Diatonic vs. Pentatonic — What's the Difference?

Of or using only the seven tones of a standard scale without chromatic alterations.

Of or using only five tones, usually the first, second, third, fifth, and sixth tones of a diatonic scale.

(music) Relating to or characteristic of a musical scale which contains seven pitches and a pattern of five whole tones and two semitones; particularly, of the major or natural minor scales.

(music) Based on five tones.

Pertaining to the scale of eight tones, the eighth of which is the octave of the first.

(music) The pentatonic scale.

Based on the standard major or minor scales consisting of 5 tones and 2 semitones without modulation by accidentals

Relating to a pentatonic scale

Based on or using the five tones and two semitones of the major or minor scales of Western music