String skipping is a guitar technique where you jump over one or more strings instead of playing them in order.
Unlike traditional playing, which moves up or down the strings sequentially, string skipping adds wider intervals, making licks and solos sound more fluid, unpredictable, and expressive.
This technique is used in rock, metal, fusion, and even jazz to create exciting and unique guitar lines.
How String Skipping Works
When playing a scale, arpeggio, or lick, most guitarists move up or down one string at a time. With string skipping, you intentionally “skip” a string to create a bigger melodic jump.
This means you might play a note on the low E string, then immediately hit a note on the D string, completely skipping the A string.
You can use a pick, fingers, or a combination of both (hybrid picking) to execute string skipping cleanly. The key is accuracy and control, ensuring that only the intended notes ring out while avoiding unwanted noise.
Why String Skipping Builds Your Sound
String skipping is more than just a flashy technique; it’s a powerful tool that can dramatically improve your playing.
By intentionally jumping over strings, you introduce fresh, unpredictable movement to your solos and riffs, making your playing sound more unique and expressive. It also forces your picking hand to be more precise, improving overall control and accuracy.
As you practice string skipping, you’ll notice that your speed and fluidity across the fretboard increase, helping you navigate complex passages more effortlessly.
Additionally, this technique strengthens both your fretting and picking coordination, building finger independence and allowing you to execute more advanced licks with confidence.
Types of String Skipping
String skipping can be applied in multiple ways, each adding its own flavor to your playing:
Scale-Based String Skipping: Playing scales while skipping over certain strings for a more open sound, sounds great also on the pentatonic scales.
Arpeggiated String Skipping: Used in neo-classical and metal styles to create clean, separated arpeggios.
Melodic String Skipping: Common in lead guitar playing, where larger interval jumps give solos a unique character.
Rhythmic String Skipping: Skipping strings within a riff to create a choppy, syncopated feel.
How to Practice String Skipping
Exercise 1: Two-String Skip: Pick a simple pattern that skips one string, like E → D → A → G.
Exercise 2: Three-String Skip: Try larger jumps like E → G → B, adding more variety to your playing.
Exercise 3: Arpeggio-Based Skipping: Play a three-note arpeggio while skipping strings (e.g., an E minor arpeggio across E, G, and B strings).
Exercise 4: String Skipping with Legato: Add hammer-ons and pull-offs between skips for a smoother feel.
Tips for Mastering String Skipping
String skipping can be challenging at first, but with focused practice, you can master it. Here are some tips:
Start Slow: Accuracy is more important than speed. Play slowly and gradually increase your tempo.
Use Alternate Picking: Consistently alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes for cleaner execution.
Mute Unwanted Noise: Use both your fretting and picking hand to control excess string noise.
Practice with Simple Patterns: Begin with two-string skips before moving on to more complex patterns.
Experiment with Different Genres: Try string skipping in rock, metal, fusion, or even jazz to find your unique sound.
Where to Use String Skipping
Rock & Metal Solos: Guitarists like Paul Gilbert and Steve Vai use string skipping to make their solos more dynamic.
Fusion & Jazz: Skipping strings creates unexpected note choices that add character to jazz lines.
Acoustic Fingerstyle: Even acoustic players use this technique to add depth to melodic playing.
Summary
String skipping is an exciting and expressive technique that helps guitarists break out of linear playing patterns. By learning how to skip strings cleanly and accurately, you can develop a more dynamic, fluid, and engaging guitar style.
Whether you’re into rock, metal, fusion, or even jazz, string skipping can expand your phrasing and improve your technique.