Enharmonic Notes
The "in between" 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.
The following example demonstrates a melody in the key of C which contains notes from outside the major scale. Once again, no tablature is given for this example. Play it in the first position and then move it through the five forms along the fretboard.
Here are some exercises to help you get more comfortable playing in any key. Remember to play each one in all possible positions on the fretboard. Each one is written in a different key, but they are intended to be played in all keys. The first one is a sequence in the key of D major.
This one alternates between the note B and every other note in the B major scale, both ascending and descending.
Don’t forget to practice the chromatic scale in every key. Here it is in the key of Gb.
Finally, here is one which alternates between the note A and every other note in the A chromatic scale, once again ascending and descending.
