A study of the stability of a gas embedded Z‐pinch discharge is presented. The experiments have been carried out using pulse power generators capable of delivering dI/dt in excess of1012 A·s−1. The parameter space on the Universal Diagram of Z‐pinch stability is explored by changing initial conditions (background gas pressure, preionization scheme: laser or microdischarge initiation and with or without preheating), as well as parameter change due to the evolution of each particular discharge. For every initial condition a trajectory is obtained in the Universal Diagram. Diagnostics used are Rogowskii loop and multiframe holographic interferometry, from which, current, line density and pinch radius are obtained. Results obtained are discussed in relationship with their position in the Universal Diagram. The applicability of the diagram is confirmed. Further work to explore different areas of the parameter space is envisaged.