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Banks of the Ohio Crosspicking Guitar Lesson

Lesson ID: A0167

“Banks of the Ohio” is a traditional 19th century ballad that has become a common crosspicking tune at bluegrass jams. The exact origins of this song are unknown. It has been recorded by several artists over the years, including Johnny Cash, Doc Watson, Tony Rice, The Carter Family, Dolly Parton, and many others.

In this guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play two crosspicking guitar arrangements for “Banks of the Ohio”. The first crosspicking arrangement will be played down near the nut using standard key of C open chords. We’ll use forward and backward crosspicking rolls along with some nice chord embellishments and fills. Then, in the second arrangement, we’ll travel up the guitar neck and incorporate crosspicking over alternate chord voicings. After you learn the crosspicking guitar breaks, practice your bluegrass crosspicking over our “Banks of the Ohio” backing track in C.

Overview

Arrangement 1

Video 1 – Playthrough with Tablature

Video 2 – Full Breakdown

Video Start Time Lesson Topic
00:00 min Breakdown – Measures 1 through 5
07:05 min Breakdown – Measures 6 through 9
11:09 min Breakdown – Measures 10 through 13
15:35 min Breakdown – Measures 14 through 17
18:29 min Practice With Me

Arrangement 2

Video 1 – Playthrough with Tablature

Video 2 – Full Breakdown

Video Start Time Lesson Topic
00:00 min Breakdown – Measures 1 through 5
06:09 min Breakdown – Measures 6 through 9
11:10 min Breakdown – Measures 10 through 13
16:19 min Breakdown – Measures 14 through 17
18:07 min Easier Option for Transitioning Down the Neck
21:07 min Practice With Me

Backing Track

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Jocelyn
Jocelyn(@jocelyn)
5 years ago

I like the arrangements…thanks Devin!

Geoff
Geoff(@geoff)
5 years ago

Really nice one!

Alex
Alex(@alexcontinilive-co-uk)
5 years ago

Great tune Devin. Many thanks.

jerseychicadee
jerseychicadee(@jerseychicadee)
4 years ago

Almost got it memorized!! Not clean but getting er done!

jerseychicadee
jerseychicadee(@jerseychicadee)
4 years ago

Started arrangement 2. Slowest setting with loop practice

Tom Fuldner
Tom Fuldner(@tpf1952)
4 years ago

really like working on this tune to help me learn crosspicking. Especially appreciate the mix of downstrokes. All-alternating picking just doesn’t sound right,

Bob Wheeler
Bob Wheeler(@bob)
3 years ago

Sharing my new chops with friends and family! Happy to have found you. Thanks Devin

jerseychicadee
jerseychicadee(@jerseychicadee)
3 years ago

I’ve been playing the easier arrangement #1 for months. Doing ok but today I figure it’s time to step up the flame and give Arrangement 2 a run for it. I’ve mentioned in the past my fear to leave the 3rd fret. The fear is real…