D Chromatic Scale on Bass
The D Chromatic Scale (D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C, C#) shown across the full 4-string bass fretboard. Tap any note to hear it, or open it in BassMapper to play along with a MIDI file. Free, no account needed.
About the Chromatic Scale
The chromatic scale is all twelve notes in a row: every fret, no gaps. It isn't a key you write lines in, but it's the source of the passing tones, walk-ups, and connecting notes that make walking bass and jazz lines flow. Master it and you can smoothly link any two notes.
The fretboard above shows the D Chromatic Scale in every position at once. Open it in BassMapper and drop in a MIDI file to watch the scale light up on the neck in real time as a song plays.
questions
What notes are in the D Chromatic Scale?
The D Chromatic Scale contains D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B, C, C#.
What does the Chromatic Scale sound like?
Every note in order: a smooth, sliding motion used for connecting and passing between target notes.
How do I play the Chromatic Scale on bass?
Don't build a groove on it; use short chromatic runs to approach a chord tone from a half-step above or below. It's the glue in walking bass lines.