Key notes for Modes

I understand modes and how to use them (mostly). I have realized that each mode has a "key" note that creates the distinctive sound for that mode. The dorian key note is the natural 6, the mixolydian is the minor 7. Can anyone enlighten me on the other modal key notes?

I'm not really sure what you mean. A keynote is the first note of the scale, thats why they have different sounds, you can use the same pattern, but starting on a different note gives you a major or minor sound. Thats what I was taught anyway.

I think I see what you're saying . . . are you wondering which chords are built off the modal tones?

Example - Take the 5th tone of the major scale, mixolydian, and count up 1,3,5,7 and you get a dominant 7th chord. Is that what you want to know?

3 of the modes are minor: Dorian, Phrygian, and Aoelian (natural minor)
If we analyze the Phrygian and Dorian against the Aoelian the key notes would be the raised 6th for the Dorian (as noted) and the flat 2 and or 9th for the Phrygian.

The 3 modes that are based off the major triad are Ionian (Major), Lydian, and Mixolydian.
If we analyze the Mixo. and Lydian against the Ionian (Major) the key notes would be the flat 7th for the Mixo (as noted) and the sharp 4 or 11th for the Lydian.

The 7th mode, Locrian, outlines the Minor 7 b5 chord, and is similiar to a Phrygian scale with the 4th scale degree being flatted.