String skipping is a guitar-playing technique that is used mainly for solos and complex riffs in rock and heavy metal songs.
It’s a technique that allows you to play multiple notes on one string without having to change strings. It’s used in many genres of music and is a great way to add more interest to your playing.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to do it, and I’ll also give you some pointers on how to practice effectively.
Exploring Minor Pentatonic String Skipping
What is String Skipping?
String skipping is a guitar technique that involves playing notes on different strings without playing the strings in between. It’s a great way to add some variety and complexity to your playing, and the minor pentatonic scale is a great place to start.
Getting Started
Ready to give string skipping a try? Here are some tips to get you started:
- Start slowly and pay attention to the picking directions and fingering shown in the tab.
- Accuracy is key, so take your time and dial in the technique at slower tempos.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns and techniques.
- Have fun!
How to Master String Skipping
How to Practice String Skipping
Here are some tips to help you master string skipping:
- Start with a simple warm-up. This will help you get used to the distances between strings and practice your alternate picking.
- Focus on accuracy. Make sure you’re hitting the right strings and not accidentally strumming the wrong ones.
- Use a metronome. This will help you keep a steady rhythm and practice playing at different speeds.
- Try different patterns. Experiment with different string skipping patterns to find ones that work best for you.
- Have fun! Don’t forget to enjoy yourself while you’re practicing.
Adding Some Spice to Your Scale Runs with Octave Displacement
What is Octave Displacement?
Octave displacement is a great way to liven up your scale runs. Basically, you take different intervals of the scale you’re playing and move them up or down an octave. It’s a bit tricky at first, but it’s a great way to get the hang of string-skipping. This example here just goes up and down a major scale, but with the octave displacement it sounds way more interesting.
How to Master Octave Displacement
If you want to get the hang of octave displacement, here’s what you need to do:
- Start off by playing a simple scale up and down.
- Once you’ve got that down, start moving certain intervals of the scale up or down an octave.
- Keep practicing until you can do it without thinking.
- Once you’ve got it, you can start experimenting with different intervals and octave placements.
The Benefits of Octave Displacement
Octave displacement is a great way to add some flavor to your playing. It’s a great way to challenge yourself and take your playing to the next level. Plus, it’s a great way to get the hang of string-skipping and make your playing sound more interesting. So, if you’re looking to add some spice to your scale runs, octave displacement is the way to go.
Learn to Play Nuno Bettencourt-Style String Skipping
So you want to learn to play like Nuno Bettencourt? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Here, we’ll show you how to master the art of string skipping and have you playing like a pro in no time.
What is String Skipping?
String skipping is a technique used by guitarists to create fast and intricate melodies. It involves playing notes on different strings in quick succession, rather than playing all the notes on the same string. This can be a tricky technique to master, but with a bit of practice, you’ll be string skipping like a pro in no time.
How to Get Started
Here’s a great way to get started with string skipping:
- Start by placing three notes on the third string and three on the first string.
- Begin by playing slowly and gradually build up speed.
- Reverse the pick strokes, starting on an up-stroke.
- Once you’ve got the hang of it, try ascending and descending with the notes.
With a bit of practice, you’ll be string skipping like a pro in no time!
Improving Your Guitar Skills with String Skipping Etudes
The Benefits of Practicing Classical Guitar Etudes
If you’re looking to take your guitar playing to the next level, you should consider adding some classical guitar etudes to your practice routine. These highly technical pieces require a lot of string skipping, and can help you develop coordination and dexterity. Plus, some of the greatest guitarists from all genres – rock, jazz, country, and more – have used these etudes to hone their skills.
A Classic Etude to Get You Started
If you’re ready to jump into the world of string skipping etudes, why not start with Carcassi’s Opus 60, No. 7? Here are some of the benefits you can expect to get from this classic piece:
- Improved coordination and dexterity
- Increased speed and accuracy
- A better understanding of classical music
- A great way to challenge yourself musically
Ready to Take Your Guitar Playing to the Next Level?
If you’re ready to take your guitar playing to the next level, string skipping etudes are a great way to do it. So why not give Carcassi’s Opus 60, No. 7 a try? You’ll be amazed at the improvements you’ll make in no time!
String Skipping: A Sweet Way to Play
Guns N’ Roses Sweet Child o’ Mine
Ah, the sweet sound of string skipping! It’s the kind of thing that can make even the most novice of guitar players feel like a rockstar. Take Guns N’ Roses’ classic “Sweet Child o’ Mine” for example. The intro riff is a perfect example of string skipping, with the fifth and seventh notes of each arpeggio being played on the top string and the sixth and eighth notes being played on the third string. It’s enough to make any guitar player feel like a pro!
Shawn Lane’s Powers of Ten
If you’re looking for a masterclass in string skipping, then look no further than Shawn Lane’s Powers of Ten album. From the shredding of “Get You Back” to the melodic “Not Again”, Lane’s album is full of string skipping goodness. It’s enough to make any guitar player feel like they can take on the world!
Eric Johnson’s Cliffs of Dover
Eric Johnson’s instrumental piece “Cliffs of Dover” is another great example of string skipping. During the intro, Johnson uses the technique to create wider intervals and to replace certain notes with their open string versions. It’s enough to make any guitar player feel like a master!
Paul Gilbert’s String Skipping
Paul Gilbert, of Mr. Big, Racer X, and G3 fame, is another master of string skipping. He’s been known to use the technique to create some truly unique sounds. It’s enough to make any guitar player feel like a shredding god!
So, if you’re looking for a way to take your guitar playing to the next level, then why not give string skipping a try? It’s a sweet way to play!
Differences
String Skipping Vs Hybrid Picking
String skipping and hybrid picking are two different techniques used by guitarists to play faster and more complex solos. String skipping involves the guitarist playing a note on one string, then skipping over one or more strings to play a note on another string. Hybrid picking, on the other hand, involves the guitarist using a pick and one or more fingers to play notes on different strings.
String skipping is a great way to play fast, complex solos, but it can be difficult to master. Hybrid picking, on the other hand, is easier to learn and can be used to play a variety of different styles. It’s a great way to add some extra flavor to your solos and make them stand out. So, if you’re looking to add some extra speed and complexity to your playing, try string skipping. But if you want to add some extra flavor and texture to your solos, try hybrid picking.
String Skipping Vs Alternate Sweeping
String skipping is a great way to get around the neck quickly and make a big sound. It involves playing a note on one string and then skipping to another string for the next note. This allows you to play larger intervals across a narrow area of the neck, which can be more economical than playing the same interval on the same or next string up/down. On the other hand, alternate sweeping is a slower way to play, but it gives a different sound. It involves playing from one note to the next on the same string, or one note to the next on the next string up/down. This can be a great way to add texture to your playing. So, if you’re looking for speed, go for string skipping. If you’re looking for a different sound, go for alternate sweeping.
FAQ
Is String Skipping Hard?
String skipping is a tricky technique, but it doesn’t have to be hard. It’s all about practice and patience. If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, you can master it in no time. It’s like learning any other skill: it takes dedication and a lot of practice. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to play some really cool licks and riffs. So don’t be intimidated by the idea of string skipping. It’s not as hard as it seems. With a bit of dedication and a lot of patience, you’ll be able to master it in no time. So don’t be scared, just give it a go!
Important Relations
Arpeggios
String skipping is a guitar technique where the player skips over strings when playing a lick or a phrase. It’s a great way to add variety and interest to your playing. Arpeggios are a great way to practice string skipping. An arpeggio is a broken chord, where the notes of the chord are played one after the other, rather than all at once. By playing an arpeggio, you can practice string skipping by skipping over strings as you play the notes of the chord.
String skipping can be used to create interesting and unique phrases. It can also be used to create a sense of motion and movement in your playing. By skipping strings, you can create a sense of tension and release, as well as a sense of anticipation. You can also use string skipping to create a sense of urgency in your playing.
String skipping can also be used to create a sense of drama in your playing. By skipping strings, you can create a sense of anticipation and suspense. You can also use string skipping to create a sense of urgency and excitement.
String skipping can also be used to create interesting and unique sounds. By skipping strings, you can create a unique sound that is different from the sound of playing all the notes of the chord at once. You can also use string skipping to create a sense of movement and energy in your playing.
So, if you’re looking to add some variety and interest to your playing, string skipping is a great way to do it. Arpeggios are a great way to practice string skipping, as they allow you to skip strings as you play the notes of the chord. So, grab your guitar and give it a try!
Here, I have a couple of string skipping exercises you can use:
Conclusion
String skipping is an essential technique for any guitarist to master. It’s a great way to add variety to your playing and make your licks sound more interesting. With a little practice, you’ll be skipping strings like a pro! Just remember to take it slow and be patient – it won’t happen overnight. And don’t forget to have FUN – after all, that’s the name of the game! So grab your guitar and get to string skipping – you won’t regret it!
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
