String skipping is a fundamental technique for guitarists, essential for adding variety and complexity to your playing. Whether you’re a beginner looking to develop your skills or an experienced guitarist aiming to enhance your technique, mastering string skipping is a valuable skill. In this article, we’ll explore some effective exercises to help you improve your string skipping ability and elevate your guitar playing to the next level.
1. The Basic String Skipper
Let’s start with a straightforward exercise to get you acquainted with the concept of string skipping. Place your fretting hand on the 5th fret of the low E string (6th string) and your picking hand over the strings. Begin by picking the 6th string, then skip the 5th string and pick the 4th string. Continue this pattern, skipping one string in between, for a few minutes. As you become comfortable, increase the speed and accuracy of your picking.
2. String Skipper Sequences
Once you’ve mastered the basic string skipping pattern, it’s time to introduce some sequences. Start with a simple ascending and descending pattern. Play a sequence like this:
– E string (6th string)
– G string (3rd string)
– D string (4th string)
– B string (2nd string)
Then, reverse the sequence and practice descending:
– B string (2nd string)
– D string (4th string)
– G string (3rd string)
– E string (6th string)
These exercises will help you develop control and precision when moving between strings.
3. Scale Integration
Incorporating string skipping into scales is an excellent way to make it a seamless part of your playing. Choose a scale, such as the pentatonic or major scale, and incorporate string skipping into your practice routine. For example, in the A minor pentatonic scale, you can skip a string between each note:
– e|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
– B|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
– G|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
– D|—————–|————7-9-|—————–|————7-9-|
– A|————7-9-|—————–|————7-9-|—————–|
– E|—————–|————7-9-|—————–|————7-9-|
By integrating string skipping into scales, you’ll not only enhance your string skipping ability but also improve your overall fretboard knowledge.
4. Arpeggio String Skipping
Arpeggios are a vital aspect of guitar playing, and incorporating string skipping into them can produce mesmerizing results. Take a basic major or minor arpeggio and modify it by skipping strings. For instance, here’s a string-skipped major arpeggio in the key of C:
– e|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
– B|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
– G|—————–|————4-5-|—————–|————4-5-|
– D|————4-5-|—————–|————4-5-|—————–|
– A|—————–|————4-5-|—————–|————4-5-|
– E|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
Practicing string-skipped arpeggios will not only enhance your string skipping but also add a rich and melodic quality to your solos and compositions.
5. Metronome Practice
One of the key aspects of improving string skipping is maintaining consistency and precision. Incorporate a metronome into your practice routine to develop your timing and rhythm. Start slowly, ensuring each string skip is clean and accurate, and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
Conclusion
Improving your string skipping ability is a valuable skill for any guitarist. These exercises will help you build the dexterity and control necessary to incorporate string skipping seamlessly into your playing. Remember that consistent practice and patience are key to mastering this technique. As you progress, you’ll discover that string skipping opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to craft unique and captivating guitar solos. So, pick up your guitar, start practicing, and watch your string skipping ability soar to new heights.
