How to pronounce diatonic
Say it like dy-TAH-nik. Diatonic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce diatonic. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dy
- TAH
- nik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Diatonic pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dyGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- TAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of diatonic
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: dy-TON-ik.
What does diatonic mean?
- Relating to or characteristic of a musical scale which contains seven pitches and a pattern of five whole tones and two semitones; particularly, of the major or natural minor scales.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with diatonic
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of diatonic.
Questions about saying diatonic
How do you pronounce diatonic?
Say dy-TAH-nik. The American pronunciation is /ˌdaɪˈtɑnɪk/. In British English it is /ˌdaɪˈtɒnɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in diatonic?
Diatonic has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TAH). Broken into parts: dy · TAH · nik.
Is diatonic pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌdaɪˈtɒnɪk/ (dy-TON-ik).