Put merely, a chromatic scale includes taking part in all of the notes (together with sharps/flats) between two notes which are an octave aside.
For instance, image the keys on a piano – the heptatonic (seven-note) scale of C Main includes taking part in solely the white keys: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, earlier than reaching C once more an octave larger. Nevertheless, in case you had been to play a chromatic scale beginning on C, you’d play 12 notes earlier than reaching C once more –taking part in every white and black key (every semitone) in flip: C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B.
Taking part in chromatic scales will be helpful when studying a brand new instrument, as every notice is practised in flip, however this sort of scale can be used inside items of music. For instance, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Flight of the Bumblebee makes use of chromatic scales, which assist create the frantic really feel of the piece when mixed with its quick tempo.
When taking part in a chunk of music in a specific key, any accidentals (sharps or flats not normally contained in that key) are also called chromatic notes.
