The
major scale consists of eight consecutive notes of the musical
alphabet forming a definite pattern of whole steps and half
steps. Note that sharps had to be used to make the E major
scale conform to this pattern.
The
harmonic minor scale is based on the natural minor scale,
with the seventh note of the scale raised one half step. The
pattern of whole and half steps is:
Raising
the seventh note creates an interval of three half steps between
the sixth and seventh notes, and a half step between the seventh
and eighth notes.
The
melodic minor scale is based on the natural minor scale, with
the sixth and seventh notes of the scale raised one half step.
The pattern of whole and half steps is:
The
melodic minor scale is used for ascending melodic motion,
but reverts to the natural minor form in descending melodic
motion.
Major/Minor
Scales 
