How to Play Double Stops on the Guitar

Double stops are a fantastic way to add depth and complexity to your guitar playing. They're not just for jazz or blues; they can be a secret weapon in your metal arsenal too. In this post, we'll break down what double stops are, how to incorporate them into your playing, and why they can be such a powerful tool for any guitarist looking to spice up their sound.

What Exactly Are Double Stops?

Double stops might sound fancy, but they're pretty straightforward. Simply put, a double stop is when you play two notes at the same time on your guitar. Unlike chords, which typically involve three or more notes, double stops focus on just two notes. This creates a unique harmony that can be surprisingly versatile. You might have already stumbled upon them without even realizing it!

In the context of metal and its subgenres, double stops can add a bit of melodic flair to your riffs or solos. Think of iconic guitarists who use harmonized leads—those are often built on the foundation of double stops. They're a great way to punch up your playing without making things overly complex.

Why are double stops so effective? They allow for a certain kind of richness and fullness, even though you're only playing two notes. This can be incredibly useful in metal, where the guitar often needs to cut through a wall of sound. Plus, they're incredibly flexible, working well across various genres and styles.

Finding the Right Spot for Double Stops

The key to using double stops effectively is knowing where they fit best in your music. They can be woven into riffs, used as accent points in solos, or even serve as transitional elements between sections. Here are a few places where double stops can shine:

• Riffs: Adding a double stop to the end of a riff can give it a punchy conclusion.
• Solos: They can add harmonic interest and make your solos more memorable.
• Transitions: Use them to smoothly transition between different parts of a song.

It's all about experimenting and seeing what works for your style of music. Sometimes, a simple double stop can completely transform a section of your song, making it more dynamic and engaging.

How to Play Double Stops: Getting Started

So, how do you actually play these magical two-note harmonies? Getting started with double stops is easier than you might think. Here's a simple step-by-step guide to get you going:

1. Pick two adjacent strings on your guitar. For beginners, the D and G strings are a good place to start.
2. Place your fingers on the fretboard so that each finger presses down on one of the strings. For instance, try playing the 7th fret on the D string and the 7th fret on the G string simultaneously.
3. Use your pick to strum both strings together. You should hear both notes ringing out clearly.
4. Experiment with different fingerings and positions on the fretboard. Try moving up and down the neck to see how the sound changes.

Getting comfortable with these basics will allow you to start incorporating double stops into your playing quickly. From here, it's all about exploration and finding what sounds good to you.

Applying Double Stops in Metal

In metal, double stops can be used to create aggressive, driving sounds. They can add a layer of intensity to your riffs, making them sound heavier and more complex. Imagine adding a double stop to a palm-muted chug—suddenly, the riff has a whole new dimension.

Here's a quick metal riff example using double stops:

e|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|
G|-----7-9----7-9-10-9-------|
D|-----7-9----7-9-10-9-------|
A|---------------------------|
E|---------------------------|

In this example, the double stops are played on the G and D strings, adding a harmonic richness to the riff. Try playing it with a palm-muted, down-picked rhythm to get that aggressive metal feel.

Double stops are particularly effective in genres like thrash metal, where speed and precision are key. They can also be used in more melodic subgenres like progressive metal, where the focus is on creating intricate, evolving soundscapes.

Making Your Double Stops Stand Out

Once you've gotten comfortable with the basics, you might wonder how to make your double stops more expressive. Here are a few techniques to consider:

• Slides: Sliding into a double stop from a lower fret can add a dramatic flair.
• Bends: Bending one of the notes in a double stop can create a tension and release effect.
• Vibrato: Adding vibrato to your double stops can give them a more dynamic and emotional quality.

Experimenting with these techniques can help you develop a unique sound. It might take some practice to get the hang of these, but the payoff in your playing will be well worth it.

Double Stops in Different Scales

To truly get the most out of double stops, you'll want to explore them within different scales. This can open up a whole new world of musical possibilities. Let's take the minor pentatonic scale as an example—it's a staple in rock and metal music.

Here's how you might incorporate double stops into the A minor pentatonic scale:

e|---------------------------|
B|---------------------------|
G|---------5-7-7-5-----------|
D|---------5-7-7-5-----------|
A|---------------------------|
E|---------------------------|

By using double stops within the scale, you can create more melodic and harmonically interesting lines. This approach is particularly useful for soloing, where having a range of harmonic tools at your disposal can make a big difference in your sound.

Exploring Double Stops With Riffhard

If you're looking to take your double stops to the next level, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the best metal guitarists in the world. Our instructors, like Dean Lamb and Zakk Wylde, dive deep into techniques that can improve your rhythm and lead guitar skills. Imagine learning how to use double stops effectively in your playing directly from these legends!

Our interactive player allows you to slow down lessons and practice at your own pace, making it easier to master even the most challenging double stop passages. Plus, with downloadable tabs and Guitar Pro files, you'll have all the resources you need at your fingertips.

Advanced Double Stop Techniques

Once you've got a handle on the basics, you might want to push the envelope further. Advanced techniques can add even more depth and creativity to your playing. Here are a few ideas:

• Hybrid Picking: Use a combination of your pick and fingers to pluck the strings. This can allow for more intricate double stop patterns.
• Arpeggiated Double Stops: Instead of strumming both strings simultaneously, try picking them individually in quick succession.
• Double Stop Harmonies: Harmonize double stops with other guitar parts to create thick, lush textures.

These techniques can be a bit challenging but are incredibly rewarding when executed well. They can make your playing stand out and give you a distinctive voice on the guitar.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As with any new technique, there are common pitfalls that guitarists might encounter when learning double stops. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Unwanted String Noise: Make sure you're only playing the two strings you intend to. Use your other fingers or parts of your hand to mute any strings that might ring out unintentionally.
• Poor Intonation: Ensure each note of the double stop is in tune. Even a slight misplacement of the fingers can cause the harmony to sound off.
• Inconsistent Volume: Both notes should ring out equally. Practice to ensure your picking hand delivers a balanced sound.

Paying attention to these details can make a big difference in the quality of your double stops. Remember, it's all about practice and patience!

Final Thoughts

Double stops offer a powerful way to add complexity and richness to your guitar playing. Whether you're using them in riffs, solos, or even creating harmonies, they can significantly enhance your sound. And if you're eager to refine your technique further, Riffhard provides in-depth lessons from the world's top metal guitarists that can help you achieve your goals. Dive into our lesson library and see how double stops can transform your playing.