Crosspicking is a style of playing the mandolin that has gained in popularity fairly recently.
However, it has its roots in antiquity.
The mandolin was invented centuries ago.
In the intervening years, many different styles of playing have been developed, and each has its adherents and detractors.
Obviously, it's fairly typical that the style of music being played dictates the actual playing technique used by the musician.
But with crosspicking, it's not so simple; instead, crosspicking can be (and is) used with virtually every type of music.
It's a versatile and effective way to get the most out of the instrument.
Most people view the mandolin as an instrument that is at its best when played among a group.
Many mandolin players feel at home when they are relegated to a supporting role.
If they're asked to play solo or to take the lead in an group, they're often ill at ease.
It's unfortunate that the mandolin (and mandolin players, too) isn't considered worthy of being a featured instrument in an ensemble.
All this changes when a musician learns how to crosspick the mandolin.
Crosspicking a mandolin bolsters the melody line with intricate harmonies similar in sound and effect to those produced by a skilled banjo player.
With this technique, the mandolin serves very well as a solo instrument.
But it shines even more when it's used in support of other instruments.
Crosspickers harmonize extremely effectively, and they're a valuable addition to any group of instrumentalists.
Although effective crosspicking demands practice and perseverance, it's not particularly difficult to learn.
Essentially, the only difference between traditional mandolin playing and crosspicking is the demand for increased dexterity in the right hand.
Good crosspickers keep the right hand loose and supple, and they spend less time worrying about hitting the exact note they were aiming for, and more time ensuring that they maintain a good rhythm and pattern to their picked notes.