What is a major scale in music?

A major scale in music is defined as a scale consisting of seven distinct pitches that create a consonant sound. This scale follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps, which is typically represented as: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. The result of this pattern makes the major scale sound bright and joyful, and it is a fundamental aspect of Western music theory.

The consonance of the major scale arises from its structure, which is designed to create stable, harmonious intervals. The tonic (the first note of the scale) establishes a tonal center, providing a sense of resolution and balance that is characteristic of this scale.

The other choices do not accurately describe a major scale. A scale consisting of five pitches refers to a pentatonic scale, while a focus on dissonant sounds typically relates to scales or musical concepts that challenge harmony, rather than emphasize it as the major scale does. Lastly, a scale used exclusively for jazz music would not be a major scale; instead, jazz incorporates a variety of scales, including major, minor, and altered scales, among others, reflecting a broader spectrum of musical elements.