How To Add Double Stops To A Scale
In this lesson I’ll show you how to use micro-practice to add double stops to a scale. Once you understand the basic process of micro-practice, you can use it to learn anything.
Adding double stops to a scale is hard! So let’s break this complex skill into easier sub-skills.
First, learn and practice simple double stops on an open string: D0-A0-D0A0
Single Stop / Double Stop Alternation
D0-0-A0-0-D0A0-D0A0-D0A0-D0A0
Notice that with this sub-skill we’ve broken it down even further (we start with single notes and then add double stops).
Next, just practice the D Major scale with variations:
The remaining audio, tabs and sheet music snippets are only available to paid users. Sign up for a 14-day free trial subscription here.You may be thinking, “Now do we get to add double stops to the scale?!” Not so fast! A few more steps are needed if you want to do this well (I want you to do it well).
Next, practice adding fingering with double stops in small two-note steps:
This a bigger step, but we’re still on the journey…You then repeat this for each step of the scale (because each step presents a unique challenge that must be mastered):
Once you can do each step well, then you’re ready to add double stops to a scale:
More generally, try to master one small thing instead of partially learning a bunch of larger tunes and techniques. This approach will keep you motivated…and sounding good!
This process may seem tedious. But if you do this, then you’ll master each little thing you learn.
Further learning
How do you make fingered double stops sound good?
Fingered Double Stops Exercises I
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I understand using double stops in the key of D, can I use the same principal when playing in A?
Short answer: yes if playing the upper octave of the A major scale: A0-1-2-3-E0-1-2-3.
The lower octave requires two-fingered double stops.
Great video Jason. When I’m playing the Dmajor scale, I have no problem putting my fingers on the strings in the right position.
BUT when I try to play the scale with double-stops, the fingers on the D string want to touch the A string so it is impossible to maintain A0.
Hmmm…..
Hey @davidsbrown –
You have to place your finger so it doesn’t touch the A0. So a cheat is to place it in between the D and G strings. That way there’s plenty of clearance. Give it a try and let me know in a comment how it goes.
Thanks for your question. I’m sure lots of other folks have the same problem…