Abstract: Method of and apparatus for fracturing and creating multiple fissures in hydrocarbon impregnated rock. The invention uses a sequence of explosive charges involving a main, centrally located high velocity, shape charge shot directed out horizontally into the stratum to be fractured, and two supplemental charges of bulk explosives of a lower detonation velocity positioned above and below the main shot and simultaneously detonated following the main charge, the purpose of the sequence and the physical arrangements being to effect greater penetration of the stratum. In the preferred embodiment a metal shaped charge containing a liquid explosive is used for the centrally located main shot comprising a number of longitudinally extended tined spokes directed radially outward from a common center (note FIG. 3). The diameter of the shaped charge can be varied to fit and preferably generally fills up the diameter of the well bore.