A bunch of different scales is used in different cultures and traditions around the world. The choice of a scale is an interesting combination of universal mat

A bunch of different scales is used in different cultures and traditions around the world. The choice of a scale is an interesting combination of universal math and tradition. Scales are built from intervals which a are basic ratios - 1/2, 2/3, 3/4 etc., but the choice of how many and which steps to include differs. But you cant just make up arbitrary scales, they still have to be based on intervals. Western music traditionally uses a 7-note scale. The 12-note scale is really a clever hack, because it allows some instruments to play a whole range of different 7-note scales by using different subsets if the 12-note scale. But the music is still based on a 7-note scale, which is indicated by the letters and music notation. Your question assume the historical and culture specific parts of music are "ugly" and only the universal and fundamental properties "matter". I fundamentally disagree - much of our enjoyment of music is due the cultural context and tradition.