Definition: Three ascending half steps as a phrase?

Question

Is there an official definition used to describe a phrase constructed by playing three ascending half steps in quick succession, e.g. for a bass fill? I hear this used by a lot by John Taylor from Duran Duran.

John Belzaguy · Answer

Chromatic run is accurate but more specifically it’s a double chromatic approach since the target note is the third chromatic note.

moonwave99 · Answer

I would call it a chromatic run, as it is a portion of the chromatic scale.
In the minor blues scale for instance, you have it between degrees 3 and 5, e.g.:
E - G  - A - A# - B - D - (E)
Calling the middle note a passing tone fits as well.

Definition: Three ascending half steps as a phrase?

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