Pentatonic String Skips

How to Practice

1. 1Play the A minor pentatonic scale, skipping one string between each note.
2. 2Use strict alternate picking throughout (down-up-down-up).
3. 3Start with the pattern: 6th string → 4th string → 3rd string → 1st string.
4. 4Make an arc motion with your pick to skip over the unwanted string.
5. 5Keep your fretting hand relaxed - only the picking hand needs to work harder.
6. 6Once comfortable, reverse the pattern going back down.

Tips & Techniques

• •The picking motion should come from the wrist, not the whole arm.
• •Visualize the target string before you move your pick.
• •Start extremely slow - accuracy is more important than speed.
• •Practice the arc motion on open strings first to build muscle memory.
• •Listen to Paul Gilbert's string skipping runs for inspiration.