What type of scale has a raised seventh degree?

The correct answer is the harmonic minor scale, which is characterized by a raised seventh degree. This specific alteration of the seventh degree serves a significant purpose in music, particularly in establishing strong harmonic relationships.

In the context of the harmonic minor scale, raising the seventh degree creates a leading tone that resolves upward to the tonic, enhancing the sense of resolution when moving to the tonic chord. This adjustment helps create a more compelling pull back to the tonic note, particularly in tonal music where effective chord progressions matter.

In contrast, the major scale has a natural seventh degree, while the natural minor scale has both the sixth and seventh degrees lowered relative to the major scale. The melodic minor scale, on the other hand, typically raises both the sixth and seventh degrees when ascending but reverts to the natural minor shape when descending. This leads to a distinct difference between the melodic minor's ascending and descending forms, making it another scale that does not consistently feature a raised seventh degree throughout.