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A major scale is a diatonic scale consisting of seven notes following the interval pattern: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half (W-W-H-W-W-W-H). It is the most commonly used scale in Western music and serves as the foundation for understanding keys, chords, and harmony.
The C major scale consists of C, D, E, F, G, A, B. It is the only major scale that uses no sharps or flats, making it the simplest major scale to play on a piano using only white keys.
A natural minor scale follows the interval pattern W-H-W-W-H-W-W. Compared to the major scale, it has a lowered 3rd, 6th, and 7th degree, which gives it a darker, more melancholic sound.
The harmonic minor scale raises the 7th degree of the natural minor scale by a half step. This creates an augmented second interval between the 6th and 7th degrees and provides a leading tone that resolves strongly to the tonic.
The ascending melodic minor scale raises both the 6th and 7th degrees of the natural minor scale by a half step. In classical theory, the descending form reverts to the natural minor. This eliminates the awkward augmented second found in the harmonic minor.