A double stop is when you play two notes at the same time on the guitar, instead of just one like in a typical solo or single-note riff.
Think of it like a mini chord—but instead of strumming multiple strings, you’re plucking or picking just two.
Double stops are used in tons of music styles, from blues and rock to country and metal, making your playing sound fuller, richer, and more expressive.
Here’s Gary’s take on what are double stops on guitar:
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How Do Double Stops Work?
Double stops happen when you play two notes together, either:
On adjacent strings (most common)
With a small gap between strings (less common but possible)
You can play them with downstrokes, upstrokes, or even hybrid picking (using a pick and fingers together).
Some players even slide, bend, or hammer-on/pull-off into double stops for extra flair.
Why Use Double Stops?
Double stops add power and depth to your guitar playing. Instead of a single note, you get a thicker, more expressive sound. They’re perfect for:
Making solos stand out (used by players like Jimi Hendrix and Chuck Berry)
Adding a vocal-like quality to lead playing (common in blues and country)
Creating rhythm and lead combinations at the same time (great for guitarists who play in a duo or trio)
How to Make Double Stops
Playing a double stop is simple:
Find two notes that sound good together (often from the same scale).
Use one or two fingers to press down on the frets.
Pick both strings at the same time.
For example, if you want to play a basic blues double stop, try placing your first finger on the 3rd fret of the B string and your second finger on the 4th fret of the G string, then plucking them together.
Famous Guitarists Who Use Double Stops
From the iconic rock ‘n’ roll riffs of Chuck Berry in Johnny B. Goode to the smooth, bluesy phrasing of John Mayer in Gravity, double stops have shaped the sound of countless legendary guitarists.
Jimi Hendrix used them to create expressive, soulful melodies in Little Wing, while Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones made them a staple of rock rhythm guitar, as heard in Honky Tonk Women.
Meanwhile, Brad Paisley takes double stops to lightning-fast levels in his intricate country licks.
Common Types of Double Stops
Major and Minor Thirds – Sweet or bluesy sound, common in solos.
Sixths – Great for country and melodic fills.
Power Chord Double Stops – Used in rock and punk for a chunky, aggressive tone.
Octaves – Popular in jazz and lead guitar playing.
Double Stops vs. Chords – What’s the Difference?
A double stop is just two notes played together, while a chord has three or more. Double stops can feel like “mini chords” but are more flexible in lead playing.
Final Thoughts
Double stops are a simple but powerful way to add richness to your playing.
Whether you’re jamming blues, rocking out, or playing country twang, learning to use double stops will instantly level up your guitar skills and how you sound.