Diatonise

Diatonise is a term that can refer to several concepts primarily related to music theory and sound processing. In music theory, it relates to the diatonic scale, which is a seven-note musical scale with five whole steps and two half steps, often represented by the white keys on a piano. To "diatonise" a melody or a piece of music would mean to adapt it to fit within a specific diatonic scale, often by altering certain notes to conform to the scale's structure. This process can involve changing accidentals or even reharmonizing sections to align with the chosen diatonic framework.

Beyond theoretical application, "diatonise" can also be used in a more abstract or technical sense, particularly in digital audio processing. Here, it might describe an effect or algorithm that quantifies or quantizes audio signals to specific tonal or harmonic structures, akin to how a melody is forced into a diatonic scale. This could involve limiting the available pitches in a synthesized sound or manipulating the harmonic content of an audio recording to emphasize diatonic relationships. The specific implementation and meaning of "diatonise" in this context would depend heavily on the particular software or hardware being used. The core idea remains the imposition of a specific, often diatonic, harmonic or melodic order onto an existing musical or sonic element.