what is a diatonic scale? kids CBG

[Mungo Park]

I built my first CBG with a 24" scale. It is great, now I want to build something small for my kids.
 I have read a thread suggesting a 15 or 17" scale and a dulicmer scale but somebody mentioned a
diatonic scale as even simpler.
 What is is and what strings/tuning would you use on it.
 Thought I would ask before I get to much cutting up done.
                                    Cheers Ron.

[The Phrygian Kid]

Mungo Park said:

OK Im hooked Mate, you must be from one of the pink bits form the old British Empire.
.

hahahahaha

listen to those other two.. do you really want to be thinking 'hmm that might work on a guitar' everytime you empty the dishwasher for the rest of your life?? :D

Just join the robot consumer flock and get em another x-box huh..

one more thing.. I'd consider using classical guitar strings rather than steel.. they're much gentler on beginner fingers, and last longer too..

[Larry McInnes]

Hey Mungo. I'm building three kids' cbgs at once (this is my second guitar project). I made the neck a 3/4 scale, which basically means they're about 19 1/2 inches. I'm going to be setting the frets just for the major scale. I figure that'll let the kids noodle around with them and still make nice sounds without them getting frustrated. I'm also going to set the tuning at CGC since that makes the strings quite a bit softer for the young fingers. Using classical strings is a great idea.

[Diane in Chicago]

And if you tune in C it is easier to play with any old keyboard you've got in the house.

Larry McInnes said:

Hey Mungo. I'm building three kids' cbgs at once (this is my second guitar project). I made the neck a 3/4 scale, which basically means they're about 19 1/2 inches. I'm going to be setting the frets just for the major scale. I figure that'll let the kids noodle around with them and still make nice sounds without them getting frustrated. I'm also going to set the tuning at CGC since that makes the strings quite a bit softer for the young fingers. Using classical strings is a great idea.