The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #18363   Message #181595
Posted By: MandolinPaul
20-Feb-00 - 09:03 AM
Thread Name: A mandolin question..
Subject: RE: A mandolin question..
Hey QRS:

I've never heard of any of these guys before, but I can try to tell you about crosspicking. Basically, two things are happening in crosspicking, assuming that you are playing a melody:

1. Harmony notes are being struck on neighbouring strings, on the emphasis beats. So in 4/4 time, you will try to hit these harmony notes on the 2 and 4 beats; in 3/4 time, on the 1 beat.
2. Blank spaces, especially on the emphasis beats are also filled with these harmony notes.

This technique fills out the sound wonderfully, and can turn the mandolin into a solo instrument. At first, you will have to sit down with a pen and paper, to figure out the where, when and what of the notes, but eventually you'll be able to see them coming as you play along.

If you would like to see an example of this technique, I have transcribed a strictly melody version, and a crosspicking version of The Girl I Left Behind Me. CLICK HERE to email me, and I will send them to you as attachments.

Also, you should check out The Mandolin Cafe. There is a free set of lessons about crosspicking.
...and just in case this info isn't what you were looking for, there is a links to sign up to the COMANDO mailing list. There are many mandolinists from many countries there who would love to help you.

Always happy to find another mandolin player.
Paul.