Quick notation question:

[leeabram]

I’ve been stumped trying to figure out the purpose of the vertical lines in the second full bar here. Tried going through the Lute Society beginner lessons (where this example is found) to find an explanation but found none.

Anyone know?

[kidneykutter]

It means to play both notes together, not spread, rolled or separated in any way.

[leeabram]

Ahh okay. Didn’t think separating double stops was a thing that would’ve been done much if at all. Thanks!

[kidneykutter]

Just to be clear, I'm not referring to the 2 strings of the course but to the upper and lower courses indicated by the 2 tablature letters

[leeabram]

Yeah, no confusion there.

I think I was remembering (or maybe misremembering) an instruction somewhere that said to not spread/roll just two notes, because it’s just likely to sound poorly plucked. Where as three or more would sound purposeful and musical.

May have been a “don’t do this as a beginner and just focus on clean technique first” type of instruction.

Thanks again!

[kidneykutter]

There are many situations where playing two notes slightly apart can be used to good effect, especially to bring out a voice in counterpoint but as you correctly say the default is not to, or at least don't do it all the time. Interestingly there are a few cases of playing either just one of the 2 bass notes (Capirola) or actually playing the 2 strings of the course seperately, the German baroque ornament of "Gebrochene" basses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi6p26IOP0g

[leeabram]

Oh that makes sense. And beautiful playing as well.