Guitar String Skipping - Create Wide Interval Melodies

What is String Skipping?

Instead of playing notes on adjacent strings, string skipping jumps over one or more strings. This creates wide interval leaps — octaves, 10ths, and other intervals that sound angular and modern.

Basic String Skipping Exercises

Exercise 1: Octave Skips

e|-----5-----7-----8-----10----|
B|----------------------------- |
G|--5-----7-----9-----10-------|
D|-----------------------------|
(skip the B string — octave shapes)

Exercise 2: Pentatonic String Skips

A minor pentatonic with skips:
e|--5---------8---------5------|
B|-----------------------------|
G|-----5---------7-------------|
D|-----------------------------|
A|--------5---------7----------|
E|-----------------------------|

Exercise 3: Arpeggio String Skipping

Am arpeggio with string skips:
e|--5--------------------------| 
B|-----------------------------|
G|-----5-----------------------|
D|---------7---5---------------|
A|-----------------------------|
E|---------------5-------------|

Picking Strategy

• Strict alternate picking — maintains consistency across string jumps
• Economy picking — sweep when crossing to an adjacent string after the skip
• Hybrid picking — use fingers for the skipped strings

Next Steps

Combine with alternate picking for precision and explore arpeggios for musical string skipping applications.