major scale vs. minor scale

a scale consisting of a series of whole steps except for half steps between the third and fourth and seventh and eighth degrees.

Also called harmonic minor scale. a scale having half steps between the second and third, fifth and sixth, and seventh and eighth degrees, with whole steps for the other intervals.

Also called melodic minor scale. a scale having the third degree lowered a half step when ascending, and the seventh, sixth, and third degrees lowered a half step when descending.