I and M String Crossing


  • Thumb stays on the string behind the string being played.
  • Move your entire hand to the new position of each string.
  • Keep the hand consistent through all the strings.
  • Don’t reach for the next string.  Instead, move your thumb and hand.
  • Continue with your I and M alternation while crossing to a new string.

String Crossing is part of classical guitar scale technique for the right hand.  When we master string-crossing, we can speed up scales on guitar.  We play more smoothly and cleanly, and make fewer mistakes.  Guitar scales are a fundamental element of guitar practice, and string crossing is part of the study.


Allen Mathews

Hi, I’m Allen Mathews. 


I started as a folk guitarist, then fell in love with classical guitar in my 20’s. Despite a lot of practice and schooling, I still couldn’t get my music to flow well. I struggled with excess tension. My music sounded forced. And my hands and body were often sore. I got frustrated, and couldn’t see the way forward. Then, over the next decade, I studied with two other stellar teachers – one focused on the technical movements, and one on the musical (he was a concert pianist). In time, I came to discover a new set of formulas and movements. These brought new life and vitality to my practice. Now I help guitarists find more comfort and flow in their music, so they play more beautifully.
Click here for a sample formula.





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