Chromatic Scale

The chromatic scale is the great leveller. Moving by half steps forces the singer to make subtle, controlled pitch adjustments with no "natural" landing places — every step is equally important and equally challenging.

Singers who regularly practice chromatic scales develop noticeably better intonation across all their repertoire. The close intervals also train the ear to discriminate between very similar pitches, which is essential for singing in tune with other singers and instruments.

1. 01Start on a comfortable low note — women around B3, men around F#3.
2. 02Ascend chromatically (every half step) on "nee" for two octaves if possible.
3. 03Keep absolutely even tone — no note should pop out.
4. 04Descend on "nay".
5. 05The exercise can also be done on a single syllable: "lah".

• Listen intently — the half steps must be genuinely small. Over-shooting to a full step is the most common error.
• Use a piano or reference pitch to check your intonation regularly.
• Slow is better than fast — accuracy first, speed later.

• Making the intervals too large — half steps are genuinely tiny.
• Rushing — this exercise requires patience.
• Ignoring the descent — the descending chromatic scale is equally important.

• 01Staccato chromatic: each note separate, like a typewriter.
• 02Chromatic on sustained notes: hold each pitch for 2 full beats.