Crosspicking

Crosspicking is a guitar picking technique used primarily in bluegrass and related styles to produce a continuous, rolling arpeggio texture. In crosspicking, the right hand executes a repeating pattern that travels across strings, enabling the accompaniment to flow like a cascade of notes beneath the melody. The pattern is built to alternate strokes and to strike notes on lower and higher strings in a single, fluid motion, rather than separating bass and treble figures.

Typically played with a flatpick, crosspicking employs a four-note or similar motif that moves through chord shapes, allowing the guitar to provide both bass and treble lines at once. The left hand holds a chord or melody while the right hand performs the arpeggiated pattern, creating a seamless, driving rhythm often described as a bluegrass roll. Crosspicking can accompany chords or single-note lines and is adaptable to a range of tempos.

Origins and influence: The technique gained prominence in mid-20th-century bluegrass guitar and was popularized by players who used it to mimic mandolin roll textures. It remains a staple of modern bluegrass guitar and is widely taught and adapted for various keys and rhythms.

Practice and approach: Beginners often start with simple, four-note patterns over common chord shapes and practice with a metronome. Emphasize even tone, precise timing between right and left hands, and minimizing unwanted string noise. As skill develops, patterns can be varied to sustain the rolling feel across different chords and tempos.