So you want to know how to beatmatch perfectly?
If you’re serious about becoming a quality DJ the number one thing you need to master is how to beatmatch correctly. Beatmatching is all about how to mix DJ music and getting the beat of two separate tracks running in perfect synchronization. Doing this allows you to move between tracks seamlessly, keeping the energy high and the dancefloor jumping.
Basic Beatmatching:
The idea is to try and beatmatch any two tunes that have close to the same tempo by adjusting the variable pitch control on the deck of the tune that you are mixing in.
While learning it’s a great idea to write the tempo of each of your tunes down, either on the record or CD sleeve. This will help you know which tracks realistically can and can’t have their tempos matched. It will also give you a more than handy head start, you will know straight away if the tune you are about to mix in needs to be slowed down or sped up.
The tempos are expressed in BPM (beats per minute) you can work this out by manually counting how many beats you hear in 15 seconds and then multiply it by 4, giving you the beats per minute.
TIP: Most modern DJ mixers these days come with BPM counters – I would suggest you only look at these to get a general idea of a tunes tempo; ideally you will be fine tuning your beatmatching much further than those displays.
The best way to start getting the feel of beatmatching is by getting two copies of the same tune synchronized and playing in time with each other. By using two of the same tunes the tempos of both will be exactly the same, you won’t have to worry about using the variable pitch controls to precisely match the beats.
TIP: Essentially all you will need to do is drop the tune in on beat then either manually catch it up or slow it down if required, keeping them synchronised for the duration of the track.
When starting out this will help train your brain to separate both of the beats, there are no short cuts when it comes to learning how to beatmatch. The only way to achieve beatmatching perfection is through repetition and practice, lots of it!
Advanced Beat – Bar & Phrase Matching
Once you have put the right amount of time into your beatmatching skills, if you want to become the best DJ you can then you shouldn’t stop there, you need to start thinking about song structure and what else you need to match to have your mixes in perfect synchronization and harmony every mix.
Your goal should be to create perfect seamless mixes every mix.
If you want to take your DJing to the next level and learn how to mix DJ music like the best DJs in the world will take notice of, you need to go beyond matching the beats and learn to start matching the bars and phrases as well.
All music including dance music is written in a certain structure so if you put the time into learning about that structure and how to match all the elements within it you will put yourself light years ahead of the common DJ, and possibly set yourself up to become a future superstar yourself!
The trick in mastering all of the above is taking one step at a time and finding a good DJ mentor that has both the skills and knowledge to guide you each step of the way.
This is exactly what the DJ Master Course is all about!
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