The Chromatic Scale

Lesson 6/41 | Study Time: 5 Min

Course: Beginner Rock Bass

The Chromatic Scale

The notes EF and BC are always one semitone apart (one fret). All other notes are a tone apart (2 frets). Sharps (#) and flats ( b ) are found between the notes that are a tone apart.

This scale is called the chromatic scale and contains all the #’s and b’s possible. C sharp (C# ) has the same position on the fretboard as D flat (Db ). They are the same note but can have different names depending upon what key you are playing in. The same applies to D# /Eb , F# /Gb , G# /Ab A# /Bb . These are called enharmonic notes. The following diagram includes all these sharps and flats.

The 5th fret of the E string (A note) is the same note as the open A string.
The 5th fret of the A string (D note) is the same note as the open D string.
The 5th fret of the D string (G note) is the same note as the open G string.

These note positions are important to remember because they are the basis for tuning your bass to itself.

Previous Lesson Next Lesson

Peter Gelling

Product Designer

4.79

Profile

Class Sessions

1- The Triplet 2- The Eighth Note 3- Scales 4- Understanding Chords 5- Understanding The Fretboard 6- Quarter Note Rhythms 7- Articulation and Feel 8- Sixteenth Note Rhythms 9- Slapping and Popping 10- More About Scales and Chords 11- INTRODUCTION 12- The Hammer-on (H) 13- 12 Bar Blues 14- Approach to Practice 15- Five Patterns For Arpeggios 16- Minor Chords 17- Playing in all Keys 18- Alternate Picking 19- Movable Fingering Patterns 20- Chord Symbols 21- The Slide 22- Learning the Notes 23- Syncopation 24- Bass Guitars 25- Seventh Chords 26- Root Notes 27- Applying Scale and Chord Formulas 28- Minor Scales and Keys 29- Notes on the Bass Fretboard 30- Amplifiers 31- Chords I, IV and V in all Keys 32- Passing Notes 33- How to Read Sheet Music 34- The Chromatic Scale 35- Strings 36- Left Hand Fingering 37- How to Read Music 38- Music Notation 39- Playing Position 40- The Right Hand 41- The Left Hand

GDPR

When you visit any of our websites, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and manage your preferences. Please note, that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.

The Chromatic Scale