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Double Stops

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Double stops are two notes - any two notes - played simultaneously. Whilst it is not uncommon for bass guitarists to play chords, double stops are useful in that they can often achieve the desired chordal effect, but with fewer notes.

Double stops can be performed with any technique and are by no means limited to slap bass. In the exercises in this chapter, we will be performing double stops by popping them. This will usually be done with the first and second fingers of the picking hand.

If you require additional help with any of the techniques used here, the following courses (all included in the monthly subscription cost) should prove useful:

Don’t forget to hit the Download Resources button above to get the PDF worksheet and audio files for this piece (available to subscribers only). The worksheet is available with TAB and without, for those who wish to give their reading skills a workout.

This course is 34 MINUTES long and contains the following videos, each of which can be selected from the video player above:

Exercise #53

This exercise opens with a double stop: a G and a D popped on the top two strings. The G here functions as the minor third of Em7, while the D is the minor seventh.

Exercise #54

In this exercise the double stop in the first bar consists of the thirteenth (G#) and minor third (D) of the Bm13 chord. Keep the B ringing as you pop these notes.

Exercise #55

In this exercise, double stops are popped on the top strings while the thumb slaps the open A-string. The double stops suggest chord movements over the A pedal tone.

Exercise #56

In this exercise the double stops are octaves. As these notes are played on the A and G-strings, it is recommended that you pop them with the first and third fingers.

Exercise #57

In this exercise you are required to pop three notes using the thumb, first and second fingers. Traditional double stops are also used in the fourth bar.

Exercise #58

This exercise expands upon some of the ideas used in Exercise #53. Note how easy it is to imply different chords by simply altering one note in a double stop.