chromatic scale
A scale consisting of all twelve semitones within an octave.
In Depth
The chromatic scale ascends or descends by half steps, touching every note available in the Western twelve-tone system. Starting from any note and moving up twelve semitones returns to the same note an octave higher. Unlike major and minor scales, the chromatic scale has no tonal centre and treats all notes equally. Chromatic scales are fundamental technical exercises for all instruments. They develop evenness, finger coordination, and familiarity with every pitch. In composition, chromatic passages add colour, tension, and excitement — a chromatic run leading to a cadence creates a sense of urgency and momentum.
Rimsky-Korsakov's Flight of the Bumblebee is essentially a continuous chromatic scale at breakneck speed — it has become the go-to showpiece for proving instrumental virtuosity.