A pentatonic scale in which the fourth and seventh are omitted from the ordinary major scale, characteristic of traditional Scottish music (though common in other cultures).
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in Thomas Busby (1754–1838), composer and author.
Definition of Scotch scale in US English:
Scotch scale
noun
Music rare
A pentatonic scale in which the fourth and seventh are omitted from the ordinary major scale, characteristic of traditional Scottish music (though common in other cultures).
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in Thomas Busby (1754–1838), composer and author.