Practice/Performance workshop
Advanced 12 minutes Guided lesson

Forward crosspicking roll

Create a flowing arpeggio while the accents imply a pattern over the steady eighth notes.

Today's tempo ladder
Slow55BPMWorking65BPMGoal120BPM
Loop this measure

G-chord crosspicking roll

Let each note ring while the pick travels through the eight-note course pattern.

Target120 BPM
1 measure · repeats
Explanation

What this develops

Crosspicking imitates a banjo-like roll by distributing a chord across separate courses. The pick direction continues to alternate even when the course pattern changes direction.

Hold the G shape lightly so notes can overlap. The roll should sound like one harmony rather than eight isolated attacks.

Coach's tip

Count “ONE two three, ONE two three, ONE two” over the eight notes to hear the roll’s internal shape.

Practice plan

Take it to the instrument

  1. 1

    Loop the first three notes until the return to the D course is silent and clean.

  2. 2

    Add the next three notes, then connect the final pair.

  3. 3

    Move the same course pattern through C and D chord shapes.

Finish this lesson

Mark it complete when you can play three relaxed, clean loops.