Beginner’s Guide to DJing

Over 130 pages of content to get you up and running and build a strong foundation of skills.

Get an idea of what equipment you'll need for different types of setups including DJ controllers, CDJs and turntables.

Discover free and paid options for finding music to play in your DJ sets, whether it's downloading digital copies of tracks or streaming from an online catalogue such as Beatport, Tidal or Soundcloud.

Track structure is the most important thing you need to learn as a beginner DJ and is the key to creating mixes that flow and ensuring all your tracks drop at the right time.

Master the fundamental beatmatching technique of pitch bending or test your skills with the old school pitch riding technique so your tracks are never out of sync.

Learn to use tools such as EQ, faders and filters to mix and blend tracks together. Explore the concept of phrasing and the best options for creating seamless mixes. Learn the basic techniques you'll use for all of your transitions.

Discover the camelot wheel and learn how to use it to mix in key and find perfect matches for your tracks. Use Rekordbox’s Traffic Light Feature to easily find tracks in related keys.

Plan expertly-crafted sets with hot cues and memory cues. Develop your mixing style to create high-energy mixes or take your listener on a journey. Export your playlists to USB to play at parties, bars, clubs or pirate studios.

Take your mixing to the next level by learning how to mix on three or four decks. Learn to use techniques such as call & response, cutting, chopping, and using acapellas to create interesting and unique blends.

Learn how to use auto, manual and active loops to build tension, extend sections, realign tracks or buy yourself some time to bring in a new track.

Learn how to select and apply effects to add interest or alter your tracks. Explore over 40 types of Sound Color FX, Beat FX and Release FX such as Echo, Delay, Reverb, Phaser and Flanger, with suggested applications for each.

Learn how to record your mixes so you can listen back and analyse your mixing to improve your skills. Learn how to upload your recorded mixes to platforms such as Soundcloud or Mixcloud to share your work and start building an audience.