mixolydisk

Mixolydisk is a term used in music theory and instrument design to denote a disk-shaped device or visualization associated with the Mixolydian mode. The name is a blend of Mixolydian and disk, and in informal usage it describes either a physical wheel or a software representation that encodes the notes of the Mixolydian scale in a given key on a circular layout. There is no single standardized definition, and the concept appears in niche educational or DIY contexts rather than formal theory.

Physical design commonly features a circular disc segmented into scale degrees, with notes labeled around the rim. The disk may be rotatable and mounted beneath a fixed pointer so that rotating to a chosen tonic reveals the corresponding scale notes and diatonic chords. Variants may include color coding, movable markers, or interfaces for electronic output. Some builds integrate simple mechanisms to play or output pitches via MIDI or other digital signals when a sector aligns with the pointer.

Software implementations of a Mixolydisk replicate the circular layout on a screen, allowing users to select a key and view the scale tones, intervals, and common chords associated with Mixolydian harmony. Pedagogical uses emphasize visualizing the characteristic interval pattern of the mode—the presence of a lowered seventh degree relative to the major scale and its effect on chord functions.

Relation to broader concepts includes connections to the Mixolydian mode, diatonic scales, and the circle of fifths or other music wheels. The term remains largely within experiential, educational, or hobbyist circles rather than established theory.