Chromatic scales
David Hi and my apologies if you have dealt with this but I can find anything related to my query.
Im trying to better understand some music theory. The Chromatic scale or more specifically the comparison of the chromatic scale as shown on the chromatic harp and the diatonic starting on hole one.
My understanding of the definition of the chromatic scale is “the use of notes a semitone apart”. ??
The chromatic harmonica achieves that definition but the diatonic does not have a D# available in acending order and it also has one additional note making it 14 notes compared to 13 with the chromatic harp (C being repeated =13).
Question: If I am correct are we taking “licence” in calling the diatonic harp chromatic scale as per Bending Study 5 1.1 or is this in fact a recognised chromatic scale. Just curious and trying t better understand scales.
Thanks in advance
Hello John.
Yes, "the use of notes a semitone apart." In other words, every note available in music. It's hard to really call it a scale, because it's not a selection of notes, but EVERY note available.
You are correct, we're taking license by calling it the chromatic scale on the diatonic harmonica, since not all of the notes are available. We also do that with the blues scale in our three most common positions. We are playing what we can play of the blues scale, since it's not complete, but we sure play it a lot.