Why is chromatic scale harder than diatonic?
 

Hi Folks -

I am a beginner singer (first weeks of singing lessons) and I have a very basic question about scales.

Beginners are introduced to diatonic scales, and my impression is that chromatic scales are considered more challenging.

My impression is that with a chromatic scale, the notes are the same distance apart: a halftone. I've looked at a note-vs-frequency chart, and indeed the halftone notes appear to be the same distance apart.

To a musical idiot such as myself, it seems that chromatic scales would be easier to learn, for a singer for example, because the intervals are the same.

Whereas, with a diatonic scale, the notes are separated by a mix of semitones and fulltones.

I'm sure there is something very basic that I am overlooking here.

This topic isn't interfering with my learning. Rather, I'm simply puzzled about the theory of this subject.

Thanks in advance for any help in understanding this.

Ralph