In Western music, what interval is characteristic of a major scale?

The characteristic interval pattern of a major scale consists of a sequence of whole steps and half steps that establishes its distinctive sound. The correct answer outlines this pattern as whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.

This means that starting from the root note of the scale, you would move up two semitones (a whole step) twice, then move up one semitone (a half step), followed by three more whole steps, and finally concluding with another half step back to the octave of the root note. This specific arrangement of intervals is what creates the major scale's bright and harmonious sound.

In contrast, the other options present different sequences of steps that correspond to other types of scales or modes. For instance, the option that starts with whole, half, whole reflects the pattern of a natural minor scale, while others may relate to different scales like the blues or various modes, which alter the structure of whole and half steps in distinct ways.