Octave Shapes on Guitar

An octave double stop plays the same note in two different registers simultaneously. On guitar, the most common octave shape spans two strings with one muted string in between — for example, strings 6 and 4, or strings 5 and 3.

This technique was popularized by Wes Montgomery, who used octaves as a core melodic device in his jazz improvisations. The sound is thick, warm, and immediately recognizable.

The fretting hand uses the index finger on the lower string and the ring or pinky finger on the upper string. The middle string is muted by the underside of the index finger. Accuracy matters: if the muted string rings, the octave loses its clarity.

Octaves in C Major

Octaves walk up the C major scale across strings 6 and 4 — the classic Wes Montgomery shape.

Play Octaves in G Major

Place your index finger on the 6th string and ring finger on the 4th string, muting the 5th string
Play ascending octaves through the G major scale, keeping the muted string silent
Reverse direction and descend — focus on smooth position shifts between each octave pair