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Put simply, a chromatic scale involves playing all the notes (including sharps\/flats<\/a>) between two notes that are an octave apart.<\/strong><\/p>\n For example, picture the keys on a piano \u2013 the heptatonic (seven-note) scale of C Major involves playing only the white keys: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, before reaching C again an octave higher. However, if you were to play a chromatic scale starting on C, you would play 12 notes before reaching C again \u2013playing each white and black key (each semitone) in turn: C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B.<\/p>\n <\/p><\/div> <\/section> Playing chromatic scales can be useful when learning a new instrument, as each note is practised in turn, but this type of scale\u00a0<\/a><\/strong> is also used within pieces of music. For example, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov\u2019s Flight of the Bumblebee makes use of chromatic scales, which help create the frantic feel of the piece when combined with its fast tempo<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n