STRINGSCALES

E chromatic Scale — Guitar Fretboard Visualization

Low E string: E, F, F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B, C, C#, D, D#, E at frets 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

A string: A, Bb, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A at frets 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

D string: D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B, C, C#, D at frets 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

G string: G, G#, A, Bb, B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G at frets 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

B string: B, C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B at frets 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

High E string: E, F, F#, G, G#, A, Bb, B, C, C#, D, D#, E at frets 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Pick a root note

Pick a scale

E chromatic

The chromatic scale contains all twelve semitones, so strictly speaking it is the entire tuning system rather than a key. Its value on the fretboard is mechanical and connective: one-finger-per-fret technique practice, and the source of the passing tones every other scale borrows for smooth voice leading. Every scale on this site is some selection from these twelve notes.

it consists of these notes and degrees:

E

I

F

bII

F♯

II

G

bIII

G♯

III

A

IV

B♭

bV

B

V

C

bVI

C♯

VI

D

bVII

D♯

VII

chromatic in all 12 keys, with chords and related scales

tip
  • Use the chromatic scale as technique fuel: one finger per fret across all six strings, strict alternate picking, metronome climbing slowly.
  • Musically, chromatic notes work as passing tones in E: connect two scale tones a whole step apart through the note between them.
  • Approach any chord tone from a half step below or above; that single trick turns plain arpeggios into jazz lines.
  • Practice chromatic runs that START and END on notes of the key you are in (E as the anchor); direction plus destination keeps chromaticism musical.

How to play E chromatic on guitar

Open low E is the tonic and the lowest root on the instrument, with the open B a fifth above and the open high E two octaves over the bottom one. Fret 12 marks that open root's octave. Roots also stack at fret 7 on the A and fret 2 on the D, which means the first position holds three of them within reach. Box one begins at the nut and the second box starts at fret 4, so you change position sooner here than in any other key of this type.

homeall scalesaboutfaqpricingmicrotonalterms & conditionsprivacy policycookie policy© 2026 StringScales. All rights reserved.