The chromatic harmonica is a type of harmonica that allows players to access all the notes in a musical scale. It features a button-activated slide that shifts the pitch of the notes, enabling musicians to play sharps and flats. This versatility makes it popular in various music genres, including jazz, blues, and classical. Unlike the diatonic harmonica, which is limited to a specific key, the chromatic harmonica can play in any key, making it suitable for more complex melodies. It typically has 12 to 16 holes, with each hole producing a note when blown or drawn, providing a rich range of sound.