A chromatic interval is described as the number of steps between tones, a step being the distance of pitch from one tone of the scale to the next or the distance between two notes of a scale and on the staff. The interval (third, fifth, octave, etc) is merely a method of separating and identifying that distance of tones or chords between the different keys of the major and minor scaling system. Understanding chord and tone intervals is crucial to maintaining key pitch while composing as well as aids in accurate performance. Review the intervals and assignments illustrated below; they are not intended to illustrate all available intervals but are merely a one octave example to help aid in the recognition of their use.