Looking to start DJ’ing or improve your skills? In this guide, we’ll teach you how to DJ, walking you through everything from the basics to advanced techniques as well as providing recommendations for DJ gear, such as controllers, headphones, and DJ software.
This history of DJ’ing spans decades, from its early inception at dance parties during the WW2 era to the emergence of Acid House and rave culture in the ’90s and beyond. “DJ” stands for “disc jockeying” and it originated in the 1940s with radio DJs who played records and entertained listeners with commentary.
In the 1950s, the role expanded to live events, with DJs using turntables to mix songs. The 1970s saw a revolution with hip-hop pioneers like Kool Herc, who developed break-beat DJ’ing. The 1980s and 1990s brought advancements in technology, such as CDJs and digital audio workstations, transforming DJing into an art form with beatmatching and scratching techniques.
Today, DJs are integral to music culture, performing in diverse genres and at major festivals worldwide, continually evolving with new technologies.
In a hurry? Here’s an equipment checklist
| Equipment | Our recommendation | Link |
|---|---|---|
| DJ Controller | Hercules DJ Control Inpulse T7 | Check the current price |
| Turntable | Audio Technica AT-LP140XP | Check the current price |
| Headphones | SubZero DJH200 Professional DJ Headphones | Check the current price |
| DJ Software | Traktor Pro | Check the current price |
| Mixer | Gemini MXR-01BT 2 Channel DJ Mixer with Bluetooth | Check the current price |
| Monitors | Adam Audio D3V Desktop Studio Monitor System | Check the current price |
For a deeper dive into the gear you’ll need, check out our guide to creating a DJ setup at home.
The responsibility of a DJ
A DJ’s responsibility goes beyond simply playing music. They must read the mood of the room to maintain the right energy levels. It’s their job to get the party started and keep people dancing throughout the event. This involves selecting tracks and genres that suit the venue and the overall vibe of the occasion.
DJs don’t just perform in nightclubs; they also play at weddings, parties, corporate events, and more. This versatility requires them to adapt their style and playlist to fit various settings and audiences.
Different types of DJ’ing
Club DJs
Club DJs are at the heart of nightlife. Their primary role is to keep the dance floor of a club or bar lively by seamlessly mixing tracks that make everyone want to dance and stay at the venue.
They often specialise in genres such as house, techno, or hip-hop, tailored to the club’s vibe and audience preferences. Reading the crowd and adapting their set in real-time is crucial, ensuring the party stays vibrant and engaging throughout the night.
Radio DJs
Radio DJs are the voices behind the music played on radio stations. They curate playlists, introduce tracks, and interact with listeners throughout their show. You probably have your favourite radio station, and that might be because of the radio DJ or the kind of music they play. Part of the DJ’s role is to select music that fits the station’s format, whether it’s pop, rock, or another genre.
Unlike club DJs, radio DJs must have strong speaking skills to connect with a broad audience, often working to a schedule and adhering to broadcast standards to keep listeners entertained.
Turntablists
Turntablists are DJs who specialise in advanced techniques like scratching and beat juggling. They use turntables as instruments, showcasing their skills in competitions or live performances. This DJ’ing style is highly creative, with the DJ creating unique sounds and rhythms and really showing off their innovative ways of making a track their own.
Mobile DJs
Mobile DJs bring the party to various events, including weddings, corporate functions, and private parties. They need to be versatile, catering to diverse crowds with wide-ranging musical tastes. Unlike club DJs, mobile DJs transport their equipment to different locations and set up their own sound systems.
Their playlists are varied, appealing to all age groups and event types. Adaptability and preparation for different settings are key to a successful mobile DJ, ensuring everyone has a great time.
Bedroom DJs
Bedroom DJs are hobbyists who practise and perform from home. Most DJs will start as bedroom DJs as learning your craft at home gives you plenty of opportunity to experiment with your equipment and hone your mixes. It allows for immense flexibility and creativity, free from venue or audience constraints.
Bedroom DJs aren’t just hobbyists though – with the power of online streaming, you can upload and share your mixes and performances directly to listeners.
How to DJ
First, some considerations
Before diving into DJ’ing, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. First, think about the type of music you want to play – this will guide many of your decisions, from the events you’ll perform at to the equipment you’ll need. Whether you’re into electronic dance music, hip-hop, or rock, identifying your preferred genres is essential.
Your next decision should be whether you want to use vinyl or digital gear. Vinyl offers a classic, tactile experience and is preferred by many purists for its sound quality and hands-on feel. However, it can be more costly and requires more maintenance.
On the other hand, digital DJ’ing, using software and controllers, offers greater flexibility and ease of use. You can access thousands of tracks and use features like looping and effects, which can enhance your performance.
You should also consider whether DJ’ing is a hobby or a career for you. As a hobby, DJ’ing can be a fun and creative outlet, allowing you to explore your musical interests and entertain friends. If you’re DJ’ing for fun or as a hobby, an intermediate DJ controller such as the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 300 is a great option.
If you aim to pursue DJ’ing as a career, be prepared to invest more time and resources into building your skills, networking, and promoting yourself. In this case, opt for a high-end DJ controller, such as the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse T7 which includes more advanced features than some of its counterparts.
The equipment you need
Laptop
A reliable laptop is crucial for DJ’ing as it’s the core of your setup. It should have a fast processor, sufficient RAM, and ample storage to handle large music files and DJ software smoothly. Aim for at least an i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. Multiple USB ports are also essential for connecting your DJ controller and other peripherals.
It might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning anyway, a high-resolution screen is crucial as it helps with managing your software’s interface more effectively.
Additionally, consider the laptop’s portability and battery life, especially if you’ll be performing at various locations. Investing in a solid laptop ensures that your DJ sessions run without technical glitches, making it an indispensable part of your gear.
Some popular choices among DJs include the Apple MacBook Pro and Dell XPS series, both known for their robust performance and reliability. Ensuring your laptop meets these criteria will help you deliver seamless and professional performances every time.
DJ controller
A DJ controller is vital for hands-on control over your music. It mimics traditional DJ gear but integrates with your laptop, allowing for more advanced features. For beginners, the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 MKII is a good starting point. If you have some experience already, you might prefer the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 500, which offers additional features and better build quality.
For professionals, the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse T7 provides top-tier performance and precision. These controllers offer various functionalities, including jog wheels, performance pads, and integrated sound cards, enabling you to create seamless mixes and dynamic performances.
They also come with bundled software like DJUICED or Serato Lite, which enhances your ability to mix and manipulate tracks effectively. A quality DJ controller ensures that you have the tactile feedback and control necessary to refine your skills and deliver engaging performances.
DJ mixer
A DJ mixer is the heart of any DJ setup, enabling smooth transitions between tracks. It allows you to control volume, EQ, and effects for each channel, making it essential for creating dynamic mixes.
Look for a mixer with multiple channels, sturdy build quality, and intuitive controls. Features like crossfaders, gain knobs, and effects loops are crucial for adjusting your sound in real time.
A good DJ mixer helps you maintain a seamless flow of music. Brands like Pioneer DJ and Allen & Heath are renowned for their high-quality mixers, which offer a range of functionalities suitable for both beginners and professionals.
A good starter mixer for beginners would be the SubZero DM-200 2 Channel DJ Mixer with USB, which has all the features you’d need including a two-band EQ and 30dB gain range on each channel.
It also features onboard USB connectivity so you can record your mixes directly from the mixer, or even digitise vinyl records for added versatility.
Headphones
Quality headphones are essential for cueing tracks and monitoring your mix. They should provide excellent sound isolation, durability, and comfort for extended wear. The SubZero DJH200 Professional DJ Headphones are a solid choice for beginners, offering reliable performance at an affordable price. For superior sound quality and robustness, we recommend the Sennheiser HD 25 Headphones.
Both models ensure you can hear every detail of your music, which is crucial for precise beatmatching and mixing. They allow you to accurately hear the nuances in your tracks, making it easier to align beats and transitions perfectly. A good quality pair of headphones is one of the most important parts of a DJ’s setup as they ensure you have the best control over your music and can deliver a professional performance.
Monitors
Monitors are critical for accurate sound reproduction during practice and performance.
They allow you to hear your mix clearly, making precise adjustments easier.
For home practice, the Hercules DJ Monitor 42 provides good performance at an affordable price.
The ADAM Audio D3V Desktop Studio Montiors are also great for a compact setup. Their USB-C input means setting up with computers, mobiles, and tablets is easy, while full active 3.5mm aluminium woofers with dual sided passive radiators deliver a good bass response.
Accurate monitoring helps you understand how your mix will sound on different systems, making it an essential part of your DJ gear.
Monitors with a flat frequency response are particularly beneficial, as they provide a true representation of your audio, allowing you to make better mixing decisions.
Software
DJ software is where you organise and play your music, offering features like beatmatching, effects, and looping. Hercules controllers often come with DJUICED software, a user-friendly option for beginners.
Serato is another DJ software platform known for its intuitive interface and robust feature set. For more advanced needs, consider Traktor, which offers extensive customisation and advanced features for professional DJs.
Each software package provides the tools you need to create seamless mixes and engaging performances. Software like these also offer extensive libraries of effects and samples, allowing you to add unique touches to your mixes.
Build your music collection
Building a solid music collection is essential for any aspiring DJ. To start practising, you’ll need a minimum of around 50 tracks; this provides enough variety to experiment with different mixes and transitions. Begin by exploring online marketplaces like Beatport and Beatsource as these platforms offer a vast selection of tracks across various genres, allowing you to find the perfect tunes for your sets.
Additionally, consider using music streaming services like Tidal. Tidal offers high-quality audio and a huge library to pick tracks from, which is ideal for discovering new music and staying updated with the latest releases. Some DJ software integrates seamlessly with Tidal, making it easy to incorporate streaming tracks into your mixes.
As you build your collection, focus on acquiring tracks that you genuinely enjoy and that suit your preferred genres. This will make you want to practise, and it will help you develop a unique sound. Remember, you should regularly update your music collection to keep your sets fresh and engaging.
Learn some mixing techniques
Now, onto the technical stuff. To be a DJ, you need to know how to DJ, and so you need to master some mixing techniques. Start with the basics in order to build a strong foundation, and then build on this as you gain more experience. Here are some fundamental techniques every aspiring DJ should learn:
Beatmatching: This is the art of matching the tempo of two tracks so they play in sync. Beatmatching involves adjusting the pitch and tempo of one track to align with the other, ensuring a smooth transition. Practising beatmatching helps develop your ear for rhythm and timing, which is crucial for creating seamless mixes.
Using your DJ controller’s jog wheels and pitch faders, you can manually adjust the beats until they align perfectly.
Phrasing: Phrasing involves mixing tracks at points where their musical structure aligns. Most music is structured in phrases of 8, 16, or 32 beats. By mixing tracks at the beginning or end of these phrases, you ensure that the transitions are natural and musical.
Understanding the structure of your tracks and counting beats are vital skills for mastering phrasing. This technique helps maintain the energy and flow of your set, making your mixes sound more professional.
EQing: Equalising (EQing) is the process of adjusting the frequency levels of your tracks to ensure they blend well together. This involves tweaking the bass, midrange, and treble frequencies to prevent clashing sounds and to create a balanced mix.
For example, when transitioning between tracks, you might reduce the bass on the outgoing track while introducing the bass on the incoming track. Effective EQing allows each element of the mix to stand out, enhancing the overall sound quality.
Gain control: Gain control requires you to manage the volume levels of your tracks to ensure consistency and avoid distortion. Proper gain control will mean that all tracks play at an appropriate volume, making your set sound cohesive.
Before mixing a track, adjust its gain so that it matches the level of the currently playing track. This prevents sudden jumps in volume and maintains a smooth, polished mix.
Recording: Many DJ software and controllers have built-in recording functions, and it’s a very handy practice tool. It allows you to listen back and critique your transitions, track selections, and overall flow.
Regularly recording and reviewing your mixes also shows you your progress over time. Plus, you can share your recordings with other DJs and get feedback; sometimes you need a fresh ear to identify areas of improvement and help you refine your skills.
Practise with other DJs and get feedback: Not only can sending recordings of your work to DJs help you progress, but practising with other DJs can, too. Collaborating with more experienced DJs allows you to observe their techniques, ask questions, and receive direct feedback. It also exposes you to different styles and approaches, broadening your understanding of DJing.
Attend local DJ meetups or join online communities to connect with other DJs. Constructive feedback from peers is invaluable for pinpointing weaknesses and celebrating strengths.
Build your fanbase
If you want to DJ seriously and professionally, you need to grow your presence and aim to reach a wide audience. Social media is a powerful tool for this. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and SoundCloud allow you to share your mixes, announce gigs, and engage with your followers. Regularly posting content and interacting with your audience helps create a loyal fanbase.
Word of mouth is another effective strategy. Reputation is very important, which is why you should always try to provide a memorable experience at your gigs and encourage people to recommend you to their friends and family. Positive reviews and personal recommendations can significantly boost your reputation and lead to more opportunities.
Collaborating with other DJs is also beneficial. By working together, you can tap into each other’s fanbases and reach new listeners. Joint projects, back-to-back sets, or guest appearances can introduce your style to a broader audience. Plus, by networking with other DJs, you’ll have more of a chance of further collaborations.
It’s also a good idea to reach out to local music services and send your mixes to your favourite radio DJs to get feedback and some airplay.
Secure your first gig
Securing your first DJ gig can be challenging, but everyone has to start somewhere! Look for opportunities at local bars, cafés, or community events; these venues are often more open to giving newcomers a chance.
Following promoters and venues on social media will also give you insights into upcoming events and openings for new DJs.
Promoting yourself is essential. Use social media platforms to share your mixes, announce your availability, and showcase your style. Building an online presence helps you reach potential bookers and audiences. Additionally, don’t hesitate to approach bars and clubs directly.
Visit during quieter hours to speak with managers or event organisers, expressing your interest in performing.
Patience is key. Gaining exposure often means starting with little or no pay. Offering to DJ for free or at a reduced rate can help you get your foot in the door and build a portfolio.
Whilst you may start out receiving little to no pay, the more well-known you are as a DJ will dictate how you can start charging venues and promoters later on in your DJ journey. By starting small, promoting yourself effectively, and being willing to accept modest beginnings, you’ll be well on your way to securing your first gig.
How long does it take to learn to DJ?
Learning to DJ can be relatively quick when it comes to picking up basic techniques like beatmatching, phrasing, and EQing. However, honing your skills through live gigs is essential for becoming proficient.
The learning curve can vary depending on the gear you use; for example, turntables may require more practice than DJ controllers, which are often more user-friendly. With consistent practice and real-world experience, you can develop a solid foundation in a few months, but mastering the art of DJing is a continuous journey that evolves with your style and equipment.
How much do I need to spend on DJ equipment?
When starting out, your budget will significantly influence the DJ controller you can purchase. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different price points:
Under £100: Entry-level controllers in this range, like the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 200 MKII, or the Numark Party Mix II are ideal for beginners. They offer basic features such as jog wheels, basic mixing controls, and limited effects. These controllers are perfect for learning the fundamentals without breaking the bank.
£100 – £300: Mid-range controllers, such as the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 500, Roland DJ-202, or the Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3, provide more advanced features, including better build quality, more precise jog wheels, and additional performance pads.
These models often include software bundles like Serato Lite. They’re suitable for those who have grasped the basics and want to explore more complex techniques.
£300 and above: High-end controllers, like the Hercules DJ Control Inpulse T7, Rane PERFORMER, or the Denon DJ SC Live 4 offer professional-grade features, including motorised jog wheels, high-quality faders, and extensive connectivity options.
These controllers are built to withstand heavy use and provide the precision needed for professional performances. We recommend these for serious DJs aiming to perform regularly and needing reliable, durable equipment.
DJ vs. producer
Music production involves creating original music, while DJing focuses on mixing pre-recorded tracks. Many producers also DJ and many DJs produce, as these skills complement each other. Becoming both a DJ and a producer can expand your opportunities for gigs and enhance your promotional efforts.
As a producer, you can create unique tracks that set your DJ sets apart. Similarly, DJ’ing provides a platform to showcase your productions, helping you build a distinct brand and attract a wider audience.
Our tips for becoming a good DJ
1. Master the basics
First and foremost, you need to master basic DJ techniques such as beatmatching, phrasing, EQing, and gain control. These are the building blocks of seamless mixing and will help you create smooth transitions between tracks.
Practise these skills regularly to develop your confidence and ensure you can perform them effortlessly during live sets. And it’s not just about technical skill, understanding the basics also allows you to experiment and develop your unique style. You should also take into consideration what type of DJ you want to be and build your own brand/style from the ground up.
2. Build a diverse music library
A well-curated music library is crucial for any DJ. Explore various genres and eras to ensure you have a wide selection of tracks to cater to different audiences and settings. Regularly update your library with new releases and classic tracks to keep your sets fresh and engaging.
3. Learn to read the crowd
Pay attention to the audience’s reactions and adjust your music accordingly to keep the energy high throughout your set. Observe which tracks resonate well and which don’t, and be ready to change your set on the fly.
Whilst the DJ’s main goal is to get the crowd moving and keep them moving, it’s also paramount that you can adapt to different situations. For example, some venues or crowds may not be right for certain song styles or genres. You don’t want to turn up to a hip-hop night and start blasting out Aphex Twin (although who doesn’t love a bit of RDJ?).
Understanding your audience’s preferences and responding to their energy ensures a memorable experience and keeps the dance floor packed.
4. Practise regularly
Consistent practice is key to becoming a proficient DJ. Set aside dedicated time each week to practise mixing, experimenting with new techniques, and refining your skills. Recording your practice sessions can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.
Regular practice also helps you become more familiar with your equipment and software, making you more confident during live performances. When you’re really familiar with them, you might find yourself ahead of the curve by incorporating new technology and advanced features.
5. Network with other DJs
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: collaborate and network! Having a mix with other DJs can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Attend local DJ events, join online communities, and participate in forums to connect with other DJs.
Collaborating and exchanging ideas with peers can inspire new techniques and help you stay updated with industry trends. It can also lead to gig opportunities and future work with other DJs, helping you grow your career and visibility.
FAQs
How do I start DJing?
To start DJing, you need to invest in basic equipment such as a controller, headphones, and DJ software. Begin by learning the fundamentals of beatmatching, mixing, and track selection. Practise regularly to develop your skills and consider online tutorials or DJ courses for structured guidance.
How can I teach myself how to DJ?
You can teach yourself how to DJ by utilising online resources like video tutorials, forums, and DJ software guides. Practise consistently to master techniques such as beatmatching and mixing, and join online DJ communities for support and feedback.
Is it easy to learn to DJ?
Learning to DJ can be challenging initially due to the technical skills required. Really, it just takes dedication and regular practice to master the basics of beatmatching, mixing, and track selection. Online tutorials and DJ courses can significantly aid in the learning process, making it more manageable.
Final thoughts
Whatever your style, we hope our guide has helped teach you how to DJ. We’ve covered the essentials, the different types of DJ’ing, and all the equipment you need.
Just starting out or looking to improve? Remember to practise regularly, network with other DJs, and continuously update your skills. Your journey as a DJ is unique, so focus on what works best for you and enjoy the process of creating and sharing music.
If you’re looking for more information on DJ’ing or want to browse some of our other informative articles, check these links below:
Rekordbox vs. Serato, Engine DJ, and More!
How to Remix a Song – Our Top Tips
0 Comments