Originally Posted by: TinpanI'm left wondering what the point is to learning pentatonics when you know the whole scale?
Pentatonic scales are different physical fretboard patterns, which means different physical motions are required, along with those different pattern visualizations. And this leads to the most important distinguishing aspect: a different sound.
Both diatonic & pentatonic are part of the overall integrated system of musical notes, scales, intervals. But each aspect must be focused on separately in order to use it & figure out how where & how it fits into actual music you can make.