Question

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

Answer 1

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.