How to Cross-Pick a Guitar

Cross-picking on the guitar is like adding a secret weapon to your playing arsenal. It’s a technique that can turn even the simplest chord progressions into something mesmerizing. Whether you’re dreaming of playing intricate acoustic patterns or shredding through a metal riff, cross-picking can add depth and complexity to your sound. So, let’s break it down and see how you can incorporate this technique into your repertoire.

What Exactly is Cross-Picking?

Before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. Cross-picking is a picking technique that involves alternating between strings in a pattern that creates a cascade of notes. Think of it as a hybrid between flatpicking and fingerstyle, producing a sound that’s rhythmic, melodic, and harmonically rich. It’s often used in bluegrass and folk music but has found its way into many genres, including the more complex realms of metal.

So, what makes cross-picking special? It’s all about the feel and flow. When executed well, it creates a continuous stream of sound that can mimic the rolling waves of a fingerpicked pattern but with the attack and precision of a pick. If you’ve ever listened to players like Tony Rice or Chris Thile, you’ve heard cross-picking in action.

Getting Your Picking Motion Right

At the heart of cross-picking is your picking hand. The technique requires a specific motion that combines alternate picking with string skipping. Here’s how you can start:

• Grip the pick properly: Hold your pick between your thumb and index finger, keeping a firm yet relaxed grip. A sharply pointed pick can give you more precision and control.
• Focus on economy of motion: Keep your picking movements small and efficient. The less distance your hand has to travel, the faster and cleaner your picking will be.
• Angle the pick slightly: Tilting the pick can help it glide over the strings without getting caught, producing a smoother sound.

Spend some time getting comfortable with these foundational aspects. It might feel awkward initially, but with practice, it’ll become second nature.

Building Cross-Picking Patterns

Once you’ve got the basic picking motion down, it’s time to put it into practice with some actual patterns. Let’s start with a classic G chord cross-picking pattern:

e|-------------0-------------|
B|---------0-------0---------|
G|-----0-------------0-------|
D|---------------------------|
A|---------------------------|
E|--3------------------------|

This pattern is simple but effective. You’re alternating between the G, B, and high E strings while keeping the rhythm steady. Try practicing it slowly, focusing on clarity and timing.

Once you’re comfortable, experiment with different chords and string combinations. The goal is to be able to adapt the pattern to any chord progression, maintaining that smooth, flowing sound.

Integrating Cross-Picking Into Metal

Now, let’s talk about how cross-picking fits into metal guitar playing. You might not hear cross-picking in every thrash or death metal track, but it certainly has its place in progressive metal and other subgenres that value technical prowess and intricate arrangements.

Here’s a simple exercise to try integrating cross-picking into a metal context:

e|-------------0-------------|
B|---------1-------1---------|
G|-----0-------0-------0-----|
D|---------------------------|
A|---------------------------|
E|--0------------------------|

This pattern can be used over an E minor chord, and by increasing the tempo, you can create a driving, rhythmically complex backdrop for other guitar elements. The trick is to maintain the clean, articulate sound of cross-picking while delivering the aggression and intensity of metal.

Practicing With a Metronome

Timing is everything in cross-picking, especially when playing fast. Practicing with a metronome is crucial. Start at a comfortable speed where you can play the patterns cleanly, then gradually increase the tempo. It’s about building muscle memory and precision.

One tool that can help you lock in your timing is the custom metronome available at Riffhard. It’s designed specifically for guitar practice, allowing you to adjust the tempo and keep your playing tight and accurate.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As you learn cross-picking, you might encounter a few stumbling blocks. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Not anchoring your hand: Some players find it helpful to lightly rest their palm on the bridge or strings. This can help stabilize your picking hand and improve accuracy.
• Rushing the pattern: It’s tempting to speed up before you’re ready. Focus on playing slowly and accurately before increasing your speed.
• Inconsistent pick attack: Ensure each note is played with the same intensity. Practicing dynamically can help with this, ensuring every note is clear and articulate.

Remember, every guitarist struggles with technique at some point. The key is persistence and patience.

Enhancing Cross-Picking with Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

To add more variety and complexity to your cross-picking, integrate hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques bring a fluid, legato feel to your playing, complementing the rhythmic precision of cross-picking.

Here’s an example to try:

e|-------------0h2p0-------------|
B|---------1-----------1---------|
G|-----0-------0-----------0-----|
D|-------------------------------|
A|-------------------------------|
E|--0----------------------------|

Practice incorporating these techniques gradually, ensuring each note rings out clearly. It might take some time, but it’s worth the effort for the added expressiveness and musicality.

Exploring Cross-Picking in Different Genres

While cross-picking is rooted in bluegrass and folk, it’s a versatile technique applicable across genres. In metal, it can create atmospheric intros or bridges, while in jazz, it might be used for complex chord melodies.

Experimenting with cross-picking in different musical contexts can open up new creative avenues. Try it in a rock ballad or a classical piece and see how it transforms the music. The more you explore, the more you’ll find unique ways to incorporate it into your style.

Learning From the Pros

One of the best ways to improve your cross-picking is to learn from those who have mastered it. Many top metal guitarists integrate cross-picking techniques into their playing to create intricate and compelling compositions.

At Riffhard, we offer lessons from world-class metal guitarists who can guide you through these advanced techniques. With over 150 video lessons, you can explore not only cross-picking but also other essential skills that make up a complete guitarist’s toolkit.

Final Thoughts

Cross-picking is a powerful technique that can elevate your guitar playing to new heights. By mastering the picking motion, integrating it into different genres, and learning from the pros, you can add a new dimension to your sound. If you’re looking for more guidance, our lessons at Riffhard offer a wealth of insights from world-renowned guitarists to help you on your journey. So grab your guitar, start practicing, and watch your playing transform.