Scale
E Chromatic Scale
Interactive keyboard
Highlighted notes form this scale.
Notes
E · F · F♯ · G · G♯ · A · B♭ · B · C · C♯ · D · D♯
Root: E
Intervals
1 · ♭2 · 2 · ♭3 · 3 · 4 · ♭5 · 5 · ♭6 · 6 · ♭7 · 7
How it is built
This scale starts on E and applies the intervals 1, ♭2, 2, ♭3, 3, 4, ♭5, 5, ♭6, 6, ♭7, 7. The result contains 12 distinct pitch classes per octave.
Explore related combinations
Guide and musical context
About E Chromatic Scale
E Chromatic Scale uses the notes E, F, F♯, G, G♯, A, B♭, B, C, C♯, D, D♯. Its character is fully symmetric at the semitone level because it contains all twelve pitch classes.
Character and sound
Fully symmetric at the semitone level because it contains all twelve pitch classes.
Musical context and history
The chromatic scale contains every semitone in the twelve-note system. It does not define a key by itself and serves as the complete collection for chromatic approaches and technique.
How and where it is used
Use it for exercises, passing lines, ornamentation, jazz, contemporary music and any situation requiring notes outside a diatonic scale.
In Theory view you can hear the pitch collection without depending on a specific fingering. Then switch to Piano, Guitar, Ukulele or Mandolin to see how the same notes are physically distributed on each instrument.
Harmonic and musical relationships
A practical way to understand this scale is to compare it with the major and minor scales starting on E. The altered notes are exactly what create its characteristic color.
The formula on this page is 1 · ♭2 · 2 · ♭3 · 3 · 4 · ♭5 · 5 · ♭6 · 6 · ♭7 · 7 and, from E, produces the notes E · F · F♯ · G · G♯ · A · B♭ · B · C · C♯ · D · D♯.
Frequently asked questions
What notes are in the E Chromatic Scale?
The notes are E, F, F♯, G, G♯, A, B♭, B, C, C♯, D, D♯.
What is its interval formula?
The formula is 1 · ♭2 · 2 · ♭3 · 3 · 4 · ♭5 · 5 · ♭6 · 6 · ♭7 · 7.
How does it sound and what is it used for?
Fully symmetric at the semitone level because it contains all twelve pitch classes. Use it for exercises, passing lines, ornamentation, jazz, contemporary music and any situation requiring notes outside a diatonic scale.
Can I view it on a specific instrument?
Yes. Use the selector near the top to switch between Piano, Guitar, Ukulele and Mandolin without changing the musical combination you are studying.