Chromatic Scales on Piano
The chromatic scale includes all twelve pitches in an octave, each separated by a half step. It is not a key-specific scale but a complete catalogue of every note available in Western music. Practicing it builds even finger strength, familiarizes you with the entire keyboard geography, and is a staple of classical warm-up routines.
Formula: H–H–H–H–H–H–H–H–H–H–H–H (all half steps)
Intervals: Twelve consecutive minor seconds
Scale degrees: 1–♭2–2–♭3–3–4–♯4–5–♭6–6–♭7–7
Sound: Colorful, tense, ambiguous, atonal
Chromatic Scale Starting on All 18 Keys
Every chromatic scale contains the same 12 pitches — only the starting note changes.
C Chromatic Scale
C# Chromatic Scale
Db Chromatic Scale
D Chromatic Scale
D# Chromatic Scale
Eb Chromatic Scale
E Chromatic Scale
F Chromatic Scale
F# Chromatic Scale
Gb Chromatic Scale
G Chromatic Scale
G# Chromatic Scale
Ab Chromatic Scale
A Chromatic Scale
A# Chromatic Scale
Bb Chromatic Scale
B Chromatic Scale
Cb Chromatic Scale
Want the full theory?
Intervals, construction formulas, practice strategies, and how this scale connects to others.