What Are Double Stops?
A double stop is two notes played at the same time on adjacent strings. Think of it as a mini-chord that adds harmony and power to melodic lines. Every blues and rock guitarist relies on them.
Double Stops in Thirds
Key of G — major thirds on strings 2-3: e|-------------------------------| B|--3--5--7--8--10--12-----------| G|--4--5--7--9--11--12-----------| Key of A minor — thirds descending: e|-------------------------------| B|--13--12--10--8--7--5--3-------| G|--14--12--11--9--7--5--4-------|
Double Stops in Sixths
Key of G — sixths on strings 1-3: e|--3--5--7--8--10--12-----------| B|-------------------------------| G|--4--5--7--9--11--12-----------| Chuck Berry style: e|--8--8--10--10--8--8-----------| B|--8--8--10--10--8--8-----------| G|-------------------------------|
Blues Double Stop Lick
Key of A: e|-------------------------------| B|--5b7--5----5b7--5-------------| G|--5----5----5----5--7--5-------| D|--------------------------7----|
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Find pairs of notes on adjacent strings for natural double stop shapes.
Open in full appNext Steps
Combine double stops with bending for expressive blues lines, and explore triads to understand the harmony behind them.