Chromatic vs Diatonic

Side-by-side comparison of two musical terms.

	Chromatic	Diatonic
Definition	Pertaining to notes outside the prevailing key or diatonic scale.	Pertaining to the seven notes of a major or natural minor scale without chromatic alteration.
Category	keys	keys
Pronunciation	—	—
Origin	Greek	Greek
BPM	—	—
Synonyms	—	Diatonic scale
Antonyms	Diatonic	Chromatic
Usage	The chromatic passing notes in bar 12 add a restless intensity to the otherwise straightforward melody.	The folk melody is entirely diatonic, using only the seven notes of G major.

Definition: Pertaining to notes outside the prevailing key or diatonic scale.
Category: keys
Origin: Greek
Antonyms: Diatonic
Usage: The chromatic passing notes in bar 12 add a restless intensity to the otherwise straightforward melody.

Definition: Pertaining to the seven notes of a major or natural minor scale without chromatic alteration.
Category: keys
Origin: Greek
Synonyms: Diatonic scale
Antonyms: Chromatic
Usage: The folk melody is entirely diatonic, using only the seven notes of G major.