Diatonic accordions are associated with Breton and other traditional music styles. Their compact size makes them suitable for traveling.
The melody-side keyboard produces diatonic scales using its buttons; each pair of buttons produces the notes of a major triad. Some models even come equipped with additional “couplers” that activate additional sets of reeds to give full chromatic range.
Keys
The diatonic accordion, also referred to as the melodeon or German accordion, features one 10-button row as its keyboard for playing melodies and chords. However, unlike its free-reed aerophone siblings, diatonic accordions only produce two notes when pulled or pushed upon their buttons.
Opting for a chromatic button accordion (or bayan) could also be an option; these instruments feature either B or C system configuration and have regional-specific variants available for purchase.
A chromatic accordion typically features an ornate right-hand keyboard and is ideal for playing various styles of classical, operatic, and light-classical music. Furthermore, it is easier to learn than Astor Piazzola’s chaotic bisonoric bandoneon as used in Argentina tango and some garmons such as the Schwyzerorgeli. These combine melody buttons of diatonic accordions with bass buttons from pre-set chord buttons found on chromatic accordions for playing limited bandoneon repertoires without spending years studying various bisonoric keyboards – often preferred by musicians who only wish to learn limited bandoneon repertoires quickly but without spending years mastering its complex keyboards.
Reeds
Diatonic accordions, in accordion terminology, refer to accordions which only follow one specific musical scale and its keys. Such instruments are typically employed in traditional forms of Irish and Celtic music as well as Cajun/Zydeco styles or even folk genres.
Diatonic scale accordions differ from piano accordions in that only four buttons produce pitches on their melody row; remaining buttons serve to play basses and harmonies that complement and support its melody.
Diatonic accordions can be tuned either wet or dry, with dry tuning producing crisp and clear tones while wet tuning produces richer, heavier tones. Both styles have their own distinctive sounds which may appeal depending on what style of music is being performed; ultimately it comes down to personal choice when making this decision.
Bellows
One of the key distinctions between diatonic and chromatic accordions is their different note output capabilities; diatonic instruments only produce sounds within their own specific scale (for instance C or G), when you push or pull on their bellows; chromatic accordions however can produce all possible flats and sharps at any given moment.
Single row diatonic button accordions typically feature only two buttons that produce bass notes or major chords when pushed or pulled, while the remaining 10 buttons serve to produce left hand treble notes. Three row models may allow you to play more chords but remain limited in how many notes can be played per bellows movement.
Diatonic accordions are widely used across Irish and Celtic music styles, as well as Cajun, Tex-Mex and Zydeco music styles worldwide. Furthermore, they’re widely utilized by zouk and creole musicians – once seen as the instrument of poor people by cultural elites; but this perception has slowly begun to shift; Peter Pot from Drachten in the Netherlands is one such great master.
Bass
One of the most widely used types of accordions is diatonic; these only play notes from one scale (with no sharps or flats) and limited keys, making it popular with musicians because it can fit many genres – country music, folk, jazz or even hip-hop!
There are various variations of bass accordions, such as Piano Accordions which feature buttons on both sides and have an expanded range of notes on their treble side compared to standard bass accordions; they tend to cost more.
Another version is the three row diatonic which features a third row that can be tuned either a semi tone higher than its original row, or one perfect fourth above it. These instruments are often played during Celtic and folk music performances as their sound is similar to piano box. There are some great YouTube videos of such players such as Jimmy Shand (current Scottish Champion) and Brandon Mcphee of Melodeonman52 using these versions of diatonic.