Chromatic
Pertaining to notes outside the prevailing key or diatonic scale.
Category
keys
Origin
Greek
Length
171 words · 1 min read
About Chromatic
Chromatic notes are those that do not belong to the current key or diatonic scale — they are the "extra" notes introduced by sharps, flats, or naturals that add colour and tension. The word derives from the Greek "chroma" meaning colour, reflecting the way chromatic notes tint the prevailing harmony.
More keys terms
Relative Major and Minor
View all keysterms →A pair of keys — one major, one minor — sharing the same key signature
Circle of FifthsA diagram arranging all twelve major and minor keys by ascending perfect fifths, showing their key-signature relationships.
ModulationThe process of changing from one key to another within a piece
Leading noteThe seventh degree of a major or harmonic minor scale, a semitone below the tonic.
SubdominantThe fourth degree of a scale, forming a key harmonic pillar alongside the tonic and dominant.
Antonyms
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →