Doppelgriff (Doppelgr.): meaning and use in music

Doppelgriff, abbreviated Doppelgr., is a double stop: sound two strings together on one bowed string instrument.

DE Doppelgriff string_multiple_stop_double_stop_doppelgriff_dobbeltgreb common Support my free tools

Abbreviation
Doppelgr.

How is Doppelgriff played?

Sound two pitches simultaneously on two strings of one instrument. One or both strings may be fingered or open, so the English term “double stop” does not require that both notes be physically stopped. Feasibility depends on adjacent-string access, left-hand spacing, tuning, register and bow balance; in an orchestral string section, a difficult pair may instead be divided among players when the score permits.

How does Doppelgriff sound?

two simultaneous notes

In context

Doppelgriff is German for double stop and is distinct from divisi, triple stops and four-note chords. Musicca, Berg’s published Wozzeck material and an independent music-term reference directly pair Doppelgr. with Doppelgriff, meeting the three-source threshold; the abbreviation is accepted only for this exact German headword.

Equivalent terms

  • EN double stop
  • DA dobbeltgreb

Music theory and score context

See also

Top Write to me