Musical scales are sequences of notes that create a specific sound or mood. The most common types include the major scale, which has a happy and bright sound, and the minor scale, known for its darker and more somber tone. Other scales, like the pentatonic scale, consist of five notes and are often used in folk music, while the blues scale adds a unique twist with its characteristic "blue" notes. In addition to these, there are chromatic scales, which include all twelve notes within an octave, and whole tone scales, made up of whole steps only. Each scale serves different musical purposes and can evoke various emotions, making them essential tools for composers and musicians.