Download the PDF: String Skipping Lesson PDF of this Page
These 17 string skipping drills help you build clean accuracy while jumping across strings. They sound cool, feel modern, and are great for breaking out of “boxy” scale shapes. Each one is short, simple, and easy to loop.
1. Simple Octave Jump
Easy start. Just bounce between two strings.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-2--------------|
D|----------------|
A|------------2---|
E|----------------|
2. Open-String Skip
Great for timing and picking control.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-0--------------|
D|----------------|
A|--------0-------|
E|----------------|
3. Major Triad (Root–5th)
Basic shape you’ll use forever.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-4--------------|
D|----------------|
A|--------2-------|
E|----------------|
4. Minor Triad (Root–Flat 3)
Same idea, sadder sound.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-1--------------|
D|----------------|
A|--------3-------|
E|----------------|
5. Pentatonic Skip
Super common in rock and metal licks.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-2--------------|
D|----------------|
A|--------5-------|
E|----------------|
6. Ascending String Skip
Climbs up in a modern way.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-2--------------|
D|--------4-------|
A|-------------5--|
E|----------------|
7. Descending String Skip
Same shape but going down.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-------------4--|
D|--------5-------|
A|-7--------------|
E|----------------|
8. 3-Note-Per-String Scale Jump
Helps break out of “straight up the scale” playing.
E|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|-4------------------|
D|------------5-------|
A|-----------------7--|
E|--------------------|
9. Skip + Hammer-On
Feels more fluid and less robotic.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-4h5------------|
D|--------4-------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
10. Skip + Pull-Off
Good for adding speed without extra picking.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-5p4------------|
D|--------5-------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
11. Two-String Pentatonic Loop
Modern pentatonic flavor.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-2--------------|
D|--------2-------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
12. Triad Pair Skip
Smooth, jazzy, and super modern.
E|----------------|
B|-------5--------|
G|-4--------------|
D|----------------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
13. Wide Interval Jump
More dramatic sound, good for solos.
E|----------------|
B|----------------|
G|-2--------------|
D|----------------|
A|-------------7--|
E|----------------|
14. Seventh Chord Skip
Mix of harmony and technique.
E|----------------|
B|-------5--------|
G|-4--------------|
D|----------------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
15. Fusion-Style Pattern
Inspired by modern players who love wide intervals.
E|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|-4------------------|
D|------------7-------|
A|-----------------9--|
E|--------------------|
16. Skip with Double Stops
Adds a thicker, more expressive sound.
E|----------------|
B|-5--------------|
G|-5--------------|
D|--------7-------|
A|----------------|
E|----------------|
17. Full Modern Run
Easy to loop and sounds impressive for beginners.
E|--------------------|
B|--------------------|
G|-4------------------|
D|--------7-----------|
A|-------------9------|
E|--------------------|
Play each drill slow at first, then speed up once it feels clean. String skipping takes time, but once it clicks, your playing opens up in a huge way.
Related Guitar Lessons
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Exercises & Lessons
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Strumming & Lessons
Comment Policy: You're down to leave a comment? That's awesome. Keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. Please avoid any spammy keywords or a domain as your name, otherwise your comment will be deleted. Let's stay on topic, keep questions relevant and have a meaningful conversation. All the best.