The Western tonal system is a musical framework that organizes pitches into scales and chords, primarily based on the major and minor scales. It emphasizes the relationships between notes, creating a sense of tension and resolution, which is fundamental to Western music composition. This system is characterized by its use of tonality, where a piece of music is centered around a specific note called the tonic. The tonal hierarchy allows for the creation of melodies and harmonies that are pleasing to the ear, forming the basis for many genres, including classical, jazz, and pop music.