques in Cross Picking
Alternate Picking
Alternate picking is a technique used in cross picking where the player alternates between upstrokes and downstrokes on the strings. This technique is commonly used in bluegrass and country music. It allows for fast and precise playing, and is essential for cross picking.
When alternate picking, it’s important to keep your picking hand relaxed and loose. Use your wrist to generate the picking motion, not your arm. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the technique.
Sweep Picking
Sweep picking is another technique used in cross picking. It involves playing multiple strings in a single motion, using a sweeping motion with the pick. This technique is commonly used in metal and rock music.
To sweep pick, start with your pick on the lowest string you want to play. Use a sweeping motion to play each string in succession, moving up or down the strings as needed. It’s important to keep your hand and wrist relaxed and fluid to achieve a smooth sound.
Hybrid Picking
Hybrid picking is a combination of alternate picking and fingerpicking. It involves using a pick for some strings and your fingers for others. This technique is commonly used in country and blues music.
To hybrid pick, hold your pick in your picking hand and use your fingers to pluck the strings. This technique allows for greater control and versatility in your playing.
cross picking involves using a variety of techniques to play fast and precise melodies on the guitar. Alternate picking, sweep picking, and hybrid picking are all essential techniques for mastering cross picking. With practice and patience, anyone can become proficient in this technique.
Benefits of Cross Picking
Cross picking is a versatile technique that offers several benefits to guitar players. Here are some of the key advantages of cross picking:
Adds Variety to Your Playing
Cross picking allows guitarists to add a new dimension to their playing. With this technique, you can create intricate patterns and rhythms that are not possible with other techniques. By incorporating cross picking into your playing, you can add variety and interest to your music.
Improves Your Timing and Accuracy
Cross picking requires a high degree of precision and timing. This technique involves playing a series of notes across multiple strings, which can be challenging to execute. However, by practicing cross picking, you can improve your timing and accuracy, which will translate to other areas of your playing.
Enhances Your Melodic Playing
Cross picking is an excellent technique for creating melodic lines on the guitar. By using this technique, you can play complex melodies that incorporate multiple strings and notes. This is particularly useful in genres like bluegrass, where melodic playing is a key component of the music.
Fills Out Your Chord Playing
Cross picking is an effective way to fill out your chord playing. By incorporating cross picking into your strumming patterns, you can create a fuller, more complex sound. This is particularly useful in acoustic settings, where the guitar is often the primary instrument.
Improves Your Finger Dexterity
Cross picking requires a high degree of finger dexterity. By practicing this technique, you can improve your finger strength and flexibility, which will translate to other areas of your playing. This is particularly useful for guitarists who want to improve their overall technique and speed.
cross picking is a valuable technique for guitar players of all levels. By incorporating this technique into your playing, you can add variety, improve your timing and accuracy, enhance your melodic playing, fill out your chord playing, and improve your finger dexterity.
Application of Cross Picking in Music
Cross picking is a versatile guitar technique that can be applied to various music genres, including bluegrass and rock. In this section, we will explore how cross picking is used in these two genres.
Cross Picking in Bluegrass
Bluegrass music is known for its fast-paced and intricate guitar playing. Cross picking is an essential technique in bluegrass, allowing guitarists to play fast and complex melodies while maintaining a steady rhythm.
One of the pioneers of cross picking in bluegrass was George Shuffler, who played guitar for the Stanley Brothers. Shuffler’s cross picking technique involved playing individual notes across the strings, creating rolling patterns that outlined both the melody and the chords. Today, many bluegrass guitarists continue to use this technique, including Tony Rice and Molly Tuttle.
Cross Picking in Rock
While cross picking is commonly associated with bluegrass, it can also be used in rock music. In rock, cross picking is often used to create fast and intricate guitar riffs.
One example of cross picking in rock is the intro to “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses. The intro riff is played using a cross picking technique, with guitarist Slash picking individual notes across the strings to create a rolling pattern.
Another example of cross picking in rock is the song “Blackbird” by The Beatles. The song’s fingerstyle guitar part is played using a cross picking technique, with guitarist Paul McCartney picking individual notes across the strings to create a rolling pattern.
cross picking is a versatile guitar technique that can be applied to various music genres. Whether you’re playing bluegrass or rock, cross picking can help you create fast and intricate guitar parts that will impress your audience.
Learning and Mastering Cross Picking
Cross picking is a technique that is essential to playing bluegrass music. It involves using a pick to play individual notes of a chord in a repeating pattern while constantly switching strings. Here are some practice tips and common challenges to help you learn and master cross picking.
Practice Tips
- Start Slow: Begin by practicing the pattern slowly to get comfortable with the technique. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you keep time and improve your accuracy. Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
- Focus on Accuracy: It’s important to focus on playing each note cleanly and accurately. Take your time and make sure you’re hitting each note precisely.
- Practice Different Chords: Cross picking can be used with a variety of chords. Practice the technique with different chords to improve your skills.
Common Challenges
- String Skipping: One of the biggest challenges of cross picking is string skipping. It can be difficult to switch strings quickly and accurately. Practice slowly and focus on accuracy to improve your string skipping skills.
- Timing: Timing is crucial when it comes to cross picking. Make sure you’re keeping time and playing each note at the right moment. Use a metronome to help you stay on track.
- Muscle Memory: Cross picking requires a lot of muscle memory. It can take time to build up the muscle memory needed to play the technique smoothly and accurately. Practice regularly to improve your muscle memory.
With these practice tips and common challenges in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering cross picking. Remember to take your time and practice regularly to improve your skills.
Conclusion
crosspicking is a technique used in bluegrass music to create a rolling, syncopated style of playing the mandolin or guitar. It involves using a plectrum or flatpick to pick individual notes across three strings, creating rolling patterns that outline both the melody and the chords.
Crosspicking was pioneered by Stanley Brothers guitarist George Shuffler in the 1950s and has been carried forward by such players as Doc Watson, Clarence White, and Tony Rice. It is essentially a guitar version of the fingerpicked banjo roll.
To master crosspicking, it is essential to practice regularly and start with simple patterns before moving on to more complex ones. It is also important to pay attention to the timing and rhythm of the music to ensure that the rolling patterns are in sync with the melody and chords.
crosspicking is a challenging but rewarding technique that adds depth and complexity to bluegrass music. With dedication and practice, anyone can learn to crosspick and take their guitar or mandolin playing to the next level.
