Double Stops

A technique in which two notes are played simultaneously on separate strings, creating a harmonically rich sound.

Double stops are a versatile and expressive element of guitar playing, used in various music genres such as blues, rock, and country. By playing two notes at once, guitarists can create harmony, add texture, and emphasize specific intervals or chord tones within their playing. Double stops can be executed using various techniques, such as fingerpicking, flatpicking, or hybrid picking, and can be combined with slides, bends, or vibrato for added expression. When used effectively, double stops can enhance a guitarist’s melodic and rhythmic ideas, providing a fuller, more dynamic sound. Learning to incorporate double stops into one’s playing requires an understanding of harmony, as well as the ability to synchronize the movements of the picking and fretting hands.