Cluster Voicings for ADVANCED Guitar

Master the sound of Clusters for both single note lines & chord voicings with this discovery process!
Using Clusters on the #guitar provides a very beautiful and rich sound. It's a pianistic approach which shows a high level of sophistication when done on the guitar.
A #cluster can be used to level up your chords but also using them within your single note lines and scales will give a very modern approach to your improvisation. Clusters are also a great way to decorate a melody!
In this video I discuss certain methods to discover what harmony a semitone and tone cluster can imply. I also share a simple process for discovering the cluster options for whatever scale, mode, chord, or harmony we are confronted with.
This video should hopefully provide you with a bunch of new #chord shapes to use within your compositions & improvisation and allow you to generate Clusters on command for various harmonic situations. This should leave you with a solid process to then explore and discover further so that you can creatively do as you please with this concept and master the sound of Clusters for your guitar playing.
For further study of the examples shown in the video, check out my Patreon page for in-depth PDF material for this concept and many others: / robbiebarnby
▬ Contents of video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 - Intro
01:46 - What Are Clusters?
03:24 - Discovering Implied Harmony (Cluster Fixed In Place)
04:02 - The Semitone Cluster
04:26 - (C Root)
07:49 - (Db Root)
08:06 - (D Root)
08:48 - (Eb Root)
09:06 - Parent Scale Application
10:26 - (E Root)
10:50 - (F Root)
11:00 - (Gb Root)
11:31 - (G Root)
11:52 - (Ab Root)
12:21 - (A Root)
12:50 - (Bb Root)
13:04 - 3 Consecutive Semitones
14:04 - (B Root)
14:31 - Root Note Fixed In Place
15:54 - The Tone Cluster
18:06 - Quicker Process For Cluster Discovery
19:20 - (Major Parent Scale)
22:18 - (Melodic Minor Parent Scale)
24:24 - Scales As Clusters
25:34 - Fretboard Visualisation
27:07 - Voice Leading Example
28:12 - Outro
▬ Related Videos ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
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▬ About Channel ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Hi I'm Robbie, welcome to my channel! My videos are for anyone looking to add to their musical knowledge and to develop their ability to improvise. I've gathered some pretty cool concepts throughout my journey of becoming a professional musician and I'm excited to share my musical findings with you ...this is also an excuse for me to dig out my pile of notes and develop these concepts further! Thanks for stopping by.
(For notation, backing tracks, & lots more heavy concepts):
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△ Buy me a coffee - buymeacoffee.com/robbiebarnby
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► Website: www.robbiebarnby.com

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for watching everyone! For further study of the examples shown in the video, check out my Patreon page for PDF material for this concept and many others ► www.patreon.com/robbiebarnby

[@rohanrana7067]

here after a long time.. please keep making your videos.. atleast once a month.. your videos are very helpful, insightful, easy to understand which makes my musical knowledge expand.. and you always post stuffs i am looking for.. you only have 5-6 videos but very good..

[@adarkimpurity]

Some of the most impressive chord work I've seen, it's amazing. You're very talented! In a jazz context, it sounds a lot more bog-standard though, I like using these sparingly in pop/rock contexts like a prog/experimental kinda sound, it makes them stand out a lot more and seem a lot more special and awe-inspiring when used alongside more 'normal' chords/voicings/song contexts. Just a little subjective 'style' critique as everything else is flawlessly perfect!

[@alej3795]

Robbie I'm sorry, my PC needed repair, so I didn't answer - I don't use self phone, a few years now... Telegram also, but thank you very much, maybe there's some other way

[@alfredoromero3363]

Muy bueno Robbie!!!aguanteee

[@sicochoco]

For me it’s fine that you take time to do this videos, because each one takes around 20 years to really absorb all the info and apply it as clean and musically as you do, sometimes I forget you’ve played guitar for 120 years 😅

[@G_Demolished]

That’s how it seems when someone has fully internalized things to the point where they don’t have to think about what they’re playing. The first time I saw a video of the Punch Brothers playing live I assumed they were all vampires. (Thile turned the rest of them so his powers are stronger) 😊

[@Stringprodigy]

what?

[@bronzewand]

Return of the boss!

[@user-my4bq2mh4j]

One reason I love Julian Lage is because of his use of clusters. Glad I found your channel again Robbie!

[@cyanhallows7809]

genuinely class content, rare thing on the internet, let's go robbie. we appreciate the hard work

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for checking out the vid!

[@padraigk9740]

A new Robbie Barnby video just in time for Xmas? Hallelujah 🎉

[@padraigk9740]

Yesterday, I spent time charting and working with the 1/2 step intervals for all the modes, then today, this video drops and completely fleshes out the whole concept for me, and beyond. Spectacular timing for me. Thanks Robbie!

[@junka22]

New Robbie video! Christmas came early🎅💝

[@banarasi_sangeetkar]

I am from India, and I only somewhat understand the videos you post.. but I would like to say- the videos are poetry, it's the same feeling I used to have when my favourite literature teacher gave me life changing advice. I hope that someday I will understand your videos fully. Much mucccch respect and love Mr. Robbie, you are unforgettable as are your lessons.

[@xxdr34m5xx_4]

I personally think India is such a great and interesting country, i hope i can someday visit and discover it's culture 🙏🏼 best greetings from the black forest, Germany

[@banarasi_sangeetkar]

@@xxdr34m5xx_4 Please do come. I am from a city called Varanasi, also known as the oldest city in India. Be sure to visit!

[@xxdr34m5xx_4]

@@banarasi_sangeetkar wow, I've seen the pictures on google, looks incredible 🙏🏼

[@gabeleneveu]

Never clicked on a notification so fast in my entire life. Always want more videos from you!!

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@Djangoat68]

great video - Julian Lage uses these very tasty clusters alot

[@chrisegonmusic]

A new Robbie video. It must be Christmas ❤️

[@vitocastiglione7709]

The Master

[@cooperlavalleemusic]

You've quickly become my favorite guitar channel. Thank you Robbie!

[@desmondtutu7916]

Thanks for sharing your considerable knowledge and talent with the world!

[@2good2betrue3]

Thanks Robbie, this is another Gold video!...advanced Happy New Year! :D

[@kaptnrock5199]

Uff a new video! I enjoy your content so much, for me you are the best guitar instructor on whole youtube! Also your patreon is top notch. Thanks for your hard work!

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks! That's very kind of you, glad you enjoy it.

[@harrytravis1235]

Marvellous video yet again, thank you! Just in time for me to spend much of my Christmas break working through these concepts!

[@RobbieBarnby]

That's lovely, thanks for watching!

[@paulgerards6494]

WOW Rob. ... it's been a while since ... but than you got something! Nice cluster :)

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

Hello Robbie, Thanks for the new lesson "clusters".

[@GuillaumePerrin5]

Brillant work thank you so much !

[@tyron07]

After seeing this video I'm definitely buying a membership on your channel!!!

[@nickdreijer]

The intro was enough for me to subscribe

[@TubeBJYou]

Amazing !!! I love it !!!!

[@robbyr9286]

Great presentation- sound quality, video production, graphics, musical ideas, clear explanations. Bravo!

[@stanleyandrew840]

Hey Robbie!!! Wow!!!

[@865misty]

Adore your channel ❤️

[@newtonlkh]

thank you professor! your musicality, technique, analysis and explantion are all second to none!!!

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for watching and for the lovely comment!

[@arzumanovguitarlab8156]

Perfect!

[@swarr4]

Brilliant stuff.

[@jasonsan9517]

🤯 amazing

[@oali94]

In love with these voicings

[@j.s.m.5351]

Bloody brilliant as always. See you in 6 months while I absorb this!

[@JorgeBarnet]

Beautiful chords and counter lines!

[@danaparsons854]

Geez, sick, just sick. you astound me:)

[@hermancharlesserrano1489]

Lovely!

[@MisterNiles]

Discovering the music of Bill Frisell as a teenager made me a lover of clusters. IN Line had just come out and I read about him in a guitar magazine and the writer was forced to be poetic in order to describe the music. It was a couple more years before I actually heard Frisell, but my imagination was sparked by descriptions of his playing. I was like: I want to use chord fragments and dissonant clusters... whatever that means. When I finally heard him, I was very happy to find that the writers description and my imagination had come pretty close to the real thing. Great playing btw. I love it when I innocently open a guitar lesson video and I'm confronted with a true artist. It comes through in every note you play. Thanks for the video.

[@timg.8656]

I love these dissonant/discordant sounds. Many are really beautiful (in their own ways). Knowing how, where (when) & why to use them is the key. Thanks. I just discovered your site & subscribed right away.

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for subscribing!

[@alej3795]

amazing guitarist

[@JOnSixela]

Can't wait to spend time with this over the holidays Robbie, I've always tried to find these sounds in my playing but my approach is SO much more haphazard and ill-informed! Thanks so much for sharing, I'll be sure to reach out in the new year for some new lessons as the few I found time for this year have totally changed my approach and I'm enjoying guitar so much more than I was.

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks a lot, that's wonderful to hear. Have a nice holiday full of fun and practicing!

[@Gregorypeckory]

@@RobbieBarnby I think JOnSixela speaks for many of us, so I just want to echo the sentiment about finding incredible value in this great lesson; the information is so great, and your playing gives us a great motivator to learn as it sounds fantastic! I would definitely be down for seeing you in concert if the chance arises!

[@kormosjano64]

I love this one! Thank you Robbie!

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for watching!

[@Smatchimo616]

Another insanely valuable resource from you! Thanks mate

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@gnulen]

amazing lesson .Very dense as well.

[@lefrelongaulois9489]

Ouill ouill J'ai mal aux doigts ! a le voir jouer ! quel talent !

[@NinJa-yg7kh]

You make it look easy Mate.. very very nice video .. Thank You

[@GeorgeMariosofficial]

Fantastic video Robbie!

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks so much for checking it out George! Hope you're well.

[@theguitartemplepriest]

Robbie has my vote as perhaps the Globes Top Instructors, I don't Know of to many Guitarist who can touch his style of advanced playing, I RESPECT THIS GUY, and have placed him at the Top of our Sites Greatest players on earth today, I am a Pro 35 year veteran of guitar yet I still cant hold a candle to this EXPERT, Thumbs up Bobbie

[@swarr4]

His name should be as big as Jacob Collier

[@matthewalexander8752]

When I was first mesmerised by your harmony- two names came to my mind: Ted Greene and Jacob Collier. You, Robbie are in that league!- Genius!

[@theguitartemplepriest]

@@matthewalexander8752 Sir Yes Sir, no discounting Robbie that's for sure, I agree with you, Love Ted Green also. Thanks for viewing Mathew

[@omkarprathap.a6052]

thanks for all these videos man you are great

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind comment!

[@lbb2rfarangkiinok]

First time I heard your theme song was like....bro, chill. Now I yearn for it XD

[@FrankBartolone]

Great. Thank you so much

[@RobbieBarnby]

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@morolo6665]

Gran video, muchas gracias !!

[@dananthony6258]

I’ve been staring at his 335 for the last 4 minutes and haven’t heard a single word he said. I’m such a space brain.

[@mrnavarropablo]

345 technically :)

[@dananthony6258]

@@mrnavarropablo that it is .

[@znmaf]

Professor of Guitar

[@Eflatmajor7sharp11]

This was fantastic Robbie.

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thank you so much!

[@AnkitSingh-vx4dy]

Wonderful Lesson. You are insane

[@znmaf]

Fantastic

[@danielromero-si6xu]

impresionante clase... saludo desde argentina

[@shaulling8873]

great lesson way to go'wonderfull stuf

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for watching!

[@charlesmurphy3325]

Thank you so much for you class work …. I learn something each time I watch

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for watching!

[@egorerofeev7762]

Quality and scale of your work is really amazing. Very generous of you to share it in this way. This video reminded me of a concept I enjoy that is somewhat related. It utilizes three consecutive diatonic notes. For example A, B, C on the high e string. You then drop B and C down an octave to 3rd and 2nd string respectively. That way you get a pretty three note voicing consisting of a halftone cluster and a minor seventh up top, which is itself an inverted whole tone cluster. Next you can do the same for B, C, D; C, D, E etc.. Using diatonic C major scale you'll get three fingerings, one for each note combination ( W-H, H-W, W-W). While any note from C major functions as a bass you can play any of these voicings over it getting various chord tones and extensions. It's really fun to play them horizontally up and down the scale on the higher strings (middle strings fingerings are a bit tricky and sound darker). After a bit of practice these voicings are really easy to incorporate in ones playing, both melodically and harmonically. Hope this will be useful for someone :)

[@mujingmusic]

Really grateful for your lessons It really helps me a lot in 3 months

[@RobbieBarnby]

That’s wonderful to hear, thanks for watching!

[@masterbuilder3166]

Hey Robbie. I hope this finds you well. If I could, I would like to ask you to share your journey in music and how you progressed. Maybe let us know what we’re some of the landmarks in your travels. I’m truly grateful for the content you share. These lessons are priceless. Thank you 💯👍

[@pilotgundul]

I don't understand most of the things you've said in your videos. But you are one of the most prominent guitar player this day.... I love the way you create the sound.. Super amazing, totally satisfying to hear it.. Thanks..

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thank you!

[@josegeraldino2794]

Love this guy, to me he's like the Stephen Howking of harmony. This amount of knowledge takes years and years to master.

[@cjcambodia]

Miss your lesson, Its been a while

[@chickennoir691]

Interesting. Thanks

[@RGX44]

Great job !! Is it possible to have a video aboud your guitar sound and music equipment ?

[@buttforce4208]

Damn this rules

[@charle8511]

Feliz Navidad Robbie!!

[@Calbertone]

Fantastic though provoking lesson

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for watching!

[@DeGroove]

Wow, not too fast there Mr. Barnby, I was still working on your last video…great stuff

[@ChronicMetamorphosis]

Incredible pinky strength, sir! I thought mine was good, but I wouldn't mind trading for a day! 😆

[@megaman13able]

This sounds reminds me of Moonlight in Vermont by Johnny Smith...nice!

[@sin2Pi]

Awesome content as usual! I still have to watch the video in full, so qq here: have you ever played around with the Frank Gambale tuning? It's a slight variation of the Nashville tuning, but FG came up with it particularly for these (piano) clustered voicings. Would love to hear your take on it.

[@user-kc9oz2yo8z]

22:53...the shinola record chord i heard Sco doing lots of these.. Billy F in here too Monder... always loved clusters oh and ole AH and Mick...one time i saw Mick playing some clusters and i said oh i got those from u yrs ago he laughed and said that chord goes way back

[@1959viko]

excelent demostration! maybe you can do some clip on the implementation of the harmonic functions like you did from 23:20, means beautiful examples. this can be practical to compose.

[@VB-xw1xm]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@davidpanzer1166]

I’m new to this channel. It’s really fantastic material. Is there anywhere you discuss your gear? Im wondering how you are getting those bass notes. Thank you.

[@sibusisogumede]

Awesome lesson 👏 but l missed out because of red ink.l gave up going practical and just listened missing out a lot on this neo classic sound arrangements😬😮‍💨😢.That was the ultimate tutorial l needed to understand open chords qnd modal arrangements

[@loamguitar]

Best christmas gifts be like

[@lindseykey1995]

👏👏👏

[@danielromero-si6xu]

hello Robbie I would like you to teach more about beautiful chords, unusual chords, exotic chords and open chord strings, it would be interesting if you upload some videos with this kind of material, thank you very much

[@RobbieBarnby]

Sounds good, it’s on the list! Huge thanks for watching and for your comment.

[@6StringsTheory]

Hi Robbie, I am one of your biggest fans. I have a request and I have heard this from many other people as well. When working on a tune which is primarily in a minor key, can you suggest options to make it sound more interesting? I would think that would be a great video. Thanks Robbie.

[@superstrut8994]

Robbie thank you so much for all this. You've helped me a lot, just, thank you... Quick question; what pedal are you using to get that soft dreamy reverb thingy? And I also wonder about your amp. Is it a Roland or a Fender? Thanks in advance!

[@contactju6915]

wow

[@joeyroble7864]

Wow that's an amazing sound, what does it take to be on that level, I mean I really want to have that kind of voicing on my playing, where can I get a basic course leading to that kind of playing, one has to have a solid fundamentals I suppose

[@1minutecomicswalahollywood648]

Hello Robbie, I am a new subscriber.

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for the Sub!

[@judasxchrist]

It is really easy: if you are stuck with your playing and need new ideas, check out, what Robbie has to offer and do the work. Years of fulfilling practise at least for me.

[@user-mi6ve5wx1i]

My favorite evil chord is the 002301 and ofcourse the tritone of Satan. Please bring us more evil chords for Halloween Mr Barnby !! I would love to learn more. Was great fun playing through youre clusters.

[@dimensiomousike2248]

Thanks god for let me find this guitarris 🙏 amen

[@homermao]

Woh nice... The way you stretch your finger on the F9Δ#11 🤤 (at 10:50) Do you have any exercice to practice such stretching ??

[@overtonesnteatime198]

Hey Robbie, Have you ever heard of Ted Greene's V system? its a system made up to classify chords and it is extremely interesting. Could be a really neat topic or learning opportunity.

[@StarDarkAshes]

Great lesson! Is there any way you could maybe tab out or give a lesson on that amazing music you were playing at the very end of the lesson as an example of what one can do with the concepts? Otherwise I’ll have to spend 5 hours figuring out what notes each finger is playing. Lol. Thanks

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks for watching! I provide PDF material for all my videos (+ many more concepts) on my Patreon page. There's a lot of extra material for this video on there (with more on the way) as well as an analysis of both performances I played. Which specific part of the video were you referencing?

[@BrazenNL]

Is that a Helix patch? What's that pad sound that kicks in in the background? It's beautiful.

[@stevenlondono5154]

What book is that? I like the little journal in the intro of the video.

[@juanalmeida7392]

Bro I really like your sound and everything only problem is I don't know how to read music lol. I never learned that. It would really be helpful if you would show the positioning of your fingers on the chords.

[@sunnybubba9600]

Robbie, you're a G

[@TacticsTechniquesandProcedures]

Intro 🤯

[@GuyBien-aime-ep8um]

Positive man

[@gauravlama2079]

Absolutely incredible lesson 🙏🏻 For me it’s a bit more advanced than what I know right now Will there be any video for intermediate level of players too? That would be great Thankyou love from India 🇮🇳 😊🙏🏻

[@jhay9324]

There are already an overload of intermediate guitar tutorials on YT. This guy is knocking it out of the park in my opinion. I asked a pro jazz player on here what a drop voicing was and he did not know how to explain it. I just watched this guy explain it in less than a minute on another video. He's genius.

[@gauravlama2079]

@@jhay9324 Yeah man he seems very knowledgeable

[@diogocostajazz2234]

My man, great video as always! May I ask what kind of string size do you use? Great tone

[@RobbieBarnby]

Thanks so much for watching! I use 11-49 sized strings (Elixir Medium).