Which scale is characterized by intervals of whole steps?

Enhance your preparation for the Illinois Music Content Area Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Be exam-ready!

The Whole-Tone Scale is defined by its unique construction, consisting entirely of whole steps. This gives it a distinct sound that is often perceived as dreamy or ethereal, lacking the tension usually found in scales that contain half steps. Each note in the scale is separated by the interval of a whole step, resulting in a set of six pitches within the octave before the pattern repeats.

In contrast to the Whole-Tone Scale, the Pentatonic Scale comprises five notes and can include both whole steps and minor thirds, depending on its form, thus not fitting the question's criteria. The Aeolian Scale, which is also known as the natural minor scale, includes a mix of whole and half steps, creating a different tonal structure. Similarly, the Ionian Scale corresponds to the major scale and contains a combination of whole steps and half steps tailored to its specific pattern.

The Whole-Tone Scale's exclusive reliance on whole steps makes it the only option that fully meets the question's requirement.

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