There are two simple rules to follow when memorizing the chromatic scale. First, the notes follow a sequence that starts on C and ends on B (C D E F G A B). Second, between these notes you’ll find sharps (#) or flats (b). A sharp raises a tone by one fret, and a flat lowers a note by one fret.

Here’s a diagram of the guitar fretboard up to fret twelve showing all natural notes, plus the sharp (#) and flat (♭) notes: The brightly coloured notes (A-B-C-D-E-F-G) are called natural notes, and the black notes are sharp (#) and flat (♭) notes.