double stop

techniquesDUH-bul stopfrom English

Playing two strings simultaneously on a bowed string instrument.

In Depth

A double stop involves pressing two strings simultaneously and bowing them together, producing two notes at once. On violin, viola, and cello, this technique allows a single player to create harmony without accompaniment. Triple and quadruple stops are also possible but require the notes to be arpeggiated slightly due to the instrument's curved bridge. Double stops are a staple of virtuosic string writing. Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin contain extensive double-stop passages, as do the Paganini Caprices. In orchestral music, divisi passages (where the section splits into separate parts) are often preferred over double stops for a cleaner sound.

Did you know?

Paganini could play double stops in thirds at speeds that modern violinists still find nearly impossible. He reportedly practised this single technique for hours every day.

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