5 ways to practice violin double stops

Double stops, which refers to playing two notes at the same time, are incredibly beautiful, but they can also be incredibly challenging. Even though you are placing your bow on two strings, you do not need to press any harder! In fact, using less bow pressure on double stops than single notes will ensure that the sound is pleasing.

Tuning double stops can also be tricky because the violin uses just intonation, which means that notes can be slightly different in pitch depending on the other notes that are sounding at the same time. Try finding first finger on A string (B) and playing it with your open E string. Then leave your finger exactly where it is and play the B with open D string. You'll find that your first finger is too high and must be adjusted to make the B-D interval in tune. This adds a layer of complexity to tuning violin double stops because you can't simply rely on where you've trained your fingers to land for each note. You must prioritize the sound of the interval.

Here are 5 of my favorite ways to practice double stops.

#1 Play the passage on open strings

This practice technique is great for making sure you are not pressing too hard on the bow and creating a beautiful sound at all times. It is also ideal for making sure that your bow stays perfectly balanced between the two strings at all times so both of them sound continuously.

#2 Play each note separately and then together

When we play double stop passages, we have double the notes to learn! This practice technique helps you understand where to place your fingers for each double stop, and allows you to adjust the pitch of each note separately.

#3 Finger both lines but bow one

When playing double stops, it can be hard to hear the intonation of both lines at once. This practice technique allows you to isolate the pitch of each individual line while keeping the same left hand frame as you would need when playing the lines together. Our ear typically hones in on the highest pitch, so when playing double stops together, really try to listen for the bottom line.

#4 Verbalize how your fingers need to move

This practice technique is better suited for more complex double stop passages, although it can be used for easier ones as well. Stop between each double stop and say out loud how your fingers need to move to get there. This helps organize your fingers and your mind.

#5 Isolate 2 double stops

This is a particularly effective technique when a particular double stop is giving you trouble. Practice approaching it from the double stop beforehand to fix the intonation. Extra bonus tip-try finding the double stop from nowhere! This ensures that you'll be able to land that double stop no matter what.

What's your favorite way to practice double stops? Leave a comment and let me know!