“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.
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 |
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 |
New lesson! I keep getting requests to do more crosspicking song lessons so here’s one of my favorites. If you’re enjoying the lessons, positive reviews on our Facebook page are always appreciated! https://www.facebook.com/countryguitaronline
Hope y’all have a good weekend – Devin
I like the arrangements…thanks Devin!
Really nice one!
Great tune Devin. Many thanks.
Almost got it memorized!! Not clean but getting er done!
Started arrangement 2. Slowest setting with loop practice
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,
Sharing my new chops with friends and family! Happy to have found you. Thanks Devin
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…