What is a "major scale"?

A major scale is defined as a diatonic scale consisting of seven distinct pitches. This scale follows a specific pattern of intervals: whole step, whole step, half step, whole step, whole step, whole step, and half step. This unique arrangement creates the characteristic sound of the major scale, which is often described as bright or happy. The seven distinct pitches form a series of notes that can be played in a specific order, either ascending or descending.

In contrast, although there are other choices that mention different aspects of musical scales or progressions, they do not accurately describe what a major scale is. A major scale is specifically distinguished from minor scales, which have a different arrangement of intervals, and from harmonic progressions, which refer to a sequence of chords rather than a sequence of individual notes. Thus, the description of a major scale as a diatonic scale with seven specific pitches is what makes this answer correct.