The chromatic scale contains all 12 notes, each a half step (semitone) apart.
The word “chromatic” comes from the Greek chroma, meaning “color.” Just as an artist uses all colors on a palette, the chromatic scale uses every available note — all 12 semitones within an octave.
Half Step vs Whole Step
A half step (semitone) is the smallest interval — moving from one key to the very next, including black keys. A whole step is two half steps.
Sharps and Flats
A sharp (#) raises a note by one semitone. A flat (b) lowers it by one semitone. The black keys can be named either way — these are called enharmonic equivalents.
Chromatic Scale — 12 half steps
Enharmonic Equivalents — same sound, different names