Melodic Skip Sequences

How to Practice

1. 1Play the G major scale using string skipping to create wide intervallic leaps.
2. 2Pattern: Play a note, skip a string, play the next scale degree.
3. 3Use groups of 4 notes (16th notes) to create a cascading sequence effect.
4. 4Maintain strict alternate picking even across the string skips.
5. 5Start the pattern on different strings to explore all positions.
6. 6Focus on creating a smooth, connected sound despite the large jumps.

Tips & Techniques

• •The wider the skip, the more dramatic and 'outside' the melody sounds.
• •This technique creates intervallic patterns impossible with linear playing.
• •Great for breaking out of scale box patterns and pentatonic ruts.
• •Listen to Frank Gambale, Paul Gilbert, or John Petrucci for advanced examples.
• •Try applying this to modal scales for even more exotic sounds.
• •Combine with legato or tapping for hybrid technique vocabulary.