A chromatic scale is a musical scale consisting of 12 pitches that are equally spaced apart. It includes all the notes of the Western musical system, and is often used as a reference point for learning music theory. There are several synonyms for the term chromatic scale, including the 12-tone scale, the equal tempered scale, and the all-half-step scale. Other related terms include microtonal scales, which use intervals smaller than a half-step, and modal scales, which emphasize certain intervals and notes over others. Understanding these various scales and their relationships to each other is essential for any musician looking to develop their skills and creativity.