1. relating to or using only the seven tones of a standard major or minor scale without chromatic alteration
Usage: music theory

Examples

• The melody uses only diatonic notes from the C major scale.
• Diatonic harmony forms the foundation of traditional Western music.
• The composer avoided chromatic notes and kept the piece strictly diatonic.
• Students learn diatonic scales before studying more complex harmonic structures.
• The folk song’s simple diatonic progression made it easy to sing.
• Diatonic intervals are considered more consonant than chromatic ones.