Double stops 101

Greetings earthling, you’ve just landed on planet double stop!

Simply put, double stops involve playing two notes at the same time.
Double stops are common across blues, R&B, and gospel guitar styles.
They create a fuller sound than a single-note melody and add warmth to basic two- or three-note phrases.

The double stops that you’ll explore are formed simply by playing notes on adjacent strings within the C#m pentatonic scale:

Before moving into today’s exercises, review Sam’s top tips for double stops:

Stay light! Find that sweet spot of pressure down so it's easy for you to slide and move double stops around the fretboard.
Keep your thumb behind your first finger to support your chord-playing hand.
Make sure your first finger is completely straight when playing a tiny bar across the two notes. This leads to clear-sounding notes.

Let’s get it!

Take this first exercise nice and easy.

Sam’s top tip: Already comfortable with the D/G and G/B double stops? Add some vibrato to each one.

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String change! Now we’ll work our way up the G/B strings.

Sam’s top tip: Can you add a slide this time? Slides add character, whether you're moving up or down.

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Let’s go up another level and use the full box shape.

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You’ve worked hard today, time to get creative with a lick.

Sam’s top tip: Once you’ve got the lick down, mix in some slides and vibrato to take it to the next level.

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This charming lick is sure to win over that special person.

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Let’s see you reach for the stars on this new jam!

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There’s clearly no (double) stopping you, excellent playing today. We’ll see you over in Day 5 for a deep dive into neo-soul music theory.