DJ Mixing Techniques For Beginners: a Step-by-step Guide
I’ve been DJing for over a decade now, and in that time, I’ve picked up just about every trick in the book. Whether I was spinning tracks in my bedroom or playing in front of a packed club, I’ve been on the full journey - from being a total beginner to becoming a seasoned pro.
I’m really excited to share some of the DJ mixing techniques I’ve learned along the way, especially if you’re just starting out. When a DJ plays music, their passion and track selection can create an unforgettable atmosphere, and these tips will help you fast-track your progress and sharpen your skills.
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.
Overview - A Checklist For Success#
If you're ready to dive into DJing, these are the essentials you’ll need to master. I’ll break each one down in more detail throughout this article.
What is DJing? Let’s start by understanding the core of what it means to be a DJ.
Build your music library. Discovering tracks that speak to you is key to curating a unique sound.
Learn the tools and controls. I'll guide you through the basics of your DJ gear and software.
Learn the techniques. From beatmatching to transitions, I’ll share the techniques that every DJ needs to know.
Practice, practice, practice. I can't stress this enough – consistent practice is how you’ll sharpen your skills.
Start recording mixes. Once you’re comfortable, it’s time to start recording your sets and fine-tuning your sound.
From beginner to pro. Follow these steps, and you'll be well on your way from a complete novice to a confident DJ.
What is DJing? Understanding the Core of Your Craft#
DJing, short for disk jockeying, is the art of selecting, mixing, and manipulating music to create a seamless and engaging auditory experience for an audience. From its origins in the 1930s with radio DJs to its evolution into the vibrant nightclub culture of today, DJing has always been about entertaining and connecting with listeners through music.
Understanding the history and culture behind DJing not only enriches your appreciation of the craft but also helps you find your unique place within the broader DJ community. Whether you're spinning vinyl, CDs, or digital tracks, mastering the fundamentals of DJing is essential for creating memorable sets and growing your reputation as a DJ.
Why You Need to Master DJ Mixing Techniques#
Investing time in mastering DJ mixing techniques offers numerous benefits:
- Enhanced Creativity: Unlock advanced tools and features to experiment and innovate with your mixes.
- Improved Performance: Reliable and responsive techniques ensure smooth transitions and professional-sounding sets.
- Efficiency: Streamlined workflows and integrated tools save you time, allowing you to focus more on your music.
- Scalability: As you grow, these techniques can scale with your increasing needs and skill level.
By mastering these techniques, you'll elevate your DJing experience, making your performances more enjoyable and professional, and setting the stage for future growth in your DJ career.
DJ.Studio: The Ultimate Beginner DJ Software#
Among the myriad of DJing tools available, DJ.Studio stands out as the most unique and versatile solution for both beginners and seasoned DJs. Here’s why:
Revolutionary Workflow: Create mixes on a timeline without the need for traditional DJ equipment. Inspired by audio editors and music production DAWs, DJ.Studio offers a fresh perspective on DJing.
Powerful Features:
- Stem Separation: Isolate different elements of a track for more creative mixing.
- AI Automix Assistance: Let AI handle seamless transitions, allowing you to focus on creativity.
- Integrations: Connect with Spotify, YouTube, Beatport, and more to discover and incorporate new music effortlessly.
- Sample Layering & Built-in Mastering: Enhance your mixes with professional-grade tools.
No Hardware Required: Unlike other DJ software, DJ.Studio doesn't require any DJ hardware or gear. Mix seamlessly using just your laptop or mobile device, making it perfect for studio work or on-the-go performances.
🎶 Elevate Your DJ Game with DJ.Studio! 🎶#
Join thousands of DJs who trust DJ.Studio. Get Started Today and unleash your full potential!
1. For Starters - What Exactly Is DJing?#
To kick off your DJing journey, it's really helpful to get a sense of the history and culture behind it. Understanding where DJing comes from will give you a better idea of how you fit into the bigger picture. The history is massive - enough to fill entire books - so I’ll keep it brief here. You can dive deeper into research later if you're curious.
At its core, a DJ (short for disk jockey) is an entertainer. The term first came about in the 1930s with radio DJs, but it wasn't long before professional DJs brought the concept into nightclubs - although back then, DJ sets looked very different from what we know today.
In 1947, the Whiskey à Go-Go nightclub opened in Paris. What made it stand out was that it was the first commercial club to use recorded music instead of live bands. Régine Zylberberg was the first to spin records there using two turntables.
This idea of spinning records on two turntables made its way to the U.S. in the 1950s, where radio DJs began performing at sock hops and platter parties, keeping the music going for dancers by smoothly transitioning between tracks.
Around the same time, in Kingston, Jamaica, the sound system culture was born in the ghettos. This scene laid the groundwork for modern DJing, refining the art of mixing music, MCing, and creating an unforgettable club atmosphere.
Fast forward over 70 years, and DJing has evolved into something complex and vibrant...
2. Build Your Music Library - Develop Your Taste 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!).
I always recommend buying the tracks you want to play. It’s really important to legally own the music you’re using, especially if you’re working in radio or in a professional capacity. Plus, when you purchase music from legitimate sources (instead of ripping it from YouTube or pirating), you’ll get higher sound quality, which makes for a much better listening experience overall.
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.
3. Learn the Tools of the Trade - DJ Equipment#
To become a DJ, one of the first steps is to understand the types of tools available and learn how to use them.
When it comes to DJing, there are a few core tools you’ll need to get familiar with:
Decks
Mixers
Headphones
Speakers
Audio interface
These days, there are so many ways to set up your DJ gear. You could go all-out old-school with hardware, or take the fully digital route. But regardless of your setup, the basics are always the same: decks, a mixer, headphones, and speakers.
One of the key DJ mixing techniques for beginners is learning how to use all of these tools together in a DJ set.
Let me break them down for you:
Decks
DJ decks are pieces of equipment that holds and plays your music. These were originally vinyl turntables, although these evolved into CD decks, and now digital decks. These give you controls to play and pause music, and typically give you a slider for controlling the playback speed so you can match the beats.
Mixers
Mixers are what really make DJing possible. Without them, you'd be stuck playing one track after another without any transitions. A mixer lets you connect multiple decks - usually 2 or 4 - and gives you control over each audio channel separately.
Mixers allow you to adjust volume and EQ balance for each deck. You also get a separate cue output, which means you can preview the next track through your headphones before bringing it into the mix. Using the volume faders and EQ controls, you can seamlessly blend tracks together for smooth transitions during your set.
Headphones
Your DJ headphones are crucial. They let you hear the next track in cue so you can make sure it’s lined up perfectly before the audience hears it. This allows you to check timing and make sure the beats match, ensuring a flawless transition when you bring the volume up on the next track.
Speakers
Speakers are what the audience hears. In any live DJ setup, these are essential for keeping the dance floor alive! Your job is to make sure that what comes out of those speakers keeps the energy high and the crowd moving.
Audio interfaces
An audio interface is an optional but handy piece of gear if you want to record your set on your computer. It’s not essential for a live performance, but it’s a good idea to record your sets if you want to improve or share your mixes later on. Many DJs use one to capture their work.
Recommended DJ Equipment For Beginners#
When you’re just starting out as a DJ, there’s no need to splurge on top-of-the-line, professional gear. These days, you can pick up a basic DJ controller at a really affordable price, and it’ll give you everything you need to start practicing and honing your skills. In fact, these entry-level controllers are perfect for house parties or mixing on the go!
That said, you don’t even need hardware to get started. You can mix tracks and create DJ sets entirely through a DJ app, which makes it super accessible for anyone, anywhere.
To get going, you can grab all the essential gear for under $150. Here’s what you need:
A laptop or computer – (Check out my guide on how to DJ on a laptop)
Headphones – So you can preview your next track.
Speakers – To share your mix with your audience.
DJing Software – This will be your main tool for mixing.
A DJ controller – (This one’s optional, but it can make mixing feel more tactile and fun!)
So if you’ve got a computer, some headphones, and a passion for music, you’re already well on your way to getting your DJ journey started!
4. DJ Software#
When it comes to DJ software, there’s a wide range of options out there, each with its own unique design and purpose. This software is a vital part of creating DJ sets, especially in the digital age.
While DJing originally relied on hardware and physical equipment, modern computers are powerful enough to handle virtual DJing solutions with just software alone.
Of course, the experience is a bit different since you’ll be using a keyboard and mouse instead of knobs and buttons. But if you prefer something more hands-on, there are plenty of digital DJ controllers available. You can plug these into your computer, and they give you that tactile experience while controlling your software. They’re portable, affordable, and offer the same tools and controls as traditional DJ gear.
Now, when it comes to DJ software, there are really two main types, each designed with a slightly different purpose in mind:
Live Performance Software – This is built for DJs who are mixing live, whether it’s in a nightclub or on the radio.
Studio-Style Software – This is designed for DJs who aren’t performing live but need to create and distribute pre-recorded mixes.
Each type of software has its own pros and cons when it comes to creating DJ sets.
For example, live mixing software is awesome for real-time performances. But if you’re not performing live, recording a set in real-time can be pretty time-consuming since 1 hour of mixing equals 1 hour of recording. And if you make mistakes, you either have to edit the mix or record the entire thing again, which can be a bit frustrating and inefficient.
On the other hand, studio software is much faster to use and saves you a ton of time. You can get really creative with transitions and effects, and since you’re not mixing in real-time, you have the freedom to manually arrange everything. If you mess up or want to change something, no problem - it’s easy to fix. This approach gives you a whole new perspective on DJing. However, it does lack that hands-on feel, and it wouldn’t work for live performances in a club setting.
Studio-style DJ software is perfect for DJs who need to produce sets quickly without the pressure of performing live - like DJ.Studio.
Here are some of the best DJ software platforms for beginners.
Serato/ Serato DJ Pro
5. Learn the techniques - How to Use the Gear Correctly#
Once you’ve got your gear set up, it’s time to get familiar with the core controls that DJs use to mix music and create sets. No matter what genre you’re spinning, these are the fundamental tools every DJ relies on.
Here are the main controls you’ll need to master:
Volume controls (gain) – This includes channel faders and crossfaders, which you’ll use to adjust the volume of individual tracks and transition smoothly between them.
Pitch/Tempo slider – This control allows you to speed up or slow down a track, which is essential for beatmatching two songs together.
EQ – The EQ (equalizer) lets you control the low, mid, and high frequencies of a track. This is a key tool for blending tracks and keeping your mixes smooth and balanced.
Cue and play – The cue button is your best friend when prepping the next track. You’ll use it to listen to a track in your headphones before it goes live. Then, the play button brings that track into your mix.
Jogging and scratching – Jog wheels let you manually nudge the position of a track to get it perfectly in sync. Scratching, on the other hand, is more creative and used to add unique flair to your sets.
Effects – Effects like reverb, delay, and filters allow you to get creative with your mixes. They help add texture and personality to your sound.
By mastering these controls, you’ll be able to create seamless mixes, no matter what type of music you’re working with.
Volume (Gain) - Channel Faders, Cross Faders#
When it comes to DJing, volume - more accurately called gain - is one of the most important controls, and luckily, it’s also one of the easiest to understand.
It’s pretty straightforward: turn the gain up to increase the volume (make the music louder), and turn it down to lower the volume (make it quieter).
You’ll usually find gain controls in three different places on a mixer, and they’re stacked in a specific order:
Track Gain
Channel Fader
Crossfader
The track gain sets the initial volume level at the start of the chain, which is then adjusted by the channel fader and the crossfader.
Each of these gain controls has its own purpose when you’re making a DJ set. Understanding how to use them all—and why each one matters—is key to making smooth transitions and managing the volume levels of your tracks.
(There’s also the master volume, which controls the overall output, but that’s pretty self-explanatory and doesn’t need much detail here.)
1.Track Gain or Trim
The first control to understand is the track gain (also called the trim). This sets the internal volume for each track on the mixer, for each deck. It’s important not to confuse this with the crossfader or the channel fader, which control the volume independently of the track gain. The track gain is mainly used to balance the levels of different tracks, since some tracks come in at higher or lower volumes. It’s not really used for expression during mixing, but it's essential for maintaining consistent sound levels.
The track gain is the only place where you can boost the volume. The other two controls (channel fader and crossfader) only allow you to lower the volume to zero from the maximum level you’ve set with the track gain, but in a more dynamic and expressive way. Pro DJs use the track gain to balance volumes carefully while avoiding distortion by not cranking it up too high.
2.Channel Fader
The channel fader controls the volume of either channel 1 or 2 independently (or sometimes more, depending on your mixer). This is the control you’ll use to gradually increase or decrease the volume of a track as you bring it into or out of the mix. It’s great for making smooth transitions between songs.
Cross Fader
Finally, there’s the crossfader, which works a bit differently from the other controls.
The crossfader lets you blend between channels 1 and 2. It’s an essential tool for switching smoothly between tracks. If the crossfader is positioned in the center, both tracks will be playing at the same volume.
Move the crossfader to the left, and channel 1 gets louder while channel 2 fades out. If the crossfader is all the way to the left, you’ll only hear track 1, and track 2 will be completely silent.
On the flip side, moving the crossfader to the right makes channel 2 louder and fades out channel 1. If it’s fully to the right, you’ll only hear track 2.
The crossfader is a core tool for the hip-hop scratching technique, giving you precise control over when and how tracks cut in and out of your mix.
Pitch / Tempo Slider#
Next up is the pitch/tempo slider (you’ll hear these terms used interchangeably). This control is found on the decks, not the mixer, and it’s super important for beatmatching.
The tempo slider allows you to adjust the playback speed of a track. When it’s in the neutral position, the track will play at its original speed. So if a track is released at 120 BPM, it’ll play at exactly 120 BPM.
Moving the pitch slider up or down increases or decreases the playback speed of the track. It’s usually marked with a percentage slider to show how much you’re speeding up or slowing down the track.
This is crucial for beatmatching - getting two tracks to play at the same tempo so they can blend smoothly together. Adjusting the pitch slider allows DJs to beat match tracks by synchronizing their tempos. If you push the pitch slider up, the track plays faster; pull it down, and the track slows down.
For example, if a track is originally 120 BPM and you increase the pitch slider by 10%, it’ll play at around 132 BPM. Lowering it by 10% will slow the track down to around 108 BPM. Pro DJs use this tool constantly throughout their sets to make seamless transitions.
EQ - Equalization#
EQ, or equalization, allows you to adjust the tone (technically, the frequency balance) of each track. This is one of the most expressive tools in a DJ’s arsenal.
You’ll find a set of EQ controls for each channel on a mixer, and they’re typically divided into three bands - high (treble), mid, and low (bass). Most mixers and DJ controllers use this three-band system, but sometimes you’ll see setups with two or even four bands.
With EQ, you can either cut or boost specific frequencies. For example, you might want to cut the bass or boost the highs on a track depending on how you want it to sound in your mix.
EQ serves two main purposes. First, it allows you to shape the tonal balance of your tracks to fit the vibe you’re going for. Maybe you want to boost the bass for a heavier drop or bring out the treble to highlight certain elements in a track. You can also use EQ to adjust to the room - if the speakers lack bass, you can compensate by boosting it.
Secondly, EQ is incredibly useful for transitions. When mixing two tracks, having both bass lines playing at full volume can sound messy. So, you can cut the bass on the incoming track and gradually bring it in while lowering the bass on the outgoing track. This creates a smooth and clean switch between songs.
For a deeper dive into how to use EQ effectively in your mixes, check out our Guide on EQ Mixing!
Filters#
Filters are similar to EQs, but they’re more aggressive and can create some dramatic effects. They’re great for transitions and for playing with the crowd by adjusting the music in real-time.
In DJing, there are two main types of filters: high cut and low cut. Each one removes frequencies depending on how you apply it.
A high-cut filter removes the higher frequencies. The more you turn it down, the fewer highs you’ll hear, and if you take it all the way down, you’ll be left with just the bass and kick drum.
A low-cut filter, on the other hand, removes the lower frequencies. As you turn it up, the bass starts to fade out, followed by the mids, until only the high-end frequencies remain.
Filters are ideal for making smooth transitions between tracks or adding a bit of creative flair, whether you’re mixing electronic dance music or throwing down some old-school disco classics.creative with the dance floor whether you're mixing electronic dance music or old school disco classics.
Cue and Play#
On most DJ decks and controllers, you’ll see two separate buttons for triggering music: the Play/Pause button and the Cue button. Both have distinct purposes, and it’s important to understand how they differ.
The Play/Pause button works exactly as you’d expect. Press it once to start playing a track, and hit it again to pause.
The Cue button is a bit more specialized. When you hold down the Cue button, the track plays, but as soon as you release it, the track stops and returns to the cue point (either the start or wherever you set it).
The Cue button is super useful for beatmatching. Instead of constantly pressing play, pause, and rewinding the track, you can hold and release the Cue button to quickly test if the beats are aligned, adjusting the pitch slider as needed.
I’ll explain beatmatching in more detail later, but mastering the Cue button is essential for both beginners and pros alike.
Jogging and scratching#
Jogging and scratching both revolve around the use of a platter.
Back in the day when DJs used vinyl turntables, the decks were physics-based, meaning if you touched the spinning record, it would immediately affect the music. This led to the birth of the scratching technique, especially in hip hop, where DJs would scratch the record to create rhythmic, percussive sound effects.
Jogging is a similar concept, but it’s more about nudging the record forward or backward slightly to keep the beats in sync. For example, if one deck is playing just a bit slower than the other, you’d give it a quick push to catch up.
Jogging is more of an old-school technique and isn’t as essential with modern digital gear, especially since we now have the sync button, which automatically matches the tempos of your tracks. However, if you want to get hands-on and make live remixes in real-time, jogging is still a valuable skill.
Effects#
The last piece of the puzzle is effects. Effects let you get creative and add personality to your DJ sets.
The specific effects available will depend on the hardware or software you’re using, but there are some staples that every DJ should know. Two of the most common are reverb and delay.
Reverb adds space and blurs out the sound, extending its decay and creating a long, atmospheric effect. It’s great for creating a dreamy, washed-out vibe.
Delay repeats the sound at specific intervals, often timed to the beat. It can be used creatively to fill out a track or add rhythmic interest.
Another useful effect is loops, where you select a short phrase (say, 4 or 8 bars), and it plays over and over in a repeated loop. This is great for building anticipation or extending a section of a song during a mix.
All of these effects, and others, are super useful for making transitions and expressing yourself creatively in your DJ sets.
6. Learn The Techniques of DJing#
There are several core techniques used for DJing.
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.
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!
Practice, Practice, Practice#
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.
Record Your Mixes, and Listen Back#
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.
Going From Beginner to Pro#
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.
Going From Beginner to Pro#
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!
Your Goals as a DJ#
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?