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→Using Chromatics
=== Using Chromatics ===
'''Chromatics''' or '''accidentals''' are notes that are not diatonic to the current key. Above we covered altering our key or using other keys to fit the harmony of the current chord. Here we will discuss using chromatics not dictated by the current chord, but simply as an additional means of expression.
The most simple use of chromatics is to borrow from the chromatic scale. The chromatic scale is the ultimate symmetric scale, with any possible note being the tonic with the same relationship to all other notes in the scale. This means its tonicity is extremely weak, which can make it sound aimless. Its constant use of half-step movements can sound like there's a lot of action but at the same time the pitch is moving slowly. And it can sound kind of comic. Its usage is mostly for small snippets rather than shifting completely to a chromatic scale.