How to Play G–C–D Everywhere on the Fretboard with Crosspicking

Exploring the fretboard can feel overwhelming at first. We all start with G–C–D as open chords, but many guitarists never move beyond that one area. The truth is: the I–IV–V progression in the key of G repeats all over the guitar neck.

In this exercise, we use a simple crosspicking pattern to connect 3 shapes to new positions. By focusing on the top three strings, we reduce complexity and build a strong awareness of where the IV and V chords sit in relation to any G shape.

As you move through different positions, everything starts to click: the chords don’t change — you do. With repetition, the neck becomes more musical and less mysterious.

If you want to follow along with me step-by-step, watch the full lesson here:
https://youtu.be/ruwReZ5aD9w

Try the exercise slowly, listen to the flow of the notes, and enjoy the Discover:
G–C–D is everywhere.

A Crosspicking Exercise That Does More Than One Job

As I get older, I’ve become more selective about how I practice. Time is short, energy isn’t endless, so I look for exercises that make the most of both. My favorite ones are those that help you grow in multiple areas at the same time — not just dry drills, but things that connect technique with real music.

In my latest YouTube lesson, I teach a very common crosspicking pattern (on strings 4, 3, and 2) and show how to apply it across the fretboard to all the shapes of C, F, and G chords.

It’s a simple idea, but very effective:

• You work on your right-hand picking

• You learn chord shapes in the key of C

• You stay connected to the sound and feel of real music

There’s no tab, but the video is easy to follow by watching and listening.

▶️ Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/sMI1UhVgJNQ

And if you’d like more lessons like this — including breakdowns, exercises, and in-depth videos — come visit my TrueFire channel:
🎸 https://www.truefire.com/h2343

Hope you enjoy it,
Roberto