DJing is the combination of craftsmanship, technical skill and creativity. Whether you’re DJing at house parties or in clubs, there are a few basic skills you should master before presenting yourself to the crowd. Below we will go into the techniques that every DJ should master.
Beat matching
Beat matching is about matching the tempos of two tracks so that the beats practically run in sync. The aim of the whole thing is to ensure that there is no abrupt break when transitioning between two songs. The beat should continue unchanged so that people can continue dancing in the same way. You start with the correct tempo of the first track, listen to the second track in your headphones and turn the pitch fader until the beats match.
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Transitions (mixing)
When transitioning from one song to the next, it’s not just about matching the beat, but also adjusting the volume, EQ adjustments and fades so that the transition appears seamless. Creativity is also required here. With various effects you can, for example, extend the transition or work with loops. The correct use of the mixer also plays a role here, and why it makes sense not to just rely on automatic functions, but to understand the controls.
EQ control
EQ stands for “equalizer” and refers to control over bass, mids and highs. With the EQ you “clean up” the sound: lower the bass a bit on the out-track and raise it on the in-track so that they don’t compete, the mid-band is soft, the highs are clear. Understanding EQ will help you create powerful, clean mixes, rather than a muddy sound that sounds like songs are fighting for space in the frequency spectrum.
Cueing
Cueing means pre-listening to a track on headphones before playing it to your audience over the speakers. You mark a spot, prepare the cue point and listen to it in your headphones while the crowd listens to the current track. This way you can make sure the tempo and cue point are right before you start.
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Phrasing and song structure
Each song is kept to a specific beat. 4/4 bars are common, but 6/8 or 16th bars are also common and cover a wide range. In between there are always breaks and drops, i.e. places where you as a DJ can intervene wonderfully and incorporate transitions, even if the original track is not yet over. This is especially helpful when songs fade towards the end, i.e. become quieter and quieter, but you want to keep the mood high.
Looping
Loops can repeat parts of a song to extend transitions or reinforce rhythms. Especially when a song is well received by your listeners, you can use this trick to further lighten the mood. Modern DJ software and controllers offer loop functions that allow you to create smooth transitions or complicated mixing techniques. Looping is a great way to get creative without sounding messy.
Effects
Effects such as delay, reverb, filter or flanger can transform simple transitions into exciting soundscapes. With effects you can express your creative side and contribute to the “acoustic dramaturgy”. In live situations, you should think in advance about which effects you want to use, when and how. Because ultimately the right dose makes the optimal sound! Complete DJ solutions often include mixers with common effects so you can experiment in advance.
Scratching
Scratching is the classic turntable technique in which the DJ rhythmically moves the sound carrier back and forth. Even though people often work with digital controllers these days, understanding rhythm, timing and expression in the scratching area is one of the skills that distinguish a DJ from just turning buttons.
Reading the Crowd
The most beautiful technical performance is worth nothing if it doesn’t touch anyone! A DJ has to feel where the audience is at and what moves them in the truest sense of the word: Does the dance floor need more energy, a quieter moment or a surprise? Reading song selection, flow and mood is an art in itself – and that’s exactly what makes good DJs great entertainers! If you are still looking for the right DJ equipment for your next gig, you are guaranteed to find it on Maxiaxi.
