A music scale is a series of notes arranged in ascending or descending order. Scales serve as the foundation for melodies and harmonies in music. The most common type is the major scale, which has a happy sound, and the minor scale, which often sounds sad or serious. Each scale consists of specific intervals, or distances, between the notes. Musicians use scales to practice their instrument and to create music. There are many different types of scales, including pentatonic scales with five notes and chromatic scales that include all twelve notes in an octave. Understanding scales helps musicians improve their skills and compose songs.