What characterizes a minor scale?

A minor scale is characterized by a specific pattern of whole and half steps, which differentiates it from other scale types such as the major scale. The pattern for a natural minor scale is whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step. This unique arrangement of intervals is crucial because it creates the distinctive sound associated with minor scales, often described as sad or somber.

Understanding the specific pattern of intervals is fundamental for musicians as it allows them to construct minor scales in any key. While other options might relate to characteristics of music theory in general, they do not accurately describe the essence of a minor scale. For instance, while a major scale has a bright sound, a minor scale does not; it is precisely the specific arrangement of whole and half steps that imparts its unique tonal quality. Similarly, the claim that a minor scale uses only sharp notes or contains no accidentals is inaccurate because minor scales can exist in any key and may include flats, sharps, or natural notes, depending on the specific context or form of the scale being used (natural, harmonic, or melodic).