How To DJ: Mixing Techniques For Beginners Step-By-Step
As a self taught DJ back in the early days of the internet, I learned through trial and error. I started DJing in a time when there wasn't much information or videos on how to DJ. While I did get the skills eventually, I could've learned so much quicker with the right guidance.
This is one of the reasons why I've put this guide together on how to DJ.
I'm going to give you a clear path to perfecting your DJ mixing skills - following the most effective method. This way you wont get stuck in a DJ career ditch like I did.
By learning skills and experiences in the right order, you're going to improve your skills far quicker, and you're going to become a more robust and exciting DJ. You're not going to waste your time trying to learn things in the wrong order.
So, by the end of this article you're going to have the right direction to start your DJ journey.
Make sure to bookmark this page so you can come back to it anytime! And if you're feeling ready to dive into more advanced tips, check out our Advanced DJ Mixing Technique Guide for the next level.
TL;DR - How To DJ for Beginners#
Learning how to DJ is fun and pretty easy if you go about it in the right way.
First you need to master the fundamentals, then you can start with the more advanced skills.
Understanding beatmatching, the equipment, track selection, transition skills, and harmonics are the foundations.
DJ.Studio is the perfect software to learn DJing, as it makes it easy to understand each technique.
What is DJing? Understanding the Core of Your Craft#
For starters, let's define exactly what a DJ is so we're on the same page - and you understand what you're trying to achieve.
DJing, short for disk jockeying, is the art of selecting, mixing, and manipulating music to create a seamless and engaging mix of music for an audience. From its origins in the 1930s with radio DJs to its evolution into the diverse nightclub culture of today, DJing has always been about entertaining and connecting with listeners through music.
DJs come in many different forms - from humble bedroom mixers to international festival headliners. From wedding DJs to rave makers. A DJ plays music for their audience using DJ equipment and the right DJ tools.
To help you on your path, it’s worth considering what type of DJ you want to become - what music do you want to play, and where do you want to play it?
Regardless of your goals, you still need to learn the fundamental skills.
Skills Overview: What You Need To Learn To DJ#
Before getting into the deep end, let’s first have a brief overview of what skills and knowledge you need to have to actually be able to call yourself a DJ. After that, we’ll start to look into the learning process in more depth.
The equipment - You need to know what types of DJ gear and setup are available, and what is best for your interest in DJing. The more versatile are hear, the more opportunities you will have as a DJ. You should eventually aim to understand everything from software, to vinyl, to CDJs, controllers, cables, speakers, and more!
Technical skills - These are the physical and mental skills you need to actually DJ. Understanding how beatmatch, what buttons to push, how to make smooth transitions, how to get the volume right.
Music selection - Refine your musical style as a DJ, learn where to find music, how to pick songs that fit together well, and understand how to keep the audience happy. Whether it's electronic dance music or classics, selection is key.
Career skills - Becoming a successful DJ takes more than DJing skills alone. You need to know how to network, how to promote yourself digitally, and how to get those gigs!
Advanced concepts - Once you master the foundations, you can start to look into more advanced techniques like making mashups with stems, phrase mixing, and other high skill tricks!
DJ.Studio: The Best DJ Software To Learn With #
When you’re starting out DJing, there are a lot of things you need to learn. I think many of these concepts are better to learn visually, which isn’t always easy when using traditional gear.
That’s why I think DJ.Studio is one of the best DJ apps to start with as a new DJ.
Not only is it super quick and easy to make DJ mixes, but it also gives you the perfect interface for visually learning concepts like beat matching, harmonic mixing, phrasing, and transitions.
It’s different from traditional DJ software because it isn’t designed for live mixing using controllers or hardware. Instead, you put mixes together using your keyboard and a mouse on a timeline type editor.
I will say that you should learn both types of software - the combination of the two is the most powerful. So I recommend downloading both DJ.Studio and something like rekordbox with a controller to become the most well rounded DJ.
Here are some of the reasons I think DJ.Studio is ideal for learning DJs:
Makes complex concepts easy to understand: The visual interface and smart features demystify some of the hard things to learn when DJing
Automixing & Harmonic Matching: The AI auto mixing features can help to plan out setlists with matching tempo and harmonics. This means that you won’t be fighting an uphill battle trying to mix songs that are technically incompatible.
No Hardware Required: You don’t need any controllers or expensive DJ gear to start mixing, you just need a laptop!
Great for self promotion: When you’re starting out, its important to build a large body of content to get your name out there. DJ.Studio massively speeds up mix production times, meaning you’ll be able to quickly become prolific online.
How To DJ - From Start To Finish#
In the following sections, I’m going to run you through all the skills and knowledge you need to develop to become a successful DJ.
I’ll break it down into the order that I think makes most sense to learn in, although you can learn at your own pace and focus on the things you’re the most passionate about.
1 - Build Your Music Library, Tastes, and Style#
Building a music library is hands down one of the most important steps in becoming a DJ. After all, if you don't have music, you can't DJ! This is one of the most basic, yet crucial, digital DJ tips.
What kind of music you choose to DJ is entirely up to you. That said, it's a great idea to experiment with mixing different genres. Doing so will not only broaden your experience but also expose you to a wider variety of techniques.
What will truly make you stand out as a DJ is developing your own unique taste and musical perspective. Finding your voice through the music that excites you is what will connect you with your audience on a deeper level.
When it comes to collecting music, you've got several options: digital files, CDs, or vinyl records. Digital files are by far the most convenient for DJing, but if you're into the physical formats, those can work too (just steer clear of cassette tapes - DJing with them is a bit tricky!).
Many DJs also create their own music or remix tracks to develop a unique sound and stand out. This not only showcases their music production skills but also helps in building a distinctive style that can set them apart in the industry.
DJ pools are a great way of finiding new music to mix with.
2 - Master The Equipment#
To become a DJ, one of the first steps is to understand the types of tools available and learn how to use them.
To master the techniques, you first need to master the tools. DJing is a pretty technical art form, and a lot of it revolves around understanding the tech. I’m not saying that having fancy gear is better than being skilled - it’s important to master the fundamentals after all.
But, you need to know what all the controls do, and how this ties into the artform itself. Also, from experience, I think it’s super important to become a versatile DJ. Too many times I’ve seen DJs back out of gigs and get held back by not understanding the gear. Don’t be the DJ that says “I can only DJ on this specific controller” - you should learn to play on anything, from a software only setup to the most advanced 4-deck spread.
Here is a list of the gear and controls you need to understand:
DJ Gear
Decks
For me, the decks are the heart of my setup. Whether I’m spinning vinyl, using CD decks, or working with digital files, my decks let me play, pause, and manipulate tracks in real time. I rely on features like pitch control to match beats and ensure that every transition is smooth. Learning to handle my decks with precision has been key to developing my style and keeping the energy flowing on the dance floor.
Mixers
My mixer is where the magic truly happens. It connects my decks, giving me independent control over multiple channels. I use the faders, EQ, and cue outputs to balance the audio and preview tracks before they hit the speakers. This setup allows me to blend songs seamlessly, create dynamic transitions, and keep the audience engaged. The mixer is my primary tool for ensuring that each track complements the next perfectly.
Headphones
DJ headphones are indispensable in my DJing journey. They let me cue up the next track and fine-tune the timing before I bring it into the live mix. Using headphones, I can listen closely to every beat and adjust the sound as needed without the crowd hearing any missteps. This step is crucial for ensuring that every transition is on point and that my set maintains a consistent flow.
Speakers
While headphones help me prepare, my speakers are what the audience experiences. Whether I’m playing at a club or a house party, my speakers need to deliver clear, powerful sound that fills the room. I always pay close attention to speaker placement and volume levels to make sure that the energy I feel in my headphones is what the crowd gets to enjoy.
Audio Interface
Although not always essential for a live gig, my audio interface is a fantastic tool when I want to record my sets. Connecting it to my computer allows me to capture high-quality audio that I can later review, refine, and share. This not only helps me improve my technique but also lets me document my progress as a DJ.
Recommended Equipment for Beginners
When I was just starting out, I discovered that I didn’t need to break the bank to get into DJing. A basic DJ controller, a laptop, affordable headphones, and speakers were all I really needed to begin practicing and honing my skills. Even DJ apps can do the trick, making it super accessible to start mixing tracks and exploring my sound without a huge investment.
DJ Software
In the digital age, DJ software has completely transformed the way I perform. I have the flexibility to choose between live performance software for real-time mixing and studio-style software when I want to craft and edit my sets offline. Sometimes, I even plug in a digital DJ controller for that tactile feel, combining the convenience of digital tools with the hands-on experience I love. You can get started with free DJ software too!
Core Controls
Volume Controls
Volume is the backbone of my mix. I work with track gain to set each song's baseline level, use channel faders to smoothly bring tracks in or out, and rely on the crossfader to blend between channels. This trio lets me control dynamics precisely, ensuring that transitions are seamless and each element of my set is balanced perfectly.
Pitch/Tempo Slider
The pitch/tempo slider is my key to beatmatching. By adjusting a track's speed, I can synchronize tempos on the fly, ensuring that the beats align perfectly. This control is crucial for maintaining a consistent energy throughout my set and helps me keep the dance floor moving in sync with the music.
EQ (Equalization)
EQ is one of my favorite tools because it lets me shape the tonal landscape of each track. I fine-tune the bass, mids, and highs to either blend tracks smoothly or create moments of contrast. Using EQ, I can cut out clashing frequencies during transitions or emphasize specific elements, tailoring the sound to fit both the room and the mood I want to create.
Filters
Filters offer a more aggressive approach to manipulating sound. I use high-cut and low-cut filters to remove specific frequency ranges, which can dramatically change the feel of a track in an instant. Whether I'm building tension before a drop or easing into a new song, filters are my go-to for creating dynamic, attention-grabbing effects during my transitions.
Cue and Play Buttons
The cue and play buttons are essential for precision in my sets. The cue button lets me preview the next track privately through my headphones, so I can verify its timing and feel without the audience hearing it. Once I'm confident everything is in sync, the play button brings the track into the live mix, ensuring every transition is tight and intentional.
Jogging and Scratching
Jogging and scratching add that personal, creative flair to my performance. Jogging allows me to make subtle adjustments to a track's position, keeping everything perfectly aligned. Scratching, on the other hand, lets me break the mold by creating rhythmic, percussive sounds that inject energy and individuality into my set.
Effects
Effects are my creative playground. Whether it's reverb, delay, or looping a catchy hook, effects help me transform a basic mix into a unique sonic experience. I use them to enhance transitions, build atmosphere, or simply add an unexpected twist that makes my performance stand out and keeps the crowd engaged.
3 - Mixing Skills and Concepts#
When you understand the tools of the trade, you can start to learn how to use them to actually DJ. These are the concepts and skills you need to get your groove on and start mixing!
Beat Matching#
Beatmatching is one of the most essential skills every DJ needs to master. It's arguably the most important DJ mixing technique, as it allows you to beat match tracks and make seamless transitions between them. It was pioneered by DJ Francis Grasso in the 1960s.
There are two key parts to beatmatching:
Matching the tempo of the two tracks so they play at the exact same speed.
Aligning the phase, meaning both tracks are hitting the same beat at the same time.
When you count music, you usually count in “1, 2, 3, 4” intervals. The goal is to make sure that the 1s, 2s, 3s, and so on from both tracks are lined up perfectly, so the beats match and flow together smoothly. You don't want the 1 from one track to hit at the same time as the 2 from the other!
How to Beatmatch Your Tracks:
Here's the process I follow when beatmatching two tracks:
Detect the BPM: The first step is figuring out the tempo (BPM) of both tracks. Most modern DJ software and gear have automatic tempo detection, so you'll see the BPM displayed right away. If not, you can use a tool like a BPM counter online to tap along with the track and find its tempo.
Match the BPMs: Once you know the BPM of each track, use the pitch slider to speed up or slow down the second track until the tempos match. This can be tricky to do by ear at first, but it becomes second nature with practice.
Use the Cue Button: With one track playing through the main speakers, use the cue button to play the second track in your headphones. As you count the beats of the first track (1, 2, 3, 4), line up the second track to start on the first beat of the bar.
Check the Beats: On the first beat of the first track, press and hold the Cue button on the second track, and listen to see if the kicks and snares are aligned. If they're not, adjust the pitch slider on the second track until the beats are perfectly in sync.
Make Your Transition: Once the beats are matched, you're ready to bring the second track into the mix by raising the volume or making another type of transition.
Manual beatmatching takes a lot of practice to master, but there's no rush to perfect it right away. Many DJ software programs, like DJ.Studio, can automatically match the BPM for you, which can be a great way to understand the basics before diving into the manual technique.
For a deeper dive, check out our Beat Matching Techniques for more tips and tricks!
Cueing#
The Cue button is one of the most essential tools in DJing, and understanding how the cue system works is crucial for smooth mixing and transitions.
Basically, the cue system allows you to listen to the next track in your headphones while the first track is playing out of the main speakers. This gives you the ability to prepare the second track in private, ensuring it's ready for a seamless transition into the mix.
The cue channel is routed to your headphones instead of the speakers, so only you can hear it. Mastering this system is one of the core foundations of live DJing - it's how you stay one step ahead and ensure the music keeps flowing.
Transitioning#
Transitioning between tracks is another pillar of DJing. If you're not making smooth transitions, you might as well just hit play on a playlist and let the tracks switch automatically.
To create smooth transitions, there are several tools, techniques, and even styles that come into play. The most basic tool is the volume faders, which allow you to gradually lower the volume of the outgoing track while bringing up the volume of the incoming track.
But volume faders are just the beginning. There are other tools that will help you make your transitions even smoother and shape the overall flow of your set. These include EQs, filters, and effects like reverb, delay, and loops. I've covered these in detail above, but if you want to dive deeper into transitioning techniques, check out our DJ Transition Techniques Guide.
Harmonic Mixing#
Harmonic mixing is a more advanced DJ technique that can really take your sets to the next level. It's all about using music theory - specifically, the keys of the tracks you're mixing - to create smooth, consistent, and flowing transitions.
There are 24 keys in music, and some keys work better together than others. When you mix two tracks that are in compatible keys, you get a seamless, harmonious transition. On the other hand, if you mix tracks that clash in key, you might end up with dissonance, which can sound awkward or even cringey.
By paying attention to the key of each track and choosing songs that blend well together harmonically, you can avoid these clashes and create sets that feel more professional and polished.
Harmonic mixing is a pretty complex topic, and there's a lot to dive into. If you want to learn more about how to master this technique, I recommend checking out our full guides on harmonic mixing and related topics!
The best way for aspiring DJs to improve is simple: practice as much as possible
Back in my early days, I would spend every free moment DJing - sometimes up to 10 hours a day! When you add that up over months and years, it quickly becomes thousands of hours of practice. And that's really what it takes to get better.
I recommend making a checklist of the skills you want to work on and dedicating yourself to ticking them off one by one. Whether it's beatmatching, transitioning, or experimenting with effects, putting in the hours is the only way to see real improvement. You can only get so far by reading and watching tutorials - you've got to get hands-on with it.
And don't forget, just as much time should be spent finding new music. Sometimes it can take hours to find the right tracks to mix together, and it's something even top DJs like David Guetta still do. But if you truly love music, digging for new tracks is one of the most enjoyable parts of being a DJ.
4 - Record, Reflect, Refine#
A valuable tool for improving your DJing is to record your mixes and listen back to them.
When you're mixing, you're in the moment - so you might not hear your mix properly.
Recording a mix and listening back to it gives you the true experience that the audience has. The way you record a mix depends on the kind of DJ setup you're running.
A valuable tool for improving your DJing is to record your mixes and listen to them afterward.
When you're in the moment, it's easy to miss some of the finer details of your mix. Recording it and listening back gives you the chance to hear it exactly as the audience does. It's a great way to catch things you didn't notice while mixing and figure out what you can improve.
How you record your mixes will depend on the type of DJ setup you're using, but no matter what, it's worth the effort to get those recordings and review them with a critical ear.
5 - General Tips for Success#
The journey from a beginner DJ to a professional one is a long road, but if you truly love DJing, it's a fun and rewarding ride.
I've been through it myself - from those early days of spending hours mixing in my room alone, to playing at house parties, and eventually landing a full-time residency at some of the biggest clubs in the UK. It's not easy, and I can't promise success, but if you follow these steps, you'll have a solid path to take you from the bedroom to getting your name out there as a DJ.
Here's how you can start:
Refine your sound and style – Find what makes you unique and work on perfecting it.
Perfect and record your DJ sets – Create polished mixes that showcase your best work.
Share your mixes with promoters, club nights, and anyone who can get your name out there.
Play at community events – Go to local “Bring your own USB” nights, or any open DJ sessions you can find.
Play at parties – House parties are a great place to hone your skills in front of an audience.
Get on local radio stations – Submit your mixes and see if you can land a spot.
Live stream your mixes online – Platforms like Twitch and YouTube are perfect for getting your sound in front of a bigger audience.
Push yourself to make connections – Network with other DJs, promoters, and industry insiders.
Always be friendly and humble – Relationships are key, and no one likes working with a diva!
Stay passionate – Passion is what will keep you going when things get tough.
Be consistent – Keep practicing, keep mixing, and keep putting yourself out there.
Be prolific – The more you play, record, and share, the more you'll grow as a DJ.
The road to becoming a pro DJ is all about persistence and passion. Keep your eyes on the prize, and stay tuned for more digital DJ tips here on the blog!
This topic isn't directly about DJing skills, but it's something important to consider as you progress through your DJing journey. Rather than wandering around without a plan, having clear goals can really help guide your path to success through thte DJ community.
Think about what kind of DJ you want to be and how you want to use your DJing skills. Do you see yourself as a club DJ, spinning house tracks in nightclubs? Or would you rather be a radio DJ, sharing your mixes on the airwaves? Maybe a mix of both? Look at the DJs who inspire you - whether they're famous or local - and follow in their footsteps.
Start Mixing with DJ.Studio for Free! - Download DJ.Studio Now!#
Don't wait any longer. Download DJ.Studio Now and start creating stunning mixes with ease, right from your mobile device!
Becoming a DJ isn't a short road, but trust me, it's an incredibly fun one. With these beginner DJ mixing techniques, you'll already have a head start on your way to becoming a pro DJ.
The key is to make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. A lot of beginners get into DJing because they think it looks cool or want to do it for the clout. But real success comes from a genuine passion for music and DJing.
Learn to play your decks and mixer like a musical instrument, curate a music library that excites you, and push yourself to try new things, even if they're outside your comfort zone.
If you study the information above and dive deep into each topic - researching and practicing - you'll build the skills you need to become a professional DJ in no time.
Check out our guide on Tips For Creating DJ Mixes to level up your skills even more with advanced digital DJ tips!
FAQs about DJ Mixing For Beginners
- Is it Easy to Start DJ Mixing?
- What Should a Beginner DJ Do?
- What Equipment is Needed for a Beginner DJ?