Learn to DJ - Class 1

DJ mixing is all about creating a continuous groove that keeps the dance floor grooving. The DJ blends the end of one record into the beginning of the next by lining up the beats, bars and phrases of the two records and then making a smooth transition from one track to the next.

Beats, bars and phrases are the building blocks of modern music - the beat is the constant pulse which is present in every song (even when the drums aren't playing). Beats are most easily identified in House or Garage tunes when the bass drum thuds once on each beat. The speed of the beat is called the "tempo" and is measured in beats per minute or "BPM". A slow tune (R&B or Hip Hop for example) might have a tempo of around 98 BPM, while faster tunes (in Drum n Bass for example) can reach a tempo of 170BPM.

To get started, choose a tune and play it on the first deck, then choose a second tune (roughly the same BPM as the first) and play it on the second deck but without turning up its volume in the main mix, so that you can hear it only in your headphones.

When both records are playing together, it quickly becomes clear that the beats of the two records won't stay in synch unless they are running at the same BPM. Use the speed control (or "BPM Slider") to speed up or slow down one of the two records until the two BPMs are the same.

To perform a simple Drop Mix, when the first record gets near its end start the second record from the beginning and, in order to make a smooth transition, use the "cross-fader" (the sideways fader at the bottom of the mixer) to switch from the first record to the second.

To perform a Beat Mix, the DJ has to physically manipulate the records so that the beats of both tunes line up in synch. When mixing with real vinyl on a deck with a slip mat, this means he has to "grab" the record, by stopping it physically with one hand on the surface and, making sure the needle always stays in the groove, wind it forwards or backwards (but without ever pressing too hard so the platter underneath doesn't stop).

If you are interested in exploring the craft of djing further you might want to look at more detailed resources on dj skills and dj courses

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Learn to DJ - DJ Tips & Tricks

When learning to DJ, you should try to practice on someone else's DJ equipment to start off. Before you go out and buy all that expensive DJ equipment yourself, you want to make sure you know it's something you really want to do. The learning curve with DJing is much steeper on cheap, bad DJ equipment. So use a friend's equipment first, and if you like it, then invest in some quality DJ equipment. You'll learn to DJ faster with good equipment.

How to Mix

DJ mixing is the act of smoothly transitioning from one track into another. This is the first step to learn how to DJ. While the DJ has one song playing out to the crowd, he has to "mix" a second song into the first without stopping. This serves two purposes.

It sounds better
Keeps more people on the dance floor if the music never stops

There are two main parts to correctly mastering a basic DJ mix.

Match the Volume

The first part of learning how to mix is matching up the volume of the two songs. You don't want to mix the second song into the first if it's too loud or not loud enough. It won't sound good. So a DJ can use the LED level indicator lights on his DJ mixer, as well as his headphones to check the sound level of the new song he plans to mix.

The lights are a visual representation of the sound coming from each music source (turntables, CD players, etc.) The lights should peak at around the same spot for each side if the sound levels are matched up correctly.

DJ headphones can also be used to check the sound levels. A good DJ tip is to use a DJ mixer with a split cue setting. This way, the DJ can learn to listen to one song in one ear, and the other song in the other ear. Listening to them both play at the same time will help determine if the sound levels match.

Beat Matching

The second part of learning how to mix is to match the Beats Per Minute of the songs. Also called the "BPM", this is how many beats the song has in one minute. It measures the speed of the song. If the BPM of both songs are not matched, the mix will turn into what is called a trainwreck. DJ Tip: It sounds pretty bad, and people will run for the door!

As with matching the volume, beat matching can be done with both the LED level lights on the mixer (watch the beat), and the DJ headphones (listen to the beat). The DJ must cue up the next record he plans to play, by playing it in his headphones only. So the current song can be heard by the crowd, but not the next song he plans to play. The DJ must then attempt to match the BPM of the new song with the one that is already playing to the crowd. This is done by listening to the song that is playing out loud with one ear out in the open, and using his headphones on the other ear to preview his cued up song.

The DJ then uses the pitch adjustments on his turntables or CD players to speed up or slow down the new track until it matches the one that is already playing. Once it is matched up, he can slowly fade in the new song while simultaneously fading out the old song. If done properly, the mix should sound great.

These are just basic tips & tricks to learn to DJ. If you'd like to learn more advanced skills and DJ tricks, including how to market and promote yourself as a club DJ, check out: DJ Tips

JP Coupe is a full time professional club DJ with 10 years of experience. He teaches skills and techniques to succeed in the DJ industry. For more advanced DJ tips and advice, check out Learn to DJ

How to DJ Like a Pro - Learn to Read the Crowd and Whip Up a Dance Floor Frenzy

Tune into the crowd. They can feel it when you can. When your heart beats faster and you're excited, they can feel it too. No one knows exactly why, they just can. The key point is, it AIN'T SCIENCE! We don't understand everything in this world. We can only try to feel what we can't understand.

When you whip up the floor, the energy bounces off the crowd back to you and then you bounce it right back. Some people have the natural ability to tune in, others take longer but get it eventually. It's like you're dancing with the audience, reacting to each other's movements.

Reading their vibes and picking up their signals is the first part, knowing how to react is the second part. What's that girl who's dancing away doing? Can you follow up this tune with something even better?

Here are the top tips for reading and reacting to crowds:

1. Pay attention to their reactions

When you play out, you'll have to pay a fair amount of attention to your mix and your choice of music. However, just as importantly, remember to watch your crowd and to try to read their reactions too. By this I mean taking regular looks at your punters, feeling the atmosphere and adapting your music to it. Do you have more girls than boys? Do they look more bling, more rave or more indie? When you try out that new electro tune do they start smiling and perking up, some of them jigging a bit? If so, try more of that style.

The way people react to different styles you try on them is key to knowing what musical path to follow. This doesn't mean following every request every drunk girl makes to play Abba or Whitney Houston, but it does mean that you're playing for the crowd and you should play what they want, not what you want. You're not DJing for yourself.

2. Know your musical styles

Pretty obvious you may say. Not really in fact, you'd be surprised. The best DJs have a wealth of different styles and a back up for anything that may not go as planned. That is to say, do not turn up with just a single musical style in your repertoire. Don't play house and have nothing else to play when you've been asked to play in a place where house clearly doesn't go down well. Experiment with other styles and when you get a positive reaction, it means you're on the path to a better night.

If you're playing in an indie place, don't play techno. You'll get ideas from the look of the people about their musical tastes. Get into the habit of guessing what music people enjoy and trying it out on them. Of course, this all comes down to knowing your music well enough, which you can read our tips on right here.

3. Check out the venue beforehand

When it's possible, check out a venue you've been asked to play in. Visualize yourself behind the decks. See what kind of people hang out there and spend time having a drink, maybe talking to people. Make friends with and chat to the bar staff and bar owners. Bar staff occasionally display a surprisingly good knowledge of music due to the numerous DJs they get to see and hear and the reactions they observe to them. They can also tell you what kind of crowd will be in the night you are programmed to play on.

Get the feeling and vibe of the crowd, see what music they dance to. For DJs who are travelling to another city to play where they've never played before, this obviously doesn't apply. In this case, it's better to talk to the promoter or club owner on what kind of style should go down well.

4. Girls or boys?

Check the girls and the boys carefully when DJing, especially the girls. Why? Because when the girls dance the boys follow. You know how it is. The main hot tip here is get the girls to dance. They lead the dancing, the boys do too, that means (nearly) everyone is dancing. For some reason, it's nicer when girls dance, it gives off a more positive vibe.

So when you get to that point in the night when you have to get people moving (if you're playing in a club or party) then think of the ladies. They tend to favour lighter music with more emotion and with vocals as opposed to harder tunes.

5. Be ready to play outside your circle

If you followed our precious advice on knowing your music for DJing, then you'll be up on this. That means you have everything in your collection, even cheese. "But I don't play cheese" you protest. You don't have to play cheese. You do have to be ready to go outside your realm and play music that you may not like.

I once turned up at a club in Paris and the owner was pretty sure about what he wanted. He explained right away that he wanted well known, accessible tunes. He didn't care for the latest cool Simian Mobile Disco remix and such, he wanted favourites.

Now I didn't do exactly what he wanted, I gave the night my own twist. That meant that I played some cheese, but I used that cheese to get people on my wavelength. At that point, we established a rapport because they knew that the DJ understood what they liked, so they opened out.

Dropping the odd cheese bomb was fine by me, after all, everyone danced in there. Once they got going, they were more receptive to other, different tunes which I could happily drop, confident that they'd continue dancing. Guess what? I got asked back there several times and the owner really insisted I play again. Unfortunately I couldn't make it though as I had other gigs lined up.

The message is: dare to play music you don't particularly like when you're DJing as well. The important thing is that people are happy and dance.

Having the will power to be able do this will get you a better reputation and improved gigs. Who cares if on occasions you drop a cheese bomb, it won't be like that all the time. Remember, it's about what they like, not just about what you like.

6. React to them

When you've been struggling for a bit and people aren't really dancing to what you put on only then they suddenly go unexpectedly crazy to your next tune, make sure you react to them accordingly. When the dancefloor bursts into life, that's a sure sign the last tune you played is right up their street. That means the next tune you play should be a reaction to that; you have to try to keep them on the floor now for as long as you can. Not always easy, but you can do it.

Follow up that last rooflifter with another tune which is in some way similar to the previous one. Not identical, but similar in some aspect, whether it's the style, the energy, the BPM or the key. Give your set some shape and flow and take your people on a musical journey of enjoyment. One last important thing: Have some FUN!

http://www.challands.com

Written by pro and experienced DJs who've been there and done that, at Total DJ, you'll learn how to DJ, how to become a DJ, find out which is the best DJ equipment and gear for you, get tips on knowing your music, finding the best tunes, learning how to mix properly and of course, how to best promote yourself.

Ooh I say. Let's go to Total DJ for some proper entertainment shall we?
http://www.challands.com

Learn To DJ Online - Learning From Video DJ Classes and Courses

When I first started DJing in Phoenix a few years ago, I was amazed by the difference between how easy it looks and hard it can be. Although I was being trained by a pro with more than 15 years of experience, it was so difficult to get the sound right.

With beat matching, tempo, cues, and all of the more advanced techniques, it feels like you could just drown in confusion before you really start to catch on. Now it doesn't take a lot of DJ skills to get out there and play a few top hits while fading from one to the next. Yup- we can all play a middle school dance after a few nights with our friends' decks.

But to me, it's so easy to see that what all of us DJ's really want is to get up in front of a large audience that knows good music and blow them away. To be respected in front of our peers (who know what good DJing sounds like) is a feeling that can't be beat. Except- when you get paid for it to.

In order to take yourself from playing school dances to doing clubs and getting your name out there, you need to practice. Like most things, DJing is going to take practice to get good and to become sensitive to the sound you are trying to exude. When I started learning, I got so frustrated at the speed I was improving before I got some video DJ courses. The video courses made all the difference.

With so many DJ's today moving to CD's, iPods, and software, the DJ that can get out and spin some vinyl is in higher demand than ever. You just cannot be the rich sound or vinyl or duplicate the effects that can be done on vinyl with a CD mixer or DJ Software.

Now, put simply, to be a DJ you are going to need:

1. Sound recordings in a DJ's preferred medium (vinyl, cd, or ipod)

2. A couple of sound devices, IE decks, cd players, ipods, or what have you. You need at least 2 so you can alternate back and forth.

3. A sound system for amplification or broadcasting of the recordings (e.g. portable audio system, PA system) or a radio broadcasting system.

4. A DJ mixer, an electronic two-channel mixer with a crossfader used to smoothly go from one song to another.

5. A microphone, so that the DJ can introduce songs and speak to the audience, and

6. headphones or a monitor speaker, which is used to listen to one recording while the other is playing, without outputting the sound to the audience.

But once you've got all six of those items in place, you have to learn how to use them correctly and with your own style. It's like making love: just because you have the right equipment doesn't mean you're done learning.

Bradley Spencer was a DJ in Phoenix, Arizona for a good long stretch. Now he helps aspiring DJs get their skills in line before trying to get their name out.

As a DJ trainer, Brad always suggests starting with a complete DJ Video Training Course before playing out or paying a professional DJ thousands of dollars for hands-on training.

2 Basic Tips to Learn How to DJ

For the outsider DJing might seem like a fairly easy thing to do. When the DJ is playing music in a club or at a party at least every third person on the dance floor probably thinks he or she not only could do that but also do it better. Learning how to DJ however, is easier said than done when most professionals spend immense amount of time in front of their turntables to be able to scratch or juggle a beat in a way that makes the crowd go wild. Here are 5 tips to learn how to DJ and become a true Beat Juggler.

1. Get the proper DJ equipment

Perhaps you thought the first tip to learn how to DJ was going to be a bit more inspiring. We will simply choose to think that you have your reason and inspiration as to why you want to master this craft and get to the chase. No reason to waste any more of your time you could spend practicing on your mixing or scratching. DJing is a game of proper gear. Without the right equipment you will never be able to become an adored MC. So get prepared to spend some money, because turntables, mixers, vinyls and laptop will cost a small fortune. However, when you are done this investment you will never have to spend another nickel. Except for any repairs, if you do not get insurance or guarantee.

If we were to write this twenty years ago, the list of things to buy would be totally different. Today it is all about MP3 digital DJing; a new innovative technology that allows you not to spend money collecting music on expensive and carry them around in heavy cases. What you need is the Serato Rane Live Scratch edition, the latest in digital DJing. But before you buy this or simultaneously as you buy this you still need to purchase two turntables, a mixer and a well-performing laptop. The Serato Scratch Live edition includes an audio interface, a computer software and two blank vinyl records. Though the computer software you will then be able to set up playlists of songs to play through your mixer and turntables. The feeling and performance is exactly as if you would be using regular vinyls to DJ. The only difference is really that #1 all professional DJs has crossed over to digital DJing and #2 it will allow you less heavy equipment and a larger music library.

2. Learn to mix & scratch

There are tons of videos on YouTube with DJs trying to pass the torch of scratching and mixing. However, since particularly scratching is a skill that requires perfection in every detail, shaky cameras and blurry definitions of homemade recordings rarely manages to teach even the simplest of DJ techniques. That's why you should look to find proper DJ tutorials and don't be alarmed if they cost a little. This merely means you are getting what you pay for. By paying a couple of bucks the quality often increases a lot. If something is free it normally indicates that it is also poorly made.

This article shares tips on how to become a better DJ, but if you want to take a walk down memory lane and get advice for the legends, visit BeatTheJuggle.com - an 10 Moments in Dj History. Good luck!

How To Become A DJ - Learn To Play DJ Gigs

Still wondering why you should become a DJ?

From the girl who can't keep away from the music at her friend's party to the cocktail bar DJ right through to Carl Cox and Deep Dish; any music fan who feels the need to spread the music passion is essentially a disc jockey in one form or another.

If this sounds like you, then you can become a DJ too. If you love music, you feel like you want to make people happy and have an inbuilt radar for knowing what tunes make people smile and why, and you can make them enjoy themselves then you can become a DJ. Even if your mixing and technical skills aren't as advanced as other DJs, you can still be successful.

Do you have the passion?

You have to love music, love sharing it and understand why people enjoy it. This passion will transmit itself into people's nights out. They'll feel your vibe and enthusiasm. You'll be responsible for transforming people's evenings and therefore their lives. There are few better feelings than when people dance, love the music you play and let you know about it. You'll see why if you try it.

What do I get if I become a DJ?

If you are the kind of person who gets a buzz from making other people feel good, then it's a great start because that's what many DJs are like too. First of all, you'll make people feel good. There's no price on contributing to others' happiness.

You might just lift the spirits of that cute girl who's just been dumped by her loser boyfriend or a song you play that night may get a couple together, who may then reminisce fondly on how it happened years later. Try it and see how you feel. It's the (second) best natural high.

The song 'Last Night a DJ Saved My Life' by Indeep was written for the best of reasons and inspired by a night out when a DJ injected energy and life into an otherwise dull evening.

A cool hobby at weekends?

Next up, you'll benefit from having an interesting hobby, one which you're paid to do. People dream of getting paid to do their hobby for a living. DJing for a night out can be more enjoyable than a night out with your friends, plus you get paid in money and drink, instead of paying for your own drinks and club entrance fees.

You'll feel more confident having this cool new alternative moonlighting activity. Yes and you'll cruise past that doorman who used to make you wait outside to get in with a smug look on your face.

Club DJing

Maybe you see yourself as a future club DJ, getting paid handsomely to fill dance floors in your preferred genre of house, electro, hip hop and so on. Maybe you are happy earning some pocket-money at weekends and having the local DJ status which gets you friendly respect whilst you keep up your day job. Maybe you just want to share some musical love.

I want to become a DJ, but what if I fail?

You don't have to give up your day job which pays your loans and/or rent and bills to become a DJ.

You can play in the evenings and at weekends. When you start DJing, generally the pay won't be very good anyway, you'll have to take what you get.

Where do you start?

To start with, you can be a bar DJ who does occasional parties and small dance floor gigs. Your friends think you're cool as do any new girls or boys you meet who suddenly perk up when they hear you DJ at weekends. You still have your day job though.

Where you go from right now depends on quite simply what you want to do with your life. Whatever it may be, the best advice you can get is for you to follow your dream or at least have a crack at it. The last thing you want is to arrive at 50 years old regretting the fact that you never gave your dream career a try.

Success Story

French DJ David Vendetta was working in a pharmacy and was nearly 30 years old before giving it all up for music and if he succeeded, you can if you have what it takes and you have the motivation to persevere.

Of course, you'll need to know how to make it, which is why this site exists aside from helping you understand why you may wanna become a DJ. Some tips on promoting yourself in the DJing world and some advice on how to learn to DJ won't go amiss either to help you on your way.

Many more other DJ tips, reviews, advice and a free guide to getting DJ gigs can be found at The Total DJ Site

How To Be A DJ - Become A DJ In Less Time And Learn To Mix! Get DJ Gigs!

Follow my tips on how to be a DJ and rock the best parties around.

1. Check yourself before you wreck yourself

It's no good DJing if you don't love music and making people have a good time. After all, the very essence of DJing is music. Unless you're passionate about it and it gives you goosebumps to dance to your favourite tunes yourself, then it's not for you.

If you love music and when people have a great time, then you have potential my friend.

2. Get some hot DJ gear

Naturally, knowing your DJ equipment and how to use it is the roadmap part of DJing. Without decent gear, you won't be able to express yourself or perform as you need to.

And getting good at mixing involves plenty of practice if you want to stand out from 2 dollar DJs that can be found at any cheap dive.

3. Get some cool DJ music now

You should already have loads of music. But guess what. If you want to know how to be a DJ, you're gonna need to get loads more. Luckily for you, I have some tips on how get the best music and then how to get to know it in record time.

4. Get yourself a DJ guide

Not a guide dog, I mean a guide to DJing.

If you're really asking your friends how to be a DJ, and not just some Muppet who takes a laptop to cheap drunken nights and doesn't know how to mix, then you should get a real Guide to DJing book.

For just a small price you can pick up the best and most complete guides anywhere. This will pay itself back by the time you've read the first chapter.

You won't be able to access my tips and advice everywhere you go, so make sure you have a real written guide to take with you. It will serve you well.

5. Learn how to mix and beat match

Don't think you can mix using your screen.

If your DJ software has any problems with the BPM (as it frequently does) you'll feel a real tool when your beat matching sounds like a big girl running down stairs in stilettos.

Learn to mix. Learn to beat match. This is a major part of learning how to be a DJ.

6. Play your first party

Before getting real gigs, you need to play at a few low key parties and get some feedback from friends. Don't risk messing up at a real gig. You need to know what you're doing before that.

So offer to DJ for a free about ten times before pimping yourself out for the real thing. Play at apartments, house parties, college parties, trailer park BBQs, wherever. Even at warm up gigs, you'll learn more than in your bedroom.

7. Promote yourself

Once you've slapped on some hair oil and you can master your equipment and make people dance at house parties, it's time to venture out. You haven't learnt how to be a DJ until you master this.

You'll need some hot promotion tips and techniques to get your foot in the door and in favour with bar owners, club promoters and party freaks. This is daunting at first but don't worry, anyone can do it. With some help.

The rest of this article and many more other DJ tips, reviews, advice and a free guide on how to get DJ gigs can be found at The Total DJ Site!

Learn How to DJ - How to DJ Mix Like a Pro!

DJing has become a musical art form in its own right. If you want to learn how to DJ professionally there is a lot to learn and you will want to refer to some of the resources mentioned later in this article. However if you just want to learn the basics of spinning and mixing your own tunes then this article will get you on your way to learn how to DJ mix like a Pro.

Lets begin with the definition of a DJ or "Disk Jockey". The original meaning of DJ is someone who selects music and plays it for an audience. The DJ may perform on the radio, on TV, at a party, at a Rave, in a club or today even in a stadium setting with thousands of fans watching. Originally this was done with vinyl records on a turntable but today it is done with all sorts of media either alone or in various combinations including:

Vinyl Records on multiple turntables
CD players
MP3 players
iPod/iphone
Laptop computers controlling DJ mixing Software

How to DJ Mix:

A typical DJ setup today consists two sound sources such as two turntables and a mixer. The DJ can monitor one record on a headphone while the other record is playing so he/she can set it up to begin playing at a specific point when the other record stops.

The mixer has a fader switch that allows the DJ to smoothly transition between the two decks and to control the various sound elements such as volume, EQ, Bass,Treble etc. A basic system will just have a simple mixer and two "Platters" as the record turntables are known.

CD based systems will have a pair of CD Decks instead of turntables and a mixer. In addition these units typically have whats called a "Jog wheel" that emulates a vinyl record deck. This can be used to control the music and can be run forward and backward to get a "scratching" effect. With the advent of MP3 players and the iPod music player it is common to see these music sources included in the mixer units.

An ipod dock is becoming commonly available in many models of dj equipment. Typically there would be two decks a mixer and an iPod deck allowing the DJ to play tunes from the ipod & the decks or to record his performances to the ipod itself.

Learn How to DJ:

More sophisticated DJ units known as "software controllers" connect to a laptop computer via a fast USB MIDI interface that is running specialized DJ software. The music is stored on the laptop & the controls on the mixer/deck unit control the software & thus the music. These units typically have "platters" with actual vinyl records that give the DJ the tactile feel of a vinyl record with the advantages of digital control. There are many manufacturers of complete DJ Systems. One of my favorites is Numark. They provide a full range of different types of DJ equipment. Some of the common techniques & terminology used by the DJ include:

Scratching
Cueing
Looping
Virtual needle drops
BPM
Beat Matching

There are a number of DJ software packages available that can be used by a variety of different DJ systems. They include:

Serato Itch
Serato Scratch Live
Numark Cue
Virtual DJ
Traktor
Mix meister

I have provided a link below that will show you the different types of DJ equipment available. The cost of DJ equipment varies greatly depending on the type and quality you are after, it can range anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. You can learn how to DJ mix like a pro.

Take a look at these complete DJ systems for some examples of the different types available.