Piano Scales: C Chromatic Scale Theory & Ear Training

The Chromatic Scale includes all twelve possible pitches played as a sequence of minor 2nds…

Chromatic Scale Theory in the Key of C

Ascending Chromatic Scale, Key of C

It’s common practice to name the “Chromatic” notes by modifying the diatonic notes in C Major using sharps when ascending as follows (C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B,C)…

1. The scale degrees for the ascending Chromatic Scale are 1-#1-2-#2-3-4-#4-5-#5-6-#6-7-1.
2. The Solfege syllables for the ascending Chromatic Scale are Do-Di-Re-Ri-Mi-Fa-Fi-So-Si-La-Li-Ti-Do.

Pronunciation Hints: Di, Ri, Fi, Si, and Li sound like “Dee”, “Ree”, “Fee”, “See”, and “Lee”

Notice that each “chromatic” Scale Degree uses the exact same number as the diatonic note that it is derived from and that each “chromatic” Solfege name begins with same consonant as the diatonic note that it is derived from.

---

Descending Chromatic Scale, Key of C

It’s common practice to name the “Chromatic” notes by modifying the diatonic notes in C Major using flats when descending as follows (C, B, Bb, A, Ab, G, Gb, F, E, Eb, D, Db, C)…

1. The scale degrees for the descending Chromatic Scale are 1-7-b7-6-b6-5-b5-4-3-b3-2-b2-1.
2. The Solfege syllables for the ascending Chromatic Scale are Do-Ti-Te-La-Le-So-Se-Fa-Mi-Me-Re-Ra-Do.

Pronunciation Hints: Me, Se, Le, and Te sound like “May”, “Say”, “Lay”, and “Tay”.

Notice that each “chromatic” Scale Degree uses the exact same number as the diatonic note that it is derived from and that each “chromatic” Solfege name begins with same consonant as the diatonic note that it is derived from.

---

Solfege Ear Training

Reading, playing, and singing the Solfege Syllables out loud is an extremely effective way to tune up your ears and to internalize the unique sound-feeling of each note in the scale with respect to the key center Do. Make sure to do this slowly enough for the unique sound-feeling of each Solfege Syllable to make a meaningful impression on your mind’s ear.

C Chromatic Scale: Linear, Ascending…

---

C Chromatic Scale: Linear, Descending…

---

Takeaway Notes from Frank

1. Don’t fuss too much over all the naming conventions for the chromatic scale. It’s presented here only for the sake of completeness in order to show one way that all twelve notes in any given octave might be named theoretically using both the Solfege system and number system.
2. Naming notes using letters, scale degrees, or Solfege syllables is NOT a necessary performance skill.
3. Names are just a temporary way for us to communicate with each other while training our ears, intellect, eyes, and muscles.
4. The ultimate goal is to abandon the use of names altogether.
5. Being able to name each note might get you a few extra points on a music theory test, but what really matters is the melodic and harmonic function of any note, which always depends on context.
6. For now, don’t worry about why the names of the Chromatic notes depend on the direction you are going. Such theoretical subtleties will be explained as you continue your studies of scales, chords, chord progressions, and how melodies work.

---

learn more… Scales