Crosspicking Styles

[CurlySechler]

I've heard people talking about crosspicking, and they mention "McReynolds Style", "Shuffler Style", and alternate picking. I'm not sure what these different styles are. I assume "McReynolds Style" is the down, up, up pattern. I'm not sure what the other styles are, though, so could anybody explain this to me? Also, what are the differences in sound for each style?

[Jordan Ramsey]

A rough generalization:

McReynolds style is down, up, up on string pattern 3, 1, 2.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JXEdzWoGBc

Shuffler style is down, down, up on string pattern 3, 2, 1. (@1:52 in the video)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTr9xudLyCY

Alternating pick direction players usually pick on consecutive strings (3, 2, 1, 2, 3), or follow Shuffler's picking pattern (3, 2, 1, 3, 2, 1). Here's an example of David Grier using a myriad of patterns, including the Shuffler pattern with alternating pick direction (he slows it down @ 3:00 in this video).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNOYjyNyc2c

[John Ritchhart]

I would add that since most tunes we play are in 4/4 the Reynolds pattern goes down up up, down up up, down up....then repeats. So you then start again on the down which gives you eight pick strokes per measure.

[Timbofood]

I must admit, I never get tired of watching Jesse pick! Also they were always very approachable at festivals or any show. The best kind of bands and maybe more importantly people! Swapped jokes with Jim several times. Great guys, I miss them all the time!