Learn about two-note chords and how two-note chord double-stops, (also called Dyads), can be combined with single note melody lines to create supplemental guitar parts. MP3 backing tracks are included with the lesson download.
DOUBLE-STOPS:
Two-note chords, (double-stops) mixed with single note lines can be a very effective way of producing more dynamics across musical phrase. This type of sound can be particularly helpful when a guitarist is working in a band, (or recording situation) where there is either another guitarist, or a keyboard player.
WHAT IS A “DOUBLE-STOP” LINE?
The double-stop itself is a two note chord that is most often applied across a musical line with intervals that will track harmony, (3rd’s and 6th’s).
The most popular 2-note interval is widely considered to be the Perfect Fifth, (generally referred to as the guitar “Power Chord”). The power chord (5th interval) is typically used in the guitar styles of; Rock, Metal, and Blues.
When it comes to harmony, the Power Chord is rather generic since it does not produce a musical quality of Major or Minor. When it comes to harmony within a melodic phrase, the most popular two-note chords tend to be the; major and minor thirds, along with sixths.
When harmonized third or sixth intervals are used to provide a musical line with melodic flow the result is a “Double Stop” line. Download the associated lesson material (bottom of this post), for the chart notation and TAB of this lessons double-stop example phrase (as performed in this lessons video).
HARMONIZED DOUBLE-STOPS:
When double-stops are performed harmonized within a select key signature they will always operate in a major and minor harmony (Diatonic) across the associated degrees of the keys scale.
Study the thirds example provided below, it demonstrates how a harmonized collection of major and minor 3rd intervals, (from the key of “G Major”) can produce a strong melodic connection.
Thirds in the Key of “G” Major:
Study the sixths example provided below, it demonstrates how a harmonized collection of 6th intervals, (from the key of “G Major”) can produce strong melodic connection.
Sixths in the Key of “G” Major:
Download the lesson materials below… Download contains the following:
The music notation chart with TAB, (Adobe PDF format) and background harmony on two (2) MP3 jam tracks, (one with, and one without the lead guitar).
- Click the button below to download the lesson handout
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