How many half steps are there between the notes of a major scale's first and fourth degrees?

In a major scale, the distance between the first and fourth degrees is known as a perfect fourth. The major scale follows a specific pattern of whole and half steps: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half.

To determine the number of half steps between the first and fourth degrees, you start from the first degree and count up to the fourth degree. The pattern goes like this:

• From the first degree to the second degree is a whole step (2 half steps).

• From the second degree to the third degree is another whole step (2 more half steps).

• Finally, from the third degree to the fourth degree is a half step (1 half step).

Now, if we sum these half steps: 2 (first to second) + 2 (second to third) + 1 (third to fourth) equals a total of 5 half steps.

Thus, there are actually 5 half steps between the first and fourth degrees of a major scale. The correct answer reflects the understanding that the spacing of these steps corresponds with the construction of the major scale and the intervals involved.