While some cluster chords are meant
to be dissonant and disturbing, others are
of consonant construction, and quite sonically
pleasing. Here are some ideas to
get you started on the road to thicker,
richer chords.
Ex. 1. This example explores one of the most dissonant — and powerful — clusters in the chromatic scale. Measure 1a has both the left and right hands playing five consecutive
chromatic scale tones. The first configuration in 1b has a Cm7 chord in the left hand and a Dm7 chord in the right hand; as you can see, playing clusters can
get the fingers from both hands intertwined. By playing these two minor-seventh chords together, you’re actually playing all the notes of the C Dorian mode. You can use
this as a Cm7 chord, or any of the other chords derived from the Bb major parent scale. The second configuration can be used for the same chords, but the distribution
of notes has the clusters isolated in each hand. In 1c, use the left hand to play Gdim7 and the right hand to play Adim7. Putting these two diminished seventh chords
together yields all the notes of the G diminished scale. The second configuration distributes the notes into two groups of diminished scale clusters. Either way, you can
play these for any of the chords derived from this diminished scale (Gdim7, Bbdim7, Dbdim7, Edim7, A7, C7, Eb7, and Gb7).
Ex. 2. Here’s a cluster derived from the A Mixolydian mode. Notice the scale cluster in the left hand, and the major triad in the right hand. This is also an excellent structure
to move around in parallel as a means of harmonizing melodies. The two clusters in 2b are derived from the G melodic minor scale, and can be used for the following
chords: Gm(maj7), A7sus4b9, Bbmaj7#5, C7#11, D7b13, Em7b5, and F#7alt. Measure 2c shows a wider cluster for use on A7b9, derived from the A dominant
diminished scale.
Ex. 3. Perhaps one of the most compelling intros ever played by Herbie Hancock is on the classic Wayne Shorter composition
“Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum” from the CD Speak No Evil. Herbie played cluster voicings, but the music presented here adds even more
notes to create richer, thicker voicings.