Music Lesson: Shuffles, Double Stops, and Drones

Introduction

In this lesson, we're going to explore some more about shuffles, double stops, and drones.

Double Shuffle

Now, there's a third shuffle apart from the two we've mentioned, known as the double shuffle. It is sometimes called hokum bowing and also referred to as the Orange Blossom Special shuffle.

• This is a special and exciting shuffle.
• When you master it, you can use it in various contexts, and it works particularly well in a rock solo.

Exciting Syncopation

The double shuffle features a kind of driving syncopation. It consists of a pattern of three that spans over two bars:

• It goes: four threes and two twos.
• Practice the pattern: Da da da da da da da da da da.

This may take some time to get your fingers around. Let's try it again while moving the upper note.

You probably won't be able to do this until you've mastered the first shuffle. Once you can play it clearly and cleanly, you can learn to improvise.

Right-Hand Consistency

Your right hand will keep doing the pattern while you think about what you're doing with your left hand on the upper note. However,

There's no way to do that until your right hand absolutely knows what it's doing.

Shuffle in American Old Time Music

In the Orange Blossom Special, and most uses in American old time music, the shuffle is structured differently:

• It's two, then three, then three, then three, and then a two at the end:
  • So the sequence is: two, three, three, three, three, two.

When I first heard the Orange Blossom Special, probably around the age of 21, I was amazed by how exciting it was.

I tried to play it without any books or videos for assistance, leaving me quite puzzled.

After six months of persistent practice, I finally understood it and have been using it ever since in various musical contexts.

Exploring Double Stops and Drones

Now, let's look at double stops and drones.

1. If we place our fourth finger on an A and play an open A above it:
   • You can use your first, second, and possibly even the third finger to play the melody.
   • This creates a pretty authentic American sound, which is much harder than it seems.

The first old time book I received urged me to master this, and had I followed that advice, my American playing would be much more authentic.

Instead, I used an easier version, which, while still sounding good, isn't as rich.

Strengthening Your Technique

If you have hours, days, or even weeks, focus on strengthening that fourth finger.

• Learn to play the note strongly as opposed to the easier version.

Understanding Double Stops

The key distinction between double stops and drones is:

• A drone uses a second note, which is an open string.
• A double stop uses two finger notes.

Essential Bluegrass Sound

Here's a specific double stop to try:

• Place your first finger on an A in third position and your second finger on an E on the A string.
• This creates an important bluegrass sound, which is essential for your repertoire.

This lick is possibly the single most important you can learn.

Additional Licks

• Another example: Second finger on a G, third finger below it, followed by:
  • ... (insert your favorite lick here).

This again delivers that authentic, mountain-feel bluegrass sound.

Sliding Double Stops

As you advance in country fiddling, you'll need to practice the sliding double stop.

• For every first position double stop, like the first and second fingers, you can also play it in third position.
• The two fingers can either move apart or together, providing flexibility for contemporary country and western swing.

Assignment

Your assignment for this lesson is to:

• Spend as long as it takes to learn the double shuffle.
• You'll know you've mastered it when you can improvise on the upper note, as demonstrated earlier.
• Try the sliding double stop lick in different positions and keys.
• Learn zydecomotion and practice playing it with a backing track.
• Finally, try improvising over that backing.

Happy practicing!