Cello Intermediate 22: Introduction to Double Stops
Introduction to double stops on the cello
In this video, we are looking at double stops on the cello. A double stop is when we play two (or three, or four) strings together. It is a fantastic way to make your playing sound rich and full, allowing you to play tunes with their own accompaniment.
Balancing your bow weight
When you want to play two strings together, you generally aim for a 50/50 weight balance on each string. A helpful trick is to imagine an "imaginary string" sitting right in the middle of the two strings you are playing. If you focus your bow weight on that imaginary middle string, you will naturally find a comfortable, balanced starting point.
Unless you want one string to "speak" more than the other, stick to that 50/50 balance.
Preparatory exercises
- Broken sixths: if you are preparing for exams, you may have encountered "broken sixths" or "broken thirds." These are excellent exercises to prepare your hand for double stops.
- The circle: practise playing two notes a sixth apart by moving your bow in an anticlockwise circle for the string crossing, and a clockwise circle to return.
- The double stop: once you are comfortable with the string crossing, try playing both notes at the exact same time.
Managing tension and left-hand health
Double stops require you to hold down two strings simultaneously, which is significantly more taxing for your hand. Think of it as "going to the gym" for your hand. Do not practise them for too long without taking a break, and always ensure you do good stretches (like stretching your hand against a wall) afterward. If your hand gets sore, rest!
Voicing your tunes
When playing a piece like Danny Boy or Three Blind Mice, you often have a melody on one string and a harmony on another. You must consciously balance your weight to make sure the tune comes out.
If the tune is on the bottom string: lean your weight and adjust your elbow level to play roughly 70% of your weight on the bottom string, keeping the top string very light. If the tune is on the top string: naturally, the A string is brighter, so you may not need to do much, but you must still be aware of how much harmony you are letting through.
Clinical thinking for smoothness
As the harmonies and melodies get more intense, you have to get "clinical" in your thinking about your bow circles. Whether it’s a substitution shift while playing double stops or a three-note stop on the C string, keep your bow circles smooth and anticlockwise where possible. Always make sure your left hand is truly free, even when you are holding two strings down. If you remain relaxed, double stops can sound absolutely beautiful!