Whether you’re inspired by the music or drawn to the energy of live mixing, becoming a DJ is an exciting journey. Starting from scratch may seem overwhelming, but with the right foundational skills, equipment, and practice, you’ll be mixing like a pro in no time. This guide covers essential tips and equipment to help you get started as a beginner DJ.
Step 1: Understand the Basics of DJing
Before diving into equipment or music, it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of DJing, as these will form the core of your practice and skills development.
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Beatmatching: Beatmatching involves syncing the tempos (beats per minute or BPM) of two tracks, allowing them to play in harmony. This skill is crucial for smooth transitions and seamless mixes. Although modern DJ equipment and software often offer a sync button that automatically matches the tempos of two different songs, learning manual beatmatching will deepen your understanding of music timing and rhythm - skills that have been at the heart of DJing since its earliest days.
- Song Structure and Phrasing: Understanding how songs are structured is vital for placing transitions at the right moments. Most tracks follow a predictable pattern, typically built around phrases of 4, 8, or 16 bars, with distinct and repeating sections like intros, verses, choruses, and drops. Recognizing these elements will allow you to effortlessly transition from one song to another, allowing the energy of the music to flow continuously without any jarring pauses.
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EQ Control and Volume Adjustments: Equalizer (EQ) control allows you to adjust the bass, mid, and treble frequencies of a track. Proper EQ adjustment helps each track blend well, especially during transitions. Volume control ensures consistent levels across tracks, so they flow naturally from one to the next without any noticeable changes in sound levels.
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Track Selection: A successful DJ set isn’t just about technical skill—it’s about creating an experience. Good track selection considers the energy of each song, genre compatibility, and audience preferences - otherwise known as reading the crowd.
Developing these foundational skills will give you confidence as you move on to more advanced techniques. Taking the time to practice each element will ensure that you build a solid base for your DJ journey.
Step 2: Choose Your Beginner DJ Equipment
Starting with the right DJ equipment can make all the difference. Here’s a breakdown of essential gear for beginners:
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DJ Controller: Controllers are a beginner-friendly and affordable option for getting started. They combine the functions of two turntables (or CDJs) and a mixer, often in a compact form-factor. Controllers connect to a laptop (or tablet or phone), where you can use DJ software to manage music files. Alternatively, all-in-one standalone DJ systems are also available and require USB drives ("sticks') instead of a laptop to access your music files.
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DJ Players/Turntables and Mixer: For those who want to invest in a more professional setup, DJ players (or turntables) and a separate mixer are a great option. However, this is a pricier choice because each piece of equipment must be purchased individually. This type of setup is commonly found in clubs, festivals, and other professional venues.
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DJ Software: Unless you're using vinyl or CDs, DJ software such as Serato DJ, rekordbox DJ, or VirtualDJ is an essential part of your DJ setup. This software system will allow you to organize your music and play it through your controller or other DJ equipment.
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Headphones: Choose headphones that deliver a balanced sound with deep bass and clear highs to ensure precise mixing. Comfort and durability are also key, as you’ll be wearing them for extended periods during practice and performances. Additionally, foldable designs are a great option for easy storage in your DJ bag, making them convenient to carry between gigs.
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Speakers or Monitors: Reliable speakers or studio monitors are essential for practice and perfecting your mixes. Look for monitors that offer clear, balanced audio to ensure you can hear every detail of your tracks.
For in-depth equipment reviews, DJcity’s YouTube channel, DJcityTV is an excellent resource. Their channel features reviews on beginner and pro equipment alike, along with tutorials, mix showcases, and expert advice.
Step 3: Where to Find Music for DJing
Building a versatile music library is a core part of DJing. Record pools are one of the best resources for DJs looking for high-quality, DJ-friendly tracks. DJ record pools are essential resources for the DJ community, offering exclusive access to a diverse selection of music tailored to beginner and professional DJs. These platforms provide a wide variety of song versions, such as instrumentals, acapellas, DJ tools, and 8-bar intro versions, all of which are crucial for enhancing a DJ’s music library.
Other music sourcing options include traditional record stores, online music platforms, and music streaming services. However, these platforms are often designed for general music consumers, not DJs, which means they may lack the specialized versions, DJ tools, or remixes and edits that are crucial for creating unique sets.
DJcity’s record pool provides an extensive library of high-quality tracks, remixes, and edits across multiple genres, from Hip-Hop and Pop to Dance and Latin. DJcity's library is updated frequently, giving you access to new releases and exclusive edits that you won't find anywhere else.
Step 4: Get Involved in DJ Culture
DJing is more than mixing tracks - it’s also about understanding DJ culture and the wider music industry. Here are a few ways to immerse yourself:
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Podcasts: Podcasts are a great way to stay updated on DJ trends and industry insights. Two must-listen options are:
- ROAD Podcast (Reflections of a DJ) - Listen here: DJ industry veterans discuss everything from DJ culture and event management to career advice.
- The DJ Spider Podcast - Listen here: Tune in for interviews with top DJs and industry professionals, offering advice on music production, career growth, and trends.
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Networking: Building relationships with other DJs is crucial. Attend local events, engage in online forums, and follow DJ communities on social media to stay connected. DJcity's Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook accounts are excellent places to interact with other DJs, discover new trends, and learn from top talent in the scene. By actively engaging with the community, you’ll stay on top of the latest news and make connections that could lead to future gigs.
By learning from industry professionals and immersing yourself in the community, you’ll gain valuable insights that will help you grow and thrive as a DJ.
Step 5: Practice, Practice, Practice
With your equipment and music ready, the next step is consistent practice. Set aside time each week to:
- Experiment with different mixing styles and transitions.
- Record your sessions and review them to identify areas for improvement.
- Challenge yourself by trying out new genres or musical styles.
Sharing your mixes on music sharing platforms like SoundCloud or Mixcloud is a great way to track your progress and receive feedback from other DJs. As you refine your skills, consider creating a DJ profile or brand to showcase your unique style.
Final Thoughts
Starting as a beginner DJ is both challenging and rewarding. With the right mix of essential gear, dedication, and resources like DJcity, you’re well on your way to becoming a confident DJ. Remember, every DJ began somewhere - stick with it, and you’ll be rocking crowds in no time!