Which scale consists of 5 different pitches, easily rendered on the 5 black keys of a piano?

The pentatonic scale is characterized by its five distinct pitches, which can be easily identified and played using the five black keys on a piano. This scale is commonly used across various musical cultures and genres due to its pleasant sound and ease of improvisation. The black keys create a straightforward way to explore the pentatonic scale without the complexity of additional pitches that might occur in other scales.

For instance, starting on the note F#, the pentatonic scale's notes — F#, G#, A#, C#, and D# — perfectly align with the black keys. This access to only five notes allows for simplicity and flexibility in composition and performance, making it a favorite in traditional and contemporary music alike.

Other scales mentioned, such as the whole tone scale, consists of six pitches, making it unsuitable for the given question. The modal scale includes a broader array of notes and variants, while the chromatic scale encompasses all twelve pitches available within an octave, thus not being limited to just five notes. This versatility and accessibility of the pentatonic scale contribute to its prominence in music across various cultures.