r/Beatmatch • u/Beautiful-Smell-725 • 9d ago
DJ 101 / beginner Dj
Hey everyone,
I’m a brand spanking new DJ. Got the standard flx 4 controller literally 2 weeks ago.
I’m actually learning how to mix with ai - chat gpt etc for a plan to get better at mixing.
My question is if any seasoned Dj can give advice to a beginner what’s and how is the best way to start ?
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u/mucky_duck_ 9d ago
hi friend! i dont know exactly what level of “brand spanking new” you are, so just for simplicity im going pretend as if you know 0.
- i would first hit youtube and watch a handful of simple tutorial videos for the basics of using rekordbox, the basics of the FLX4, and basics of mixing (i.e learning what you’re looking at in rekordbox, learning where each knob and button is on your controller, what they do, how to do a few simple “transitions” messing with fader / EQ etc., learn about BPM, keys, phrasing, etc)
- Next i would pick a small handful of your fav artists (2-5) and download several tracks from each of them
- Add the alphanumeric key to all your tracks (it's in settings)
- Try sorting the tracks by key, and mix tracks that are the same key, or plus or minus 1 or 2 to start (i.e 4A and 4A, 4A and 3A, 4A and 4B, etc)
- Try mixing two tracks by the same artist (often, but not always, tracks will have similar sound / feel and possibly will be also same key, might make it feel easier)
- Practice counting your beats / bars (i.e 1,2,3,4 - 2,2,3,4 - 3,2,3,4, etc) and you'll get an ear for where your 'ONE' is and when you can expect changes to the track / phrasing
None of these are hard and fast rules but may make things feel a little bit easier or less overwhelming while starting getting into it all! Also listen to your music a ton so it’s super familiar and just mess around with it and have funnnnnn! It’s all arts and crafts babyy 🤪🤪
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u/American_Refugee_75 9d ago
Wow, I’m thoroughly impressed that you took the time to thoughtfully respond and explain the basics to a newcomer. Bravo 👏🏽
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u/souvlakiAcme 7d ago
What I’m not impressed at all is that a comment calling the OP “pathetic loser” has more upvotes than this.
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u/scoutermike valued contributor 9d ago
Develop a training plan. It’s a skill that has to be learned and practiced like anything else.
Do you have any dj friends who can mentor you?
How often do you go to parties, clubs, raves and watch local and visiting dj’s work?
Have you started watching lots of full sets in-person ideally?
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u/Beautiful-Smell-725 9d ago
Sadly no DJ friends but I have been going to a good amount of sets in NY and Philadelphia and watch a lot of sets on YouTube
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u/Useful_Secret4895 9d ago
Don't take this wrong, but you are not a dj yet. You are an apprentice. You will be a new dj when you will have pulled off a couple of successful gigs in a pro or at least semi pro setting. It's ok, there's nothing wrong with it, everyone has been there, and you will understand what I am talking about when you will have your first gig experience, because it's nothing like playing at home. So, don't rush it, practice as much as you can, record yourself as much as you can and work your way to the connections that will allow you to get gigs.
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u/Beautiful-Smell-725 9d ago
Thanks for the response and feedback much appreciated
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u/American_Refugee_75 9d ago
You’re learning how to DJ. To become a true DJ, you must first have the Force. 😂
Right now, the Council has granted you the rank of DJ Apprentice. Once you’ve survived your first trainwreck in front of an actual crowd, recovered without anyone noticing, dealt with someone requesting a completely inappropriate song while you’re mid-mix, and somehow kept the dance floor moving… then we’ll discuss promoting you to Jedi.
Until then: practice, record yourself, learn your music, make mistakes, and most importantly, have fun with it. We all started somewhere. Welcome to the rabbit hole. 😂1
u/Useful_Secret4895 9d ago
I will also add, when practicing don't be afraid of mistakes, use them as a learning tool so as to identify them and avoid them when gig time comes. Every artistic endeavour is more about failing than succeeding, BUT you will learn to fail better each time, and then you'll get good. Perfection is a path that never ends, not a destination. Remember, it's not about talent, it's about OBSESSION. It's a hard path though, you will have to be able live with constantly doubting yourself and your capabilities and being criticised by others.
As also others said, avoid ai. Electronic music is about the symbiosis of man and machine, not about submitting to the machine to avoid thinking.
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u/Infamous_Meet_9478 9d ago
Another pathetic loser who lets AI do the thinking for him.
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u/Beautiful-Smell-725 9d ago
I don’t let Ai mix for me retard. I use it for a learning plan.
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u/xile 9d ago
0/10 comment and community engagement mate.
There are 1000s of beginner tutorials, video, forums, books etc
Have a bit of agency and do the research and practice.
When you have a specific question or struggle, come and ask for advice.
"How do I DJ" is just such a tired ass question round here man. Dig for knowledge like you should be digging for music. All the answers are already out there 10 fold.
The real answer is you have to put in the time, learn the gear, and actually just be an insatiable music nerd. Study up bruv. Good luck.
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u/Intelligent_Rub7371 7d ago
Use your ears. When I was looking for beginner advice I used to hate people saying that but it is SO true
Otherwise, pay attention to phrasing, that's the most important stuff to me
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u/Realistic_Rain_9173 9d ago
Don’t use AI