The Basics

DJ basics

November 15, 2009

Let’s create an action plan of what we expect to accomplish over the next few weeks. [Read More ...]

The structure of a trance track

December 1, 2009

Knowing the different parts of a track helps to find that perfect place to bring in the mix. Let’s take a look at track structure. [Read More ...]

Beats, bars and phrases

December 3, 2009

A track is split up into components that are identified as beats, bars and phrases. Knowing how to count these is essential to perform that perfect mix. [Read More ...]

Pitch, tempo and key

December 10, 2009

A professional DJ will have good knowledge of beat counting (BPM), frequencies and harmonic mixing. Understanding these is a fundamental part of the learning process. [Read More ...]

BPM and counters

December 24, 2009

Let’s take a look at BPM and whether the CDJ’s built-in BPM counter is any good. We’ll also look at using the pitch percentage and basic maths to match BPM. [Read More ...]

Cueing

December 29, 2009

To beatmatch at the correct tempo we want to cue the track at the correct place. Here we will find out how to do that and how to use the CDJ’s auto-cueing feature. [Read More ...]

Releasing

January 17, 2010

Along with getting the same BPM for both tracks, part of the beatmatching process involves lining up the beats so they are in sync. We’ll learn how to do that here. [Read More ...]

Jogwheel beatmatching

January 22, 2010

We are now ready to beatmatch using jogwheel adjustments. This will determine whether to increase or decrease the tempo. [Read More ...]

More jogwheel beatmatching

January 29, 2010

Now that we have learnt how to beatmatch, let’s improve the technique for tracks that are at completely different BPMs. [Read More ...]

Pitch riding

February 22, 2010

This week we will take a look at a way to beatmatch without making jogwheel adjustments. [Read More ...]

Beatmatching summary

February 28, 2010

It’s now time to summarize everything we’ve learnt so far about beatmatching and music theory. We’ll also introduce the next chapter of lessons in this journey from amateur to professional. [Read More ...]