Why is the musical scale the way it is? 12 keys: 7 major, 5 minor?

Question

Why is the musical scale the way it is? 12 keys: 7 major, 5 minor?

In: 116

Answer 1

There are 12 keys (though each key has multiple names i.e. A#/Bb). Each key (i.e. Cmajor) has a relative minor key (A minor in this case) that contain the same notes (all natural notes in this case, so just the white keys on the piano). So there are 12 major keys or scales and 12 minor keys or scales.