Which type of scale follows this pattern of whole and half steps?
W-W-H-W-W-W-H
A. major
B. natural minor
C. harmonic minor
D. melodic minor
i know its not major but i dont know the diffrence between the other 3
pls i need help
To determine which type of scale follows the pattern of whole and half steps (W-W-H-W-W-W-H), we need to understand the definitions of the different scales provided as options: natural minor, harmonic minor, and melodic minor.
1. Natural Minor Scale: Also known as the Aeolian mode, the natural minor scale is formed using the pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W. It is characterized by a minor third (three half steps) between the first and third notes of the scale.
2. Harmonic Minor Scale: The harmonic minor scale is formed by raising the seventh note of the natural minor scale by a half step, resulting in the pattern: W-H-W-W-H-WH-H. The purpose of raising the seventh note is to create a leading tone (increased tension) towards the tonic note.
3. Melodic Minor Scale: The melodic minor scale is more complex, as it has different ascending and descending patterns. The ascending pattern is W-H-W-W-W-W-H, while the descending pattern is the same as the natural minor scale (W-H-W-W-H-W-W). It is commonly used in classical music to create smooth melodic lines and differs from the natural minor scale by having raised sixth and seventh notes in the ascending pattern.
Now, comparing the patterns of the given scales to the original pattern (W-W-H-W-W-W-H), we see that only the melodic minor scale matches:
W-W-H-W-W-W-H (Pattern)
W-H-W-W-W-W-H (Melodic Minor Scale)
Therefore, the correct answer is D. melodic minor.