The 'in between1 notes in the chromatic scale can be described as either sharps or flats. Because of the way scales and chords are constructed, flats are used more often than sharps. Here once again is the C chromatic scale with scale degrees written under the notes. The scale degrees written here relate to the natural notes and the flat notes. The sharps are enharmonic equivalents, which means they are the same pitch (e.g C# =Db and F# =Gb).
The following diagram shows all the notes in the first position on the guitar fretboard. This is one big chromatic scale starting on the open low E note and ending on G# or Ab on the first string. Notice the notes with two names. Remember that the chromatic scale contains only semitones, which means you can start the scale on any note. Practice running through the entire scale ascending and descending with your eyes closed, naming each note aloud as you play and visualizing what the notation would look like.
Here is a melody in the key of C which contains notes from outside the major scale. No tablature is given for this example. Play it in the first position and then move it through the five forms along the fretboard.
The following examples demonstrate the same melody transposed to the keys of F and G. Once again, you should transpose it to all the other keys. Before doing this it is worth learning to play the chromatic scale starting on any note. If you do this, it will be easier to play melodies in any key and also make it easier to transpose any melody that you learn in any key.
Chromatic notes are commonly used to create smooth lines connecting one chord tone with another. They can also be used between any two notes of any scale. Here is an example. A space has been left on the repeat of the recording for you to play this example with the band.