Introduction to Crosspicking

Overview, and What is Crosspicking?

Let's get started

In this unit you’ll be introduced to crosspicking. This is a technique that came about from trying to imitate banjo “rolls”. It involves a lot of pick movement to get a cascade of notes. Often play...

2 Basic Picking Patterns

A Simple Start

Here are two simple picking patterns to gently introduce you to Crosspicking patterns. If the Default tempo is too fast. Slow. It. Down. Feel no shame and practice at a comfortable tempo. Use the l...

Boil them Cabbage Down

Applying basic crosspicking patterns to a song

Picking patterns have been practiced into oblivion, and you are ready to add variety and chords in right? If not please go back and practice your picking patterns some more. If so, let’s do this! ...

Basic Picking Patterns for Waltz Time

3 beats per measure

These basic crosspicking patterns will give you a framework to begin playing in ¾ time. The first one is based off of a way to play rhythm in that same time signature: “Boom, Chick-a Chick-a”. The ...

Amazing Grace

Picking patterns activate!

Until now, all of the picking patterns that have been introduced have crossed FROM one string to another. Now, we will use the same rhythm from the 3/4 crosspicking pattern learned in the last less...

Crosspicking Lick

Incorporating slides

This lick utilizes a double stop slide. For the pick hand, use a rest stroke as mentioned in the full song lesson. When sliding make sure you maintain finger pressure on your fret hand as you slide...

Crosspicking Lick #2

Droning Double Stop

This lick uses double stops and requires a position shift, pay attention to the fret hand in the video. The second fret will be played with your first finger, and the 4th with your 3rd finger. Comp...

Where to Now

The Next Step

Now that you’ve got a handle on the basics of Crosspicking, you might want to try Crosspicking 101. It will take you from beginner level picking patterns to more intermediate crosspicking technique.