Cross-picking vs arpeggios

[Triple-o]

What’s the difference?  Does cross-picking mean they don’t always pick chord tones?

[Nutty 1]

I haven't heard of cross-picking before so I looked it up on the Dummies website (because I am definitely a dummy!).

Dummies cross-picking

I think they do pick chord tones unless they want to move their fretting fingers to allow non chord tones or pick on open strings outside the chord.

Edited March 29, 2019 by Nutty 1

[Odie]

It's probably best known in the bluegrass flat picking world where a lot is played in the first position. Many times the bass notes are not played within a chord such as the basic G chord; whereas, only the "G" on the E string, open B, and G are played for speed (to move on quickly) cross picking between this example of three notes (a triple). That being the first string - third fret, then 2nd & 3rd strings. Cross picking takes a lot of patience/dexterity, I can do a limited amount of it; therefore, I find my older fingers learning the bluegrass "runs" and also gravitating towards the "Carter Style," playing. Get on You Tube and search, "The Art Of Guitar Crosspicking," by Steve Kaufman. There's something for EVERYONE on a guitar, just gotta find your niche. HA!