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My New Favorite Guitar Picks

best triangle guitar picks for flatpicking bluegrass

We just wanted to post a quick video to show you the new Woodtone Picks that I helped design. Long story short, I prototyped and sampled a ton of different pick shapes, and finally settled on three triangle shapes that felt very comfortable to grip. These new Woodtone Picks are made of an upgraded celluloid plastic and we put a ton of effort into making sure the edges of the picks are super smooth for better tone and less pick scraping noise.

We’re extremely happy with how the picks turned out! I use them as my go-to guitar pick and I’d put them up against any of the other high-dollar picks on the market. I like all of the sizes, but my personal favorites are the .96mm Small Triangle and .96mm Medium Triangle picks. If y’all have any questions about them, just let me know!

Here’s a link to the new picks if you want to check them out:
https://woodtonestrings.com/shop/?_sft_product_cat=guitar-picks

Crosspicking Patterns and Alternate Chord Voicings

country-bluegrass-crosspicking-patterns-and-alternate-chord-voicings
Lesson ID: A0184

In this guitar lesson, you’ll learn some important crosspicking patterns and alternate chord voicings that will spice up your rhythm and lead guitar. First we’ll work on the crosspicking patterns and we’ll practice them using key of G open chords (G, C, and D). Then we’ll take a look at how you can play the G, C, and D chords at different locations up the guitar neck using alternate chord voicings. We’ll practice crosspicking over these new chord voicings and you’ll also learn some nice chord embellishments and licks that will make your crosspicking sound great.

In the second half of this lesson, we’ll work on some George Shuffler style crosspicking. George Shuffler was basically the pioneer of the crosspicking style in bluegrass music and he used a signature Down Down Up crosspicking pattern in most of his playing. We’ll work through an entire crosspicking progression in the style of George Shuffler to give you some different crosspicking ideas that you can use in your own country bluegrass rhythm and lead guitar. After you watch the lesson videos, practice your country bluegrass crosspicking with the two full-length backing tracks that are available with this lesson.

Overview

George Shuffler Style

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Backing Tracks

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Banks of the Ohio Crosspicking Guitar Lesson

banks-of-the-ohio-bluegrass-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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Home Sweet Home Crosspicking Lesson

home-sweet-home-bluegrass-crosspicking-guitar-lesson
Lesson ID: A0152

In this country and bluegrass crosspicking guitar lesson, you’ll learn how to play a crosspicking version of the traditional tune “Home Sweet Home” in the key of C. This song was originally adapted from American actor and dramatist John Howard Payne‘s 1823 opera Clari. Over the years, the song’s catchy melody has made it a favorite among several artists such as Doc Watson, Merle Watson, Tony Rice, and Earl Scruggs. Today, “Home Sweet Home” is known as one of the best bluegrass songs to play in a crosspicking style.

Overview

Playthrough with Tablature

Full Breakdown