It is called diatonic because it consists of only half and whole tone-steps and has no chromatic interval. Then we have the common minor scales. The most well-known minor patterns are the harmonic, melodic and pure or eolian minor scales. Every ascending minor scale use a major second interval followed by a minor second interval at the starting point. A derivative of the standard diatonic is the common pentatonic.
Pentatonic scales consist of only five intervals.
In the equal-tempered tone system there are 66 possible pentatonic objects although most of them are mostly to be considered 'music theory'. Read in the FAQ how to obtain all possible pentatonic textures . F or the jazz music theory student or professional a good knowledge of standard patterns is essential both in performance as in education, improvisation composing. In the Birka Staff Sds you will find many objects useful in jazz improvisation and composing. See examples of jazz scales .