Double and Triple Stops

A Double-Stop is the technique of plucking 2 strings simultaneously. The term came from classical stringed instruments, which were usually only played one note at a time with a bow. For guitar, we are often playing multiple notes as such; but we do not refer to strummed chords (or really any type of rhythm playing) as double-stops. The term applies more towards incorporating intervals into lead or melody playing.

A Triple-Stop is the same thing but uses 3 simultaneous notes. One could go on to quadruple, pentuple, etc., but we rarely see anything beyond triple-stops.

PreReqs

• 1st and 2nd Strings - Intervals
• Finger Picking (for Chicken Pickin)

Chicken Pickin

Chicken Pickin' is a technique where you use the plectrum to pick the lower note of a double or triple stop, while using the middle or ring finger of the picking hand to pick the higher note(s). This is helpful for many reasons:

• If the strings are not adjacent, you don't have to worry about muting the strings in between.
• When doing runs of double-stops, it's easier and faster to pluck the correct strings.
• The tone of the pick and fingers are slightly different, allowing greater expression.
• The finger can be used to quickly mute and pluck the string, allowing easy bluesy double-stops.

Related Lessons

• Bending
• Finger Picking
• Chicken Picking