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Which type of scale follows this pattern of whole and half steps?

W-H-W-W-H-W-W
Responses

major
major -

natural minor

harmonic minor

melodic minor
please explain why natural minor is correct and tell me why its correct

1 answer

The scale pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W corresponds to the natural minor scale.

Explanation:

  1. Scale Degrees and Intervals:

    • The natural minor scale follows a specific pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H) between its notes. This pattern is:
      • Whole step (W) from the 1st to the 2nd degree
      • Half step (H) from the 2nd to the 3rd degree
      • Whole step (W) from the 3rd to the 4th degree
      • Whole step (W) from the 4th to the 5th degree
      • Half step (H) from the 5th to the 6th degree
      • Whole step (W) from the 6th to the 7th degree
      • Whole step (W) from the 7th back to the octaving 1st degree

  2. Comparing to Other Scales:

    • Major Scale: The major scale follows the pattern W-W-H-W-W-W-H.
    • Harmonic Minor Scale: The harmonic minor scale follows the pattern W-H-W-W-H-W+H (with a step and a half between the 7th and 8th degrees).
    • Melodic Minor Scale: The melodic minor scale has a different structure, going up with the pattern W-H-W-W-W-W-H (ascending) and the natural minor pattern when descending.

Conclusion:

Since the pattern you're asking about (W-H-W-W-H-W-W) fits the natural minor scale precisely, it is correct to identify it as such. Therefore, based on this interval structure, the natural minor scale is the correct answer.