I’ve typically been a hard rock/metal acolyte, but CTC’s amazing coverage of flatpickers like Molly Tuttle, Carl Miner, David Grier, and Andy Wood has shifted my focus towards bluegrass. With crosspicking being such an integral component to the style, I’ve been trying to improve my string crossing ability by alternating between two strings (one note per string). Both Molly and Paul Gilbert do these simple exercises where they basically just trill between two adjacent strings without any apparent swiping. Paul (see here) may be muting and swiping (as he did originally on Intense Rock), but Molly just lets the strings ring, and her attack is super clean (she also does outside and inside picking versions – here).
I am clearly struggling to trill between two adjacent strings without swiping and failing to let both ring cleanly. This problem is also reflected in my three-string rolls, where I’m not clearing strings adequately. Part of the problem seems like it could be linked to my weak strumming technique. Afterall, if I can’t even consistently alternate strum 16ths at 120 bpm, how could I be expected to alternate between two strings with accuracy?
Anyway, just wondering if anyone else sees that connection. And BTW, I’ve tried both Albert Lee’s supinated setup and Troy’s crosspicking setup. I’ll try to post a video before travel. Thanks!