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.

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.
I think the program levels are a great way to teach the guitar. I have had several teachers over the past few years and none came close to the structured organization that you have put together.
~ Peter Marior
-Peter Marior
Those videos on practicing the piece were just awesome, Allen! I've always thought that learning songs might be something completely different than practicing exercises, but the way you teach it makes it much easier than I thought. I'm positive that joining the Woodshed has been the best investment I've ever done for learning the classical guitar. Thank you so much for these lessons.
~ Ulysses Alexandre Alves
-Ulysses Alexandre Alves
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