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 key
View all keysterms →A major and minor key that share the same key signature but have different tonics.
TonicisationThe brief treatment of a non-tonic chord as a temporary tonic through the use of its own dominant or leading note.
DominantThe fifth degree of a scale and the second most important tonal centre after the tonic.
TranspositionMoving a passage of music up or down in pitch by a fixed interval
ModeA type of scale defined by a specific pattern of tones and semitones, historically derived from medieval church music.
Antonyms
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →