Scales and Modes

[TheAnimal]

Gm isn't diatonic to C major/D Dorian, but G major is.

That's what I mean. Gm is diatonic to D natural minor. And the only difference to D dorian ist Bb vs. B. So you could call B a defining note.

[DeadlyKungFu]

Gm isn't diatonic to C major/D Dorian, but G major is.

That's what I mean. Gm is diatonic to D natural minor. And the only difference to D dorian ist Bb vs. B. So you could call B a defining note.

So is it because you're playing a minor mode that you can errantly imply a minor key (D minor, not D Dorian/C major) in your playing but when the B hits your ear, your brain doesn't hear natural minor, it hears Dorian and the key of C?

Is 'defining note' the term for that or am I wrong in putting a label on the idea presented here?

[jamester]

I am using the term "defining note" to mean "the note that is different from its parent scale". That's what modes are all about - a note (or sometimes two notes) that will be different from its parent scale, and therefore impart a different "flavor".

For example, with "Dmin":

1) D Natural Minor is the parent scale; it's defined by a lowered 3rd, 6th and 7th compared to DMaj.

2) D Dorian raises the 6th - this creates more "forward motion" to the root, and imparts a brighter, more "major" flavor.

3) D Phrygian lowers the 2nd - this creates a darker flavor (along with the already lowered 3rd).

I'll stop now to keep my posts succinct... =)

[DeadlyKungFu]

Very well stated, makes total sense. <applause>

That's also a great way to come to understand the moods of each of the modes.