TREKHARMONICA-TAB
Melodeons
The melodeons used for the arrangements all have a switched 5th button. See the Switched 5th button for more information.
Diatonic and single-action
A diatonic accordion is a diatonic instrument. This is one of the main characteristics that distinguishes it from a chromatic accordion.
What does this mean?
Diatonic
Diatonic scale in C
Diatonic: This means that the instrument is designed to play in one or a few keys. It has the notes of a diatonic scale (such as a major or minor scale), but lacks many of the semitones (the "black keys" on a piano) needed to play in all keys or to perform complex chromatic melodies. For example, a 1-row C will only play the notes of the C major scale (C-D-E-F-G-A-B).
Single-action
Single-action: This is another characteristic of the melodeon. When you press a button, it produces a different note depending on whether you are pulling the bellows out or pushing them in. This is in contrast to a chromatic accordion, where a button always produces the same note regardless of the direction of the bellows. The single-action is what gives the melodeon its distinctive sound and playing style.
Consequences?
Why is it important to know that it is diatonic?
Limited Keys: Because it is diatonic, you cannot just play in any key. An melodeon is often built for two keys (e.g. C/F, G/C, A/D, etc.).
Folk Music: Because of its diatonic nature and often bright, penetrating sound, the melodeon is extremely suitable for many forms of folk music, where melodies often remain within a diatonic scale.
Playing Style: The alternating key forces players to play in a dynamic and rhythmic way.
Although the base is diatonic, most melodeons have more rows of buttons (two, two and a half, three or even more) which can provide a number of additional notes, making the instrument no longer purely diatonic. A GC-tuned melodeon has the note F# on the G row, which does not belong to the (diatonic) C scale.
