What is the pattern of whole and half steps for the natural minor scale (pure minor)?

• A. W H W W H W W
• B. W W H W W H W
• C. H W W W H W W
• D. W H H W W W W

Answer: (A)

In a natural minor scale, the moves between consecutive notes follow a specific rhythm: whole, then half, then two wholes, then a half, then two wholes. This pattern is W-H-W-W-H-W-W.

For A natural minor, the notes are A, B, C, D, E, F, G, A. A to B is a whole step, B to C is a half step, C to D is a whole step, D to E is a whole step, E to F is a half step, F to G is a whole step, and G to A is a whole step. That sequence matches W-H-W-W-H-W-W, which is exactly the natural minor pattern.

This differs from other minor forms, like harmonic or melodic minor, where the step pattern changes (for example, raising the seventh degree in harmonic minor alters the last intervals).