Donxello: Created page with "= Diatonic Scale = Category:Music Theory Has topic type::Scale Instance of::Musical Scale Related concept::Chromatic Scale Related concept::Semitone Related concept::Diatonic Semitone Subclass of::Musical Concept {{#set: |Definition=The diatonic scale is a seven-note scale that forms the basis of most Western music, consisting of five whole steps and two half steps in a specific pattern. }} The '''diatonic scale''' is a fundamental structur..."

2025-05-14T20:29:41Z

Created page with "= Diatonic Scale = Category:Music Theory Has topic type::Scale Instance of::Musical Scale Related concept::Chromatic Scale Related concept::Semitone Related concept::Diatonic Semitone Subclass of::Musical Concept {{#set: |Definition=The diatonic scale is a seven-note scale that forms the basis of most Western music, consisting of five whole steps and two half steps in a specific pattern. }} The '''diatonic scale''' is a fundamental structur..."

New page

= Diatonic Scale =
[[Category:Music Theory]]
[[Has topic type::Scale]]
[[Instance of::Musical Scale]]
[[Related concept::Chromatic Scale]]
[[Related concept::Semitone]]
[[Related concept::Diatonic Semitone]]
[[Subclass of::Musical Concept]]

{{#set:
|Definition=The diatonic scale is a seven-note scale that forms the basis of most Western music, consisting of five whole steps and two half steps in a specific pattern.
}}

The '''diatonic scale''' is a fundamental structure in Western music theory. It consists of **seven different pitch classes** arranged in a specific order of whole and half steps. This pattern defines both the **major** and **natural minor** scales.

== Structure ==
In whole (W) and half (H) steps:
* Major scale: **W–W–H–W–W–W–H**
* Natural minor scale: **W–H–W–W–H–W–W**

== Example ==
* C Major: C – D – E – F – G – A – B – C
* A Minor: A – B – C – D – E – F – G – A

== Characteristics ==
* Contains seven notes per octave
* Defines traditional Western tonality
* Contrasts with the [[Chromatic Scale]], which includes all twelve semitones

== Related Terms ==
* [[Diatonic Semitone]]
* [[Chromatic Semitone]]
* [[Major Scale]]
* [[Minor Scale]]

== See also ==
* [[Chromatic Scale]]
* [[Semitone]]
* [[Equal Temperament]]

Diatonic Scale - Revision history