The Used Car Scales-man

“I know you wanted Major… but I’ve got the perfect scale for you instead. Sure, the 3rd and 6th might be lowered, but it’s got a leading tone just like that Major scale of yours…

$5500, final offer.”

What scale are you being sold?

Answer explanation

The scale being sold is the Harmonic Minor. This is because the description mentions a scale where the 3rd and 6th notes are lowered, which matches a Harmonic Minor scale's structure. Furthermore, the presence of a 'leading tone' is unique to the Harmonic Minor scale among the provided options.

“I see you lookin’ at that Natural Minor Scale over there. She’s a beauty, isn’t she? Now, a little secret: for half the cost I can get you into a different scale-- runs just like Natural Minor, as long as you’re going downhill… And at $2500 it’s a bargain!”

What scale are you being sold?

Answer explanation

The scale being referred to in the question is the Melodic Minor scale. This scale is often described as the 'natural minor' scale with a raised sixth and seventh degree, but when descending the scale returns to the lowered 6th and 7th, hence the 'going downhill' reference.

“Six pitches are better than seven - trust me. And I know what you’re thinking, ‘No half steps means nothing will feel like home’ well you gotta believe me, kid, getting into this scale is like riding a dream, and you won’t even need to find home! 

Twist my arm, I can go as low as $5K, as long as you like it in cherry red.”

What scale are you being sold?

Answer explanation

The question is offering a music scale for sale, with the individual expressing a preference for a scale that has six pitches and no half steps. These details align with the characteristics of a Whole Tone Scale, making it the correct choice among the provided options.

“Sure, sure, all the kids are talking about 'Major This, Minor That…' but you, you’re different. Why settle for seven pitches? Seven? Let me tell you something, this scale, oh no no no… It’s got eight.

And for $8,999 it could be yours!”

What scale are you being sold?

Answer explanation

The salesman is pitching a musical scale with eight pitches, as evident from the phrase 'it’s got eight.' Octatonic Scale is an eight-note musical scale. Hence, it's clear that you're being sold an 'Octatonic Scale'.

“Yikes, you want a major sound, I understand, but you don’t got Major money! I mean no offence, of course. How’s about this scale. It’s pretty much Major, just missing it’s 4th and 7th scale degrees. But who needs half-steps anyways, am I right?

$700, cash only.”

What scale are you being sold?

Answer explanation

The question is talking about a scale that is close to a major one but misses the 4th and 7th scale degree. This is a characteristic of the 'Pentatonic Scale' which has five notes per octave, unlike a major scale. Hence, the correct answer is 'Pentatonic Scale'.

“Sure all these scales seem great, but when it comes down to it, all you really need to do is go one half-step at a time? Right? And this bad boy’s got 12 of them! Sure it’s not much for speed or distance, but life’s about the journey! $1,299, and I’ll throw in rust-proofing for free, just ‘cause I like ya!”

What scale are you being sold?

Answer explanation

The seller's speech refers to going 'one half-step at a time' and having '12 of them'. This is describing the Chromatic Scale in music, which comprises of 12 pitches, each a semitone (or half-step) apart. Therefore, the scale you are being sold is the Chromatic Scale.