THE CHROMATIC SCALE



A scale made from only half-tone-steps, is called a chromatic scale.

The name chromatic comes from the Greek word χρώμα (chroma) and that means color.
When the scale goes up half a step every time, the color of its sound changes every time.




In the example above you see a chromatic scale in the way we usually write this scale.

ascending with sharps

and descending with flats

This is not a coincidence. Look at the sheetmusic of a piece you play yourself.
A note with an accidental sharp in front of it, is mostly followed by a note that lies half a step higher.
A note with an accidental flat in front of it, is often followed by a note that lies half a step lower.