Hey, no doubt W-S is right about the origin of the style, but some nice chop is a relief to the ears on a country tune. Nothing better to back up a waltz. The way I see it, which ties into Aine's original point, you generally don't want different instruments playing the same rhythm pattern at the same time--you want rhythms that complement each other. If I'm playing second guitar, sometimes I play it mando style, comping chords and playing tremolo...works for me.

I've gotten to be a better guitarist too since I started on mandolin, but twenty-four years should have that effect...

W-O