[This piece comes from my Guitar Technique Booster Course. It’s focused on the basic fretting hand guitar technique and has been lightly adapted for this article.]
When exploring a foreign city, you can always stick to travel guides, visiting the recommended landmarks and following the standard tourist paths.
But the real magic happens when you step off the beaten track—when you wander through hidden alleys, stumble upon local gems, and truly immerse yourself in the city’s unique vibe.
The same is true for music. Sticking to linear, scale-based patterns might feel safe, but breaking free from those routines is where the adventure begins. This is where string skipping becomes your best friend, helping you craft melodies that are as unpredictable and exciting as discovering a city’s hidden treasures.
In this article, we’ll dive into the art of string skipping, uncovering how this technique can transform your playing and open up a world of creative possibilities.
What Is the String Skipping Technique?
As the name suggests, string skipping involves skipping over one or more strings while playing melodies or riffs. It’s considered an advanced guitar technique because it often combines other techniques like alternate picking, legato, or even tapping, along with the challenge of muting.
What makes string skipping so powerful is its ability to create wide, intervallic leaps that break away from the linear, scalar patterns many beginner and intermediate players rely on. By skipping strings, you can craft unpredictable, modern-sounding lines that grab the listener’s attention.
One of the reasons I love this technique is its ability to add sophistication and depth to solos. It helps avoid the “box pattern” trap, where melodies feel confined to predictable shapes. Instead, string skipping opens the door to intervallic sounds that feel fresh, dynamic, and expressive.
The Fretting Hand: Precision and Muting Support
To execute string skipping cleanly, your fretting hand needs to be precise and efficient. Proper finger placement is crucial for clarity. As I’ve mentioned in my guide on basic fretting hand technique, your thumb should rest behind the neck, roughly behind the second finger, while your palm stays parallel to the bottom edge of the neck.
This positioning not only ensures accuracy but also helps with muting. Keeping your knuckles low allows your fretting hand to mute the strings below the one you’re playing, reducing unwanted noise.
Read more 👉 Basic Fretting Hand Guitar Technique: Building a Solid Foundation for Speed and Precision
The Picking Hand Mechanics: Efficient Motion for Seamless Jumps
String skipping often combines techniques like alternate picking, legato, and even tapping, but the key challenge lies in the actual string jump. Here’s how to approach it:
- Economy of Motion: Minimize unnecessary movement. Whether you’re using alternate picking or a combination of pick and fingers, efficiency is everything.
- Pick Slanting: When using alternate picking, slant the pick slightly using your forearm to guide the motion. This prevents the pick from getting trapped between strings.
- Hybrid Picking: For a smoother timbre and greater reach, use the pick for the lower string and your middle or ring finger for the higher string. This method, which I often prefer, allows for seamless transitions and a more fluid sound.
The Art of Silence: Comprehensive Muting Strategies
Clean string skipping requires mastering the art of muting. BOTH HANDS play a role in silencing unwanted noise:
- Picking Hand: Use your thumb to mute the strings above the one you’re playing and your fingers to mute the strings below [remember legato muting?].
- Fretting Hand: Keep your knuckles low to help mute the strings below the one you’re playing.
Using these muting techniques, you can ensure that your string skipping passages remain clean and articulate, even at high speeds.
Practice Strategies: Mastering String Skipping
String skipping is a demanding technique that requires attention to detail and consistent practice. Here are some strategies to help you master it:
- Start Slow: Focus on the mechanics of both hands to avoid any muscle tension. Use a metronome and gradually increase the tempo as your accuracy improves.
- Gradual Interval Expansion: Begin with small skips (e.g., one string) and gradually progress to larger intervals (e.g., two or three strings).
- Integrate Familiar Scales and Arpeggios: Practice string skipping within the context of scales like the C Major scale, minor pentatonic, or 7th arpeggios. This helps you apply the technique musically.
- High-Quality Exercises: Use exercises that challenge both your picking hand accuracy and fretting hand precision. For example, practice triad arpeggios with string skips or experiment with octave displacement [Have you ever listened to Carl Verheyen or Oz Noy?].
Remember, patience and consistency are key. String skipping is not a technique you master overnight, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
Inspiration from the Masters
Some of the greatest guitarists have used string skipping to redefine what’s possible on the instrument. Here are a few to draw inspiration from:
- Paul Gilbert: Known for his blazing speed and precision, Gilbert’s string skipping licks are legendary. Check out his work with Racer X or his instructional videos for jaw-dropping examples.
- John Petrucci: The Dream Theater virtuoso combines string skipping with alternate picking to create intricate, melodic lines.
- Shawn Lane: Lane’s fluid, lightning-fast runs often incorporate string skipping, showcasing his unparalleled technique.
- Eric Johnson: Famous for his smooth tone and phrasing, Johnson uses string skipping to add a lyrical quality to his solos.
- Carl Verheyen: A master of hybrid picking, Verheyen’s string skipping lines are a testament to his creativity and control.
When you listen to these players, you gain insight into how string skipping can be used to enhance both technical and musical expression – so take advantage of it!
FAQ: Your String Skipping Questions Answered
Q: Why does my pick keep getting stuck between strings?
A: Use your forearm to guide the pick and ensure a smooth escape motion. Alternatively, try hybrid picking, which allows you to use your fingers for the higher string.
Q: How do I make string skipping sound musical, not just technical?
A: Avoid playing exercises with the same note value. Instead, incorporate rhythmic variations, create sequences, and blend string skipping with other techniques like tapping or sweep picking.
Q: Is string skipping only for shredders?
A: Absolutely not! String skipping is an expressive tool that can be applied to any style of music, from classical guitar to rock and beyond. For example, listen to Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns N’ Roses or the intricate lines of Nuno Bettencourt and Guthrie Govan.
Final Thoughts
String skipping is more than just a flashy technique—it’s a gateway to new musical possibilities. By breaking out of linear patterns and embracing wider intervals, you can add depth, sophistication, and excitement to your playing.
Get inspired by the precision of Paul Gilbert, the melodic mastery of John Petrucci, or the creativity of Martin Miller, and discover how string skipping can elevate your playing to new heights.
So grab your electric guitar, start slow, and focus on building both accuracy and expression. With time and dedication, you’ll unlock the full potential of this incredible technique.