Advantages of Chromatic Instruments

Chromatic instruments have all the notes of the chromatic scale, that is twelve notes each separated by a semitone interval. This is known as the 12 note equal tempered system. It is not the only equal tempered system, as other meantone systems, common in other cultures, may have 5, 7, 17, 19 or even 31 notes.

On a chromatic instrument you can play any kind of music in any musical key. Any music in any key, without having to change instruments. This advantage may be somewhat limited if the layout is not neutral or isomorphic. An isomorphic keyboard layout eliminates the need to transpose pieces of music into a home key of the instrument, saving you time and effort.