String Skipping Technique How to

The technique we're after for today is developed as an alternative to sweep picking, to make arpeggios sound cleaner and rhythmically accurate. String skipping avoids the need to pick through the strings in one single motion (as you must when sweep picking), instead using conventional picking and often adding hammer-ons and pull-offs. This Guitar Workout helps you develop the skills you need to emulate the string-skipping techniques of players like Paul Gilbert, Marty Friedman and Greg Howe. Exercises string-skipping technique: playing two-note-per-string minor and diminished 7th arpeggios. Paul Gilbert often uses this technique to great effect. Exercise 3 focuses on 16th-note arpeggios and employs more position shifts. We've suggested a fretting pattern in the notation, but you should also experiment with other fingerings that may feel more comfortable for you. The final exercise utilises all six strings and is reminiscent of Steve Vai's famous solo from Crossroads. It's tricky to master because there's a lot of work in the fret hand, so don't be tempted to cut any corners - keep your sound relatively clean and don't rush. Play each exercise for three minutes and follow the suggested tempos for each exercise as a guide. Accuracy and control are your primary concerns with this workout.