Diatoonilist

Diatoonilist is a term used to describe a musician who primarily or exclusively plays music that utilizes the diatonic scale. The diatonic scale is a seven-note musical scale consisting of five whole steps and two half steps, commonly found in Western music. Examples include the major scale and the natural minor scale. A diatoonilist would therefore focus on melodies and harmonies derived from these specific intervallic structures, often avoiding chromatic alterations or modes outside the diatonic framework.

The instrument a diatoonilist plays can vary widely, from melodic instruments like the piano, guitar, or violin, to wind instruments such as the flute or saxophone, or even percussion instruments. The emphasis is on the musical approach rather than the specific instrument. This style of playing can be found in various genres, including folk music, traditional music from many cultures, and certain forms of classical and early music composition. In some instances, the term may be used to differentiate a player's stylistic preference from those who frequently incorporate chromaticism or engage with more complex modal systems. The concept highlights a fundamental building block of musical tonality and the musicians who choose to explore its possibilities.