What emotional quality does a major scale typically convey?

A major scale typically conveys joyfulness due to its bright and uplifting sound. The arrangement of whole and half steps in a major scale creates a sense of stability and positivity, which can evoke feelings of happiness and cheerfulness. This connection to joyfulness is well established in music theory and has been reinforced through cultural associations, with major keys often used in compositions that intend to provoke feelings of celebration or elation. In contrast, other options such as sadness, tension, and calmness are more commonly associated with different scales or modes, such as minor scales or diminished scales, which have distinct emotional qualities.