The minimum DJ equipment you need is a DJ mixing console and two decks (CD players). The mixer allows you to fade between the two decks and monitor the deck that is not playing aloud. You’ll need a set of headphones, too. To do beat matching and real DJ mixing, you’ll want professional decks with pitch (speed) control and a “scratch” dial or pitch bend buttons. Every piece of gear is different, so consult your manual for instructions on use and hookup. Try out dj mixers and be sure you know how to select each deck and fade between the two. Learn how to “cue” one deck in your headphones while the other is playing on the speakers.

The simplest type of DJ mixing would be where the current song fades out while the next song starts. Fade-and-start is good for rock, country, oldies, jazz, and when transitioning between drastically different styles or tempos of music. While the first song is playing on deck A, make sure your cross-fader is fully in the A position. Select the next song on deck B. Use your headphones to cue it up, and leave it paused at the exact point you want the track to start. As the first song nears the end, move the cross-fader of your DJ mixing console over to deck B. As you pass the centre with the cross-fader, hit start on deck B, making sure you continue to move the fader all the way to the end. That’s it! Switch your headphones over to deck A, and set up the next song.

Beat matching is what most people consider real DJ mixing. This works well with disco, techno, electronica, funk, etc. Anything with a prominent beat. The object is to maintain a continuous uninterrupted groove. When properly executed, it is difficult for the audience to detect where one song ends and the next begins unless they are already familiar with the songs. For beat match DJ mixing you’ll want to use the extended “12-inch” or “remix” versions of songs. They have the long intro and long instrumental break needed for this style of DJ mixing. Select two songs with similar styles and close to the same tempo and follow these steps:

Adjust the pitch – With the first song playing, start the second one in your headphones. Using the pitch control on your deck, adjust the speed until the tempos are identical and the beat is synchronized between the two songs. It’s easiest if you use the scratch dial or pitch bend buttons on your deck to get the beats to overlap. If they then drift apart, you’ll need to readjust the pitch to get the tempos matched, and again overlap the beats. This may take several attempts; it gets easier with practise.

Cue it up – Without touching the pitch control, cue the second deck up near the beginning and pause it exactly on the beat.

Match the beats – When the instrumental break of the first song comes up, listen carefully and hit start on the second deck exactly on beat. Are the two songs in perfect sync? if not, a few taps of the pitch bend or flicks of the scratch dial should get it . With practise this will become second nature.

Execute the mix – Once they are in perfect sync, move your cross-fader slowly from A to B.

Now you’ve learned the basics of DJ mixing; keep practising and have fun!