Chromatic Notes

Chromatic notes are the notes outside your scale. They create tension and forward motion, but only when they resolve into a strong target note. The goal is never "play outside"; the goal is to connect strong notes with purposeful chromatic motion.

The rule: Every chromatic note needs a destination. Chord tones are good targets. Guide tones (the 3rd and 7th) are the best targets. A chromatic note one half step away from a chord tone is an approach note. A chromatic note surrounded by two approaches is an enclosure. That is the entire system.

See It On a Chord

Pick a chord. The guide tones (ringed) are your strongest landing notes. The amber notes are chromatic approaches: one half step above or below the target.

Chord tones of Cmaj7

CEGTGBGT

The 3rd defines major vs minor. The 7th defines the chord type. These are your strongest landing notes.

Chromatic approaches into guide tones

from belowD♯→E

from aboveF→E

from belowA♯→B

from aboveC→B

Enclosures (surround from both sides)

F→D♯→E

C→A♯→B

Techniques

Six ways to use chromatic notes. Each one connects a chromatic note to a target.

Practice Drills

Each drill connects chromatic motion to a target note, chord, or progression.

Approach Every Chord Tone from Below

beginner

any chord

Approach Every Chord Tone from Above

beginner

any chord

Alternate Above and Below Approaches

beginner

any chord

Scale Tone Then Chromatic Approach

beginner

any chord

Target Only 3rds and 7ths with Chromatic Approaches

intermediate

any chord

Guide-Tone Resolution Through ii-V-I

intermediate

ii-V-I

Practice chromatic approaches over real chord changes in Play Along mode.