Question 1: Define a major scale and list its characteristic interval pattern starting from the root note.

Answer: A major scale is a diatonic scale characterized by the pattern of intervals: whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, half step. For example, starting on C: C-D-E-F-G-A-B-C.

Question 2: Identify whether the following sequence of notes forms a major or minor scale: C, D, E♭, F, G, A♭, B♭, C.

Answer: This sequence forms a C minor scale, specifically the natural minor scale pattern: whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole.

Question 3: Describe the difference between a natural minor scale and a harmonic minor scale.

Answer: A natural minor scale has a flat third, sixth, and seventh degrees compared to the major scale. The harmonic minor scale raises the seventh degree by a half step, creating a leading tone that produces a distinctive sound.

Question 4: List the notes of the G major scale.

Answer: G, A, B, C, D, E, F♯, G.

Question 5: Explain what is meant by the term 'scale degree' and give an example using the D major scale.

Answer: A scale degree is the position of a note within a scale, numbered from 1 (the root) to 8 (the octave). In D major, D is the 1st degree, E the 2nd, F♯ the 3rd, and so on.

Question 6: Identify the type of scale based on the following sequence of intervals: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, starting from C.

Answer: This is a C major scale, following the pattern of a major scale.

Question 7: Listen carefully to a melodic line that ascends stepwise from C to G and then descends back to C, using only natural notes. What scale is this melody most likely based on?

Answer: It is most likely based on the C major scale, as the notes correspond to the C major scale's diatonic notes.

Question 8: Sketch a diagram representing the structure of a natural minor scale. Label the root, third, sixth, and seventh degrees.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a linear representation of the scale with the root at one end, illustrating the intervals (whole, half, whole, whole, half, whole, whole). The root, third, sixth, and seventh degrees should be marked and labeled accordingly, e.g., in A natural minor: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A.

Question 9: Describe how the sound of a melodic minor scale differs from that of a natural minor scale when ascending.

Answer: In a melodic minor scale ascending, the sixth and seventh degrees are raised by a half step compared to the natural minor, giving it a more melodic and somewhat brighter sound. When descending, it typically reverts to the natural minor form.

Question 10: Identify the key signature for the B minor scale and list its notes.

Answer: B minor has two sharps in its key signature: F♯ and C♯. The notes are B, C♯, D, E, F♯, G, A, B.

Question 11: Explain the purpose of accidentals in a scale and give an example involving the A natural minor scale.

Answer: Accidentals are used to alter the pitch of a note temporarily, often to create specific scale types or modes. In the A natural minor scale, the sixth and seventh degrees are F and G, which are natural unless altered. For example, raising the seventh degree G to G♯ creates an A harmonic minor scale.