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Music theory basics · updated 2026-08-16

DIATONIC VS CHROMATIC

Diatonic material stays inside the seven notes of the key. Chromatic material borrows the other five for colour, tension or modulation.

Close-up of handwritten sheet music and a pencil on a piano music desk

SOURCES AND CITATIONS

Free, primary references for diatonic vs chromatic — standards bodies, manufacturers, government offices and university course material.

RELATED TERMS IN MUSIC THEORY BASICS

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