18 Sept 2026 | Greg M Atkin
A 20-Year Crescendo: The Strum-N-Comfort Solo Guitar Artist Compilation
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For over two decades, Strum-N-Comfort Picking Systems has been on a mission to remove the physical barriers that stand between guitarists and their instruments. By inventing a new category of guitar pick, the "Crossover" thumb pick, founder Greg M. Atkin bridged the frustrating gap between traditional flatpicking and the dexterity of fingerstyle playing.
Unlike conventional thumb picks that force the hand into a rigid posture, Crossover designs allow players to hold their own flat pick while keeping their fingers free for hybrid work. As Gil Parris, an RCA/BMG recording artist and former guitarist for Blood, Sweat & Tears, perfectly summarized: it is "definitely an improvement over conventional thumb picks for easily moving between fingerstyle and flat pick techniques."
This ergonomic, adjustable tool has become the foundation of a method Greg coined the Universal Picking Technique (UPT). However, building a revolutionary product is only half the journey. The other half is about the people who bring it to life.On September 7th, 2026, that journey culminated in a milestone achievement: the release of the official Strum N Comfort Picking Systems Solo Guitar Artist Compilation album.
The Power of Patience and Collaboration
If there is a single lesson to be drawn from the 20-plus-years it took to realize this compilation record, it is the profound value of patience and industry collaboration.
In early 2001, Greg joined the Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists (AFG) in Southern California, eventually being elected President of the West Coast group. Through the AFG, he was introduced to the legendary Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) in Nashville. Year after year, Greg traveled to their July conventions, forming deep, organic friendships with some of the best guitarists on the planet.For years, Greg put his own musical ambitions on the back burner to champion his friends and build his business. He found that getting to know incredible players was the best way to gain credibility for his Crossover Pick models. Over time, he was continually amazed by the complex musical arrangements and original compositions his friends produced using his designs.
To finally formalize the long-standing dream of a compilation record, Greg recently joined the ASCAP organization as a composer and publisher, successfully registering his original songs. He also established an informal publishing venture, fittingly named UPT Records, and partnered with CD Baby for manufacturing and distribution. The result is a fourteen-track masterpiece featuring ten remarkable guitarists, a testament to a community built around a shared love for the instrument.
A Roster of Virtuosos and Kindred Spirits
The artists featured on the compilation are diverse, yet united by their use of the Strum-N-Comfort system. Each track represents a unique collaboration and a personal friendship.
Justin Johnson: A virtuoso Nashville-based Blues and Slide guitarist, Justin met Greg at the NAMM show in Anaheim. Justin immediately took to the Kodiak Crossover pick, using it in several live performances at the show. This organic connection led to a highly successful partnership, with Strum-N-Comfort manufacturing an exclusive custom signature pick for him. Fans can explore his gear at his official store.
Rodrigo de la Mora: Based in Mexico City, Rodrigo was performing in the acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil show Luzia in Orange County, CA, when he first connected with Greg. Already familiar with thumb picks, Rodrigo quickly adapted to a custom Kodiak Crossover design and eventually performed with it at the Royal Albert Hall. Bringing his immense talents full circle, Rodrigo provided a valuable service to the Strum-N-Comfort community by mastering the audio tracks for this very compilation album. You can follow his work on Instagram and his ArtisanStudioWorks Etsy shop.
Ric Ickard (Richard Alcoy): A steadfast friend of over twenty-five years, Ric has been a day one supporter, championing the picks at live events and video showcases. On the album, Ric plays an original Altered States Guitar prototype. Strum-N-Comfort is currently developing a very elegant signature pick design for him. Learn more about Ric at ricickard.weebly.com.Gil Parris: The aforementioned jazz and blues maestro composed a highly creative fingerstyle arrangement of the perennial classic "Pop Goes the Weasel," effortlessly demonstrating the fluid transitions the Crossover pick allows.
Tim Thompson: One of Greg’s closest friends, Tim is a two-time Walnut Valley International fingerstyle guitar champion, a title he won using the SharkTooth Crossover pick. Tim has recorded numerous teaching videos showcasing variations of the UPT system.
Gary Freeman: A master of fingerstyle jazz in the spirit of Canadian virtuoso Lenny Breau (whom he played alongside), Gary contributed the stunning track "If I Only Had a Brain," recorded in Tim Thompson’s Nashville studio.
Steve Trovato: A renowned USC jazz guitar professor, Steve embraced the Crossover concept early on. In 2011, he and Greg co developed the physical Universal Picking Technique book and CD, a foundational educational resource that will soon be transitioning to a globally accessible digital format.
John Tinger: Though they have never met in person, Greg describes John as a true kindred spirit. After suffering a debilitating hand injury, John developed his own version of the Crossover thumb pick to overcome his limitations, allowing him to continue his life as a prolific and talented composer.
Dimitri Diatchenko: A multi-talented actor and musician whom Greg met at CAAS in Nashville. Dimitri loved the Kodiak Crossover so much that he composed an original tune named in its honor: "Kodiak Breakdown." Though Dimitri has sadly passed away, his vibrant musical spirit lives on.
Finding His Own Sound
Amidst this roster of heavyweights, the album also features five original compositions by Greg himself. For Greg, growth as a musician required hanging out locally with the best players and embracing the learning process.His tracks on this record represent the slow, deliberate evolution of his own guitar playing, enabled directly by his Crossover Pick designs and his exposure to these master musicians. His local guitar association meetings provided the stage to present his compositions, allowing him to absorb critical feedback and watch his own musical ideas finally bloom.
Listen and Learn
Ultimately, this compilation album is more than a collection of songs; it is the physical embodiment of a 20-year vision. It proves that music is an infinite reservoir, and when you continue to experiment, innovate, and support the community around you, the magic of music will inevitably show itself.The Strum-N-Comfort Picking Systems Solo Guitar Artist Compilation is officially available now. We invite you to listen to the culmination of this extraordinary musical journey.
• Preview and Stream the Album: universalpickingtechnique.hearnow.com• Download on Bandcamp: gregmatkin.bandcamp.com• Purchase the Physical CD: Visit our secure Etsy store!• Explore the Crossover Picks: strum-n-comfort.com
Unlike conventional thumb picks that force the hand into a rigid posture, Crossover designs allow players to hold their own flat pick while keeping their fingers free for hybrid work. As Gil Parris, an RCA/BMG recording artist and former guitarist for Blood, Sweat & Tears, perfectly summarized: it is "definitely an improvement over conventional thumb picks for easily moving between fingerstyle and flat pick techniques."
This ergonomic, adjustable tool has become the foundation of a method Greg coined the Universal Picking Technique (UPT). However, building a revolutionary product is only half the journey. The other half is about the people who bring it to life.On September 7th, 2026, that journey culminated in a milestone achievement: the release of the official Strum N Comfort Picking Systems Solo Guitar Artist Compilation album.
The Power of Patience and Collaboration
If there is a single lesson to be drawn from the 20-plus-years it took to realize this compilation record, it is the profound value of patience and industry collaboration.
In early 2001, Greg joined the Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists (AFG) in Southern California, eventually being elected President of the West Coast group. Through the AFG, he was introduced to the legendary Chet Atkins Appreciation Society (CAAS) in Nashville. Year after year, Greg traveled to their July conventions, forming deep, organic friendships with some of the best guitarists on the planet.For years, Greg put his own musical ambitions on the back burner to champion his friends and build his business. He found that getting to know incredible players was the best way to gain credibility for his Crossover Pick models. Over time, he was continually amazed by the complex musical arrangements and original compositions his friends produced using his designs.
To finally formalize the long-standing dream of a compilation record, Greg recently joined the ASCAP organization as a composer and publisher, successfully registering his original songs. He also established an informal publishing venture, fittingly named UPT Records, and partnered with CD Baby for manufacturing and distribution. The result is a fourteen-track masterpiece featuring ten remarkable guitarists, a testament to a community built around a shared love for the instrument.
A Roster of Virtuosos and Kindred Spirits
The artists featured on the compilation are diverse, yet united by their use of the Strum-N-Comfort system. Each track represents a unique collaboration and a personal friendship.
Justin Johnson: A virtuoso Nashville-based Blues and Slide guitarist, Justin met Greg at the NAMM show in Anaheim. Justin immediately took to the Kodiak Crossover pick, using it in several live performances at the show. This organic connection led to a highly successful partnership, with Strum-N-Comfort manufacturing an exclusive custom signature pick for him. Fans can explore his gear at his official store.
Rodrigo de la Mora: Based in Mexico City, Rodrigo was performing in the acclaimed Cirque Du Soleil show Luzia in Orange County, CA, when he first connected with Greg. Already familiar with thumb picks, Rodrigo quickly adapted to a custom Kodiak Crossover design and eventually performed with it at the Royal Albert Hall. Bringing his immense talents full circle, Rodrigo provided a valuable service to the Strum-N-Comfort community by mastering the audio tracks for this very compilation album. You can follow his work on Instagram and his ArtisanStudioWorks Etsy shop.
Ric Ickard (Richard Alcoy): A steadfast friend of over twenty-five years, Ric has been a day one supporter, championing the picks at live events and video showcases. On the album, Ric plays an original Altered States Guitar prototype. Strum-N-Comfort is currently developing a very elegant signature pick design for him. Learn more about Ric at ricickard.weebly.com.Gil Parris: The aforementioned jazz and blues maestro composed a highly creative fingerstyle arrangement of the perennial classic "Pop Goes the Weasel," effortlessly demonstrating the fluid transitions the Crossover pick allows.
Tim Thompson: One of Greg’s closest friends, Tim is a two-time Walnut Valley International fingerstyle guitar champion, a title he won using the SharkTooth Crossover pick. Tim has recorded numerous teaching videos showcasing variations of the UPT system.
Gary Freeman: A master of fingerstyle jazz in the spirit of Canadian virtuoso Lenny Breau (whom he played alongside), Gary contributed the stunning track "If I Only Had a Brain," recorded in Tim Thompson’s Nashville studio.
Steve Trovato: A renowned USC jazz guitar professor, Steve embraced the Crossover concept early on. In 2011, he and Greg co developed the physical Universal Picking Technique book and CD, a foundational educational resource that will soon be transitioning to a globally accessible digital format.
John Tinger: Though they have never met in person, Greg describes John as a true kindred spirit. After suffering a debilitating hand injury, John developed his own version of the Crossover thumb pick to overcome his limitations, allowing him to continue his life as a prolific and talented composer.
Dimitri Diatchenko: A multi-talented actor and musician whom Greg met at CAAS in Nashville. Dimitri loved the Kodiak Crossover so much that he composed an original tune named in its honor: "Kodiak Breakdown." Though Dimitri has sadly passed away, his vibrant musical spirit lives on.
Finding His Own Sound
Amidst this roster of heavyweights, the album also features five original compositions by Greg himself. For Greg, growth as a musician required hanging out locally with the best players and embracing the learning process.His tracks on this record represent the slow, deliberate evolution of his own guitar playing, enabled directly by his Crossover Pick designs and his exposure to these master musicians. His local guitar association meetings provided the stage to present his compositions, allowing him to absorb critical feedback and watch his own musical ideas finally bloom.
Listen and Learn
Ultimately, this compilation album is more than a collection of songs; it is the physical embodiment of a 20-year vision. It proves that music is an infinite reservoir, and when you continue to experiment, innovate, and support the community around you, the magic of music will inevitably show itself.The Strum-N-Comfort Picking Systems Solo Guitar Artist Compilation is officially available now. We invite you to listen to the culmination of this extraordinary musical journey.
• Preview and Stream the Album: universalpickingtechnique.hearnow.com• Download on Bandcamp: gregmatkin.bandcamp.com• Purchase the Physical CD: Visit our secure Etsy store!• Explore the Crossover Picks: strum-n-comfort.com