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The Double Stop: A Blues Rhythm / Lead Guitar Lesson
guitar lesson blog

So what the heck is a double stop anyway?  It’s really just a fancy way of saying, “2 strings at once” – not really sure what the “stop” part has to do with anything (if someone knows feel free to leave a comment).  So in addition to double stops there are also triple and quadruple stops as well – but the double stop is the most common on guitar.  When I think of playing double stop guitar solos on the guitar, I almost automatically think of Chuck Berry.  He had a great way of playing really thick sounding solos by doubling up and playing on 2 strings at the same time.  You’ll also hear lots of country pickers using double stops to emulate a pedal steel sound. 


The reason for playing 2 strings at once is to add more substance to the sound of the melody – so you can play melodies with an accompanying harmony part, in fact I always think of double stop as being somewhere between the traditional lead and rhythm.  Anyway, after watching the video I’m sure it’ll make more sense to you and hopefully you’ll be able to show off some new double stop picking action.


jam track button

 

 

Questions or comments on this lesson:


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Posted by: davythreeteles on December 18, 2011

Why we use the word STOP or STOPPING when playing a stringed instrument. 
(A)  when you play an open string ( no fingering )  the length of the string is from the nut to the bridge,      (B)  when you finger a note (or two in double stopping)  you are changing the length of the string. (hence a different note)                                                                                                “YOU’RE STOPPING THE STRING LENGTH BEING FROM THE NUT TO THE BRIDGE AND IT BECOMES THE
LENGTH FROM YOUR FINGER TO THE BRIDGE.
The term Stopping go’s way back, it pre-dates fretted instruments.
I hope this makes sense, its a lot harder to write out than it would be to show someone, Cheers
Davythreeteles

 


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Posted by: Brian on December 18, 2011

Awesome explanation, thanks - I didn’t know that’s where that phrase came from.

 


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Posted by: davythreeteles on December 19, 2011

Cheers Brian, and thank you for the guitar lessons, DAVE

 


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Posted by: sysdevman on December 22, 2011

Could double stop simply refer to the fact that there are 2 dots (stops) on the music score?

 


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Posted by: Brian on December 22, 2011

@ sysdevman, yes it absolutely could - great point.  You see, I understand how to play the guitar and can sit in with most styles of music, but I’m very weak when it comes to a proper music education.  I try not to let that hold me back from showing others how to do play though smile

 


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Posted by: MFence on December 22, 2011

This is used in Brown Eyed girl, correct,

 


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Posted by: bparham79 on December 31, 2011

Hey Brian, Great lesson. This website has been and continues to be an inspiration to me. Absolutely love it! I’m a music college graduate and professional player (even though I have less than 4 years on the instrument). I always pick up some great licks, tips, and tricks on your website. I’m doing some session work for gospel and blues bands and have no doubt these licks will be showing up next time I’m in the studio.

Thanks for all the great lessons. SUPER APPRECIATED!!!

 


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Posted by: FRET on December 31, 2011

Cannot down load jame track or any tabs

 


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Posted by: Brian on January 1, 2012

@FRET - I’m working on fixing the links as we speak and should have them up this evening at some point.

 


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Posted by: Matt the Cat on January 3, 2012

R U going to post the tab?

 


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Posted by: txfldtone on January 22, 2012

I am new to this site.  Wow!  This is great stuff.  I am an “uneducated” (self-taught) guitar player myself, and the insight you provide is very helpful.  I have figured out of things about different keys, their positions on the neck, etc., and it is gratifying to get some confirmation from your lessons.  The how-to demonstration is really appreciated and I think my playing is about to get a lot better!  Thanks!!

 


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Posted by: roclin on February 22, 2012

Great to see I’m teaching my son these reminders thanks