How many total notes are in a chromatic scale?

A chromatic scale consists of all the twelve pitches within an octave, which includes both the natural notes and all their sharps and flats. Starting from any note, you will find that the chromatic scale progresses through each possible semitone.

For instance, if you start on C, the chromatic scale would include C, C♯/D♭, D, D♯/E♭, E, F, F♯/G♭, G, G♯/A♭, A, A♯/B♭, and B, ultimately reaching C again at the end of the octave. This totals twelve distinct pitches, hence the answer indicating there are twelve notes in a chromatic scale is accurate and reflects the complete set of intervals used in Western music theory.

Understanding that the chromatic scale incorporates all pitches within an octave is crucial for grasping concepts in music composition and analysis, as it lays the foundation for more complex scales and harmonic structures.