diatonic

Example Sentences

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When played in these contexts, the loud instrument takes on a different style of tuning, called diatonic, which means it can play only a limited range of notes in a specific key.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2024

Over a simple sequence of diatonic chords, played with compassion by the pianist Kirill Kuzmin, Cooke describes a couple circling their feelings with an amber-toned voice suspended between tears and solace.

From New York Times • Dec. 22, 2022

Most accordionists who play Mexican music use button instruments called diatonic accordions, which produce different notes when the bellows are pushed and pulled.

From Seattle Times • May 20, 2022

When you think of the harmonica, you’re probably thinking of a diatonic harmonica: 10 holes, locked to a single key.

From Slate • Dec. 22, 2016

Music that does not stray at all from its key is called diatonic.

From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones