Originally Posted by: nicholasolatei had a question i was wondering if the diatonic scale and the minor scale are one in the same?

Yes, both the major and minor scales are types of diatonic scales.

A diatonic scale is any seven note scale that has a system of whole & half steps and repeats in octaves. The distinction would be scales that have less (or more) notes than 7. For example, the pentatonic scales are 5 notes scales. They also come in major and minor "flavors", but they only have 5 notes and are thus, pentatonic major and pentatonic minor. Makes sense?

Start at GF2 in chapter 1 and you will get a concise overview of music theory from intervals to scales:

http://www.guitartricks.com/course.php?input=2

Hope this helps. Let us know how it goes. Have fun!