Chromatic Scale

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Last updated on: 2009-11-17 5:13 PM

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A Chromatic scale is a twelve note scale with a numeric formula of 1-2-2-3-3-4-5-5-6-6-7-7-8/1. The chromatic scale is a series of 12 half steps or semitones and represents all of the tones available to us in Western music. There are numerious ways to write a chromatic scale but the example below is written as a harmonic chromatic formula which is the same for both accending and decending, some alternative writing methods specify the use of sharps for accending and flats for decending.

An imporviser would rarely play the chromatic scale from tonic to tonic, the chromatic scale is used so an improvisor may take a small passage from the scale for use in a melodic phrase. There are three chromatic scale patterns below, two are grouped together as ascending (upwards) and descending (downwards), these two scales are used when you wish to stay "in position" when improvising. The third scale pattern labelled alternate is used if you wish to shift positions during a chromatic melody. Practicing this scale pattern will help build those position shifting skills.

The scale patterns below are referenced as numbers #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 which you will find correspond directly with the chord patterns and reading positions of the same number.

Major Scale Profile

Numeric Formula	1-2-2-3-3-4-5-5-6-6-7-7-8/1
Notation Formula (key of C) (Harmonic chromatic)	C-D-D-E-E-F-F-G-A-A-B-B-C/1
Stepping	half / half / half / half / half / half / half / half / half / half / half / half
Tonal	semi-tone / semi-tone / semi-tone / semi-tone / semi-tone / semi-tone / semi-tone / semi-tone / semi-tone / semi-tone / semi-tone / semi-tone
Harmonized Triads (key of C)	n/a
Harmonized Tetrads (key of C)	n/a

Chromatic Scale Patterns

The scales below are not shown in any particular key, they are patterns which can be moved around the guitar neck freely using the tonic (circled dot) as your navigator. See example below.

How to use
As an example, let's say you require a D major scale
After playing all the major scale patterns, you decide on pattern #2
Pattern #2 has it's root on the 5^th string so you need to find the D note on this string
Click the notes on the neck chart tab and find the D note on the 5^th fret (5^th string)
Now play the D major scale using pattern #2 on the 5^th fret
Use the Octave chart tab to help you remember which notes are where
Use the Scale chart help tab if your a beginner at reading scale charts

Notes on the guitar neck chart (lite version)

Using octaves to learn notes on the guitar neck

First determine which chord you require, let's use a B major chord in this example.
We know the root note is B, (if it were an A major chord the root note would be A and for Cma⁷ it would be C, etc etc)
Using the notes on the guitar neck chart, find the B note on the 6^th string, 7^th fret.
Now using the major scale patterns chart, look for pattern #4 which has it's root note on the 6^th string and play it, your done!
Remember, learning and memorizing notes, chord voicings and scales in this way will improve your playing skills, theoretical knowledge and desirability as a band member.

Chromatic Scale Audio Sample(s)

To download audio sample(s) for later listening, right click on the MP3 link, then from the context menu that appears select Save Target As (Internet Explorer) or Save Link As (Firefox).

Audio Sample Name	Flash	MP3
C Chromatic Scale Alternate Pattern		c-chromatic-scale-alternate-pattern.mp3

Related Lessons & Resources

Guitar Lessons
Music Theory
- Flat five substitution
- Harmonizing a major scale (triads)

External Resources

Chromatic scale at Wikipedia.org