Methods for analyzing a nucleic acid molecule are described. Methods may include attaching the nucleic acid molecule to a particle having a first characteristic dimension. In addition, methods may include applying an electric field through an aperture to move the particle to the aperture. Also, methods may include applying a voltage across a first electrode and a second electrode. Further, methods may include contacting a portion of the nucleic acid molecule to both the first electrode and the second electrode within the aperture, where the portion may include a nucleotide. In addition, methods may include measuring a current through the first electrode, the portion of the nucleic acid molecule, and the second electrode, where the measured current runs in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the aperture. Also, methods may include identifying the nucleotide of the portion of the nucleic acid molecule based on the current.