Double trill
A double trill is the simultaneous execution of two trills on different notes, usually a third or sixth apart. Both trills run in sync and at the same speed, so that a two-part, continuously shimmering band of sound arises.
- Construction
- two simultaneous trills
- Distance
- usually a third or sixth
- Sign
- trill signs over both notes, also as a shared wavy line
- Typical for
- piano, more rarely strings with double stops
Two trills, one sound
With a simple trill one note alternates rapidly with its upper neighbour. With the double trill this happens on two notes at once. In the example C and E trill together: the lower voice alternates C–D, the upper E–F. Both trills run at the same speed and begin together, so that a dense, tonally rich band arises.
Notation: a two-note chord that is to be trilled
The line shows only the third (C–E) that is to be trilled. In printed music the trill sign would stand over both notes, also as a shared wavy line.
Execution: both notes alternate with the upper neighbour note
The lower trill alternates C–D, the upper E–F. Because in C major both neighbour notes belong to the notes of the scale, the thirds stay diatonic: C–E and D–F.
In the glossary: Trill · Chain trill · Third
Where it occurs
Double trills occur mostly at the piano, where both notes are played with the same hand or divided between both hands. On string instruments they are possible in double stops, but rare. In virtuoso Romantic piano music they are used as the peak of a build-up.
Notation and execution
They are notated with trill signs over both noteheads, also as a shared wavy line. The execution is technically demanding, because both trills must run exactly in sync. What matters is that the rhythm stays even and the two fingers strike at the same time.
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Related terms
TrillChain trillSchneller (inverted mordent)TurnNachschlagThird
Editor: Maik Krohm · reviewed on 3 October 2026
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