In this lesson, we will unlock the mystery of the double stop to improve your guitar playing. But before we can do that, we have to learn what a double stop is and how you can use it to improve your guitar playing.
What is a double stop?
A double stop is straightforward. It is when you play two notes together at the same time. The most common double stop played on the guitar is the infamous power chord.
Watch the video lesson below
A power chord is made up of the 1st and 5th of the scale it comes out of. What does that mean? It means that in the major scale, there are 8 notes, with 1st and 8th being the same note.
Let’s look at the C major scale: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 = C D E F G A B C
If we were to play the 1 and 5 of this scale in a power chord, we would use the notes C and G.
Now, when it comes to double stops we can do other ones aside from just the 1 & 5. This is called a fifth chord. Like a C5, or a G5. These are also called harmony chords.
Additional double stops
We can also use other notes in the scale. If we use the 1 & 3rd notes, that would be considered a 3rd. If we were to use the 1 & 4th notes, we would consider that a 4th. We can also use the 1 & 8th which are the same notes. This would be considered an octave. All these can be used to improve your guitar playing.
Playing double stops in 4ths
Fourth's are a great place to start with double stops because of where the two notes are located on the fretboard. When you play a power chord (the 1 & 5th notes), the 5th note is located two frets over and one string down.
Since the 4th is a fret away from the 5th note, it will be located right underneath the 1. This will make it easier to form. Let’s take a look at this in more detail with the video lesson below.
Same location on all strings except the G string
As you can see from the video lesson (and if you didn’t watch it, I highly recommend you do) the 4th double stop is in the same location on each string except the G string. Here we will have to move the note by a fret to make up for the B string. Knowing this is going to improve your guitar playing.
Double stops in 3rds & octaves
Double stops are great for playing rhythms as well as for playing solos. You can play all kinds of different ones. You just need to find them. Thirds and octaves are very popular when playing songs. This is one of the mysteries to unlock in the guitar fretboard.
The more you know about the guitar, the better you get. You just need to put some time into it. As the saying goes, the more you put in, the more you get out.
Unlock more secrets
If you need further assistance unlocking the mysteries of the fretboard, I recommend you check out the books I authored & self-published.
Lead Guitar Wizardry Vol 1
Lead Guitar Wizardry Vol 2
Both of these books are all about unlocking the mysteries of the guitar fretboard and becoming a Lead Guitar Wizard!
You will unlock more secrets of the fretboard, such as:
Scales needed to play guitar solos
Where those scales are located on the fretboard
Personality traits to bring them to life
How to improvise within a song
How to learn guitar solos from your favorite players
How to use advanced lead guitar techniques
How to improve your ear training
And much, much more.
So if you are serious about learning how to take your guitar playing to the next level, I recommend you check out these books. Work with them daily, and they will be sure to do just that! If you have questions or need assistance, be sure to reach out, and I will be happy to help you out. Follow me on Instagram, like me on Facebook, and watch more video lessons on my YouTube Channel.
Private instruction is also available
In addition to my guitar method books, I also offer private guitar instruction. This is a great way to learn as it offers quicker results, a better understanding, and makes learning guitar a lot more fun. So if you feel this option might work for you, contact me at my website, and we'll set up a time to talk on the phone to discuss details.
Thank you so much for being here today and supporting my guitar lessons.
Best of luck, and until next lesson, take care.
Sincerely, Dwayne Jenkins.
