EXERCISE 1
This technique isn’t confined to rhythm –
we can also use doublestops in the realm
of lead guitar. Here is an example of a
doublestop-style lead line. It’s quite simple
to start off, as the big challenge will be in
alternating the picking between hitting
the third and second (G and B) strings for
the doublestops and the single note on the
fourth (D) string.
This lick is straight eighth notes across
the entire first bar.
EXAMPLE 1
EXAMPLE 2
EXAMPLE 3
EXAMPLE 4
EXERCISE 2
This lick starts with a hammer-on from the
5th to the 7th fret on the fourth (D) string
before two doublestops on the 5th fret
of the third and second (G and B) strings.
This is played as eighth notes with the
hammer on covering beats 1 and 3 and the
doublestops covering beats 2 and 4.
The second bar ends slightly differently,
with the last two notes (which land on beat
4) containing a single doublestop hit and a
single 7th-fret hit on the fourth (D) string.EXERCISE 3
Sliding doublestops across the fretboard
is a great way to add some interesting
textures to your lead parts. The 4th fret we
are starting on is outside of the A minor
pentatonic scale, but starting on this outside
note and sliding into the 5th-fret position
will give the lick a minor-blues tonality.
This lick would be similar to something
you might expect to hear played with a
bottleneck or slide guitar and imitating licks
you hear in these styles is a great way to
expand your doublestop vocabulary.
The trick with the lick in Exercise 3
is to maintain the triplet feel throughout,
but keep it loose so that it doesn’t sound
too metronomic.EXERCISE 4
One player renowned for the use of
doublestops within guitar breaks is the
aforementioned Chuck Berry. The lick
in Exercise 4 is influenced by Chuck’s
rhythmic solo style and contains a triplet feel
throughout. The first bar starts with a 4th
fret slide to the 5th fret on the second and
first (B and E) strings to create that slide-
guitar feeling we discussed in Exercise 3.
This is followed by a three-note phrase
starting with a pull-off from the 7th to the
5th fret on the third (G) string and ending
on the 7th fret of the fourth (D) string.
The second half of the bar is a repeat of
the first half.
The second bar alternates between
doublestops on the 5th fret of the third and
second (G and B) strings and the 7th fret
on the fourth and third (D and G) strings,
before ending on a sustained doublestop.TRY IT YOURSELF
Doublestops are a fantastic addition to your
trick bag and can be used to infuse solos
with a raw, rhythmic feel. When working
with doublestops in a blues style, keep them
loose and flowing.
If you’ve enjoyed this lesson and you’re
looking for a guitar teacher, check out
our guitar lessons page on mgrmusic.com
and get in touch with one of our highly
recommended tutors.ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Leigh Fuge is a guitar teacher and professional
musician from Swansea in the UK. He’s taught
hundreds of students face-to-face and via the
MGR Music platform. To find a qualified guitar
tutor in your area, visit mgrmusic.comESSENTIAL BLUES LESSONS
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