What is one key difference between major and minor scales?

One key difference between major and minor scales is the character of the sound they produce, which is closely associated with emotional connotations. Major scales are often described as having a bright, happy, and uplifting sound. This quality is due to the specific intervals and structure of major scales, which include a pattern of whole and half steps that create a pleasing and confident tonal quality.

In contrast, minor scales typically convey a more somber, melancholic, or introspective tone due to their different interval structures. The emotional characteristics of these scales are widely recognized in music theory and practice, influencing how composers and musicians convey feelings through their work. Thus, the major scale's bright, happy sound is a definitive and essential aspect that sets it apart from minor scales.