Question 1: Define a major scale and list its pattern of whole steps (W) and half steps (H).

Answer: A major scale consists of a pattern of whole and half steps arranged as: W - W - H - W - W - W - H.

Question 2: Identify whether the following scale pattern is a major or a minor scale: W - H - W - W - H - W - W.

Answer: This pattern corresponds to a natural minor scale.

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

Answer: A natural minor scale follows the pattern W - H - W - W - H - W - W. A harmonic minor scale raises the seventh note by a semitone, creating a distinctive interval between the sixth and seventh notes.

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

Answer: C - D - E - F - G - A - B - C.

Question 5: List the notes of the A minor natural scale.

Answer: A - B - C - D - E - F - G - A.

Question 6: Identify the scale type based on the following pattern of intervals: W - W - H - W - W - H - W. Explain your choice.

Answer: This pattern is characteristic of a major scale, as it matches the major scale interval pattern.

Question 7: Imagine a scale that starts on D and follows the pattern of whole and half steps: W - H - W - W - H - W - W. Which scale is this, and what are its notes?

Answer: This is the D major scale: D - E - F# - G - A - B - C# - D.

Question 8: Listen carefully to a melody that uses a scale with a raised seventh note that resolves upward to the tonic. Which type of scale is most likely being used?

Answer: A harmonic minor scale.

Question 9: Sketch a simple diagram of a major scale on a musical staff, indicating the pattern of whole and half steps.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a sequence of notes on the staff with the intervals between them marked as W or H, starting from the tonic and ascending to the octave.

Question 10: Describe how you would identify a minor scale by listening to a piece of music.

Answer: You would listen for a darker or sadder quality, often characterized by a lowered third note compared to a major scale, and often a more somber or introspective mood.

Question 11: Explain why the harmonic minor scale is often used in music that requires a dramatic or tense sound.

Answer: Because raising the seventh note creates a leading tone that strongly resolves to the tonic, adding tension and drama to the sound.