Note cluster

The Engraver font includes notehead characters to create both indeterminate and determinate note clusters.

To create an indeterminate note cluster

  1. Use any of the Finale note entry methods to enter the note cluster pitches.
  2. To hide any accidentals, choose the Simple Entry tool icon.
  3. CTRL-click the note or highlight the note with the caret. The note is selected.
  4. Type CTRL+SHIFT+- (hyphen) to hide the accidental on the selected note. Repeat as necessary.
  5. To change the default noteheads to cluster noteheads, choose Tools > Advanced Tools > Special Tools > Note Shape and click the measure in question. ClosedHandlesA small square which appears on currently "selectable" elements in the score. Handles allow you to select, edit and adjust musical elements in the score. appear for each note.
  6. Double-click the handle for the desired cluster note. The Symbol Selection dialog box appears.

    7. Tip: If the Engraver Font Set is not displayed in the Symbol Selection dialog box, see Fonts to access the Engraver font.

  7. Select the desired indeterminate notehead based on position using the table below. Click Select. The original notehead has been replaced by an indeterminate cluster notehead.
    8. Slot Character Description
    59 Top indeterminate cluster notehead
    58 Middle indeterminate cluster notehead
    201 Bottom indeterminate cluster notehead
    242 Filled indeterminate cluster notehead
  8. To remove notes visible outside of the cluster, choose Tools > Advanced Tools > Special Tools > Note Shape and click the measure in question. Handles appear for each note.
  9. Double-click the handle for the undesired cluster note. The Symbol Selection dialog box appears.
  10. Select Slot 32 to replace the existing notehead with a blank character.
  11. If the note cluster is outside the staff, ledger lines can be hidden by choosing the Selection tool icon to select the note cluster measure or beat.
  12. Choose Plug-ins > Note, Beam, and Rest Editing > Ledger Lines (Hide).

To create a determinate note cluster

  1. Follow Steps 1-6 from the above steps.
  2. Select the determinate notehead based on duration using the table below. Click Select. The original notehead has been replaced by a determinate cluster notehead.
    3. Slot Character Description
    211 Determinate cluster for whole notes
    210 Determinate cluster for quarter and half notes
  3. Follow Steps 8-12 from the above steps, if needed.