Hey, there! Glad you followed my pentatonic lessons. :) Sounds like you got the idea.

Originally Posted by: mrsoul55So basically the major pentatonic is just the major dyatonic scale without the 4th and 7th notes. Similarly, the minor pentatonic is just the minor dyatonic without the 2nd and 6th notes.
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Exactly!
[QUOTE=mrsoul55]Would I be better off focusing on the pentatonic patterns and then adding in the missing notes to get to dyatonic?

In general, yes, that's a great plan that helps simplify the overwhelming clutter of fretboard patterns! But you should also consider your goals. If you want to play pop, rock, blues or county, then you'll definitely get the most mileage out of using pentatonic patterns.

If you are aiming for more classical or jazz, then you'll have to get more serious about the diatonic notes. But for most players, it's enough to be able to play some licks & understand how & why the notes work with the chords they are played over.

And remember that even though it can be overwhelming at times, all of these patterns do, in the end, converge. They are all integrated into one overall system of music theory. As a beginner, it's tricky to see how diatonic & pentatonic & arpeggios are integrated into one big package. That they are all just different ways of looking at the same thing. But they are. :)

Take it one step at a time. Make sure you can use the idea you are trying to learn. Make it practical & it will stick in your mind more easily.

Ask more if necessary & best of success!