Advances in technology have made beatmatching easier. Use Traktor’s Sync function to match the tempo of two tracks together. For Sync to beatmatch perfectly, the beat grids on each track must be set correctly. If your tracks fluctuate in tempo, Traktor Pro 4 features new flexible beat grids so that any two songs can be beat-matched together.
7. Placing a mix
Placing a mix is about blending the tracks exactly where you want to transition. Most dance records have similar song structures; learning where to mix tracks together can become an intuitive process if you study their arrangements. A simple example of placing a mix is the intro to outro mix. Dance tracks (at the least extended versions) usually have a percussive intro and outro. When the percussive outro of track one begins to play, mix in the second track. Once you master this mix placement, you can work on tighter types of mixes.
8. Phrase mixing
Phrase mixing is the art of using the song structure of each track to create a smooth-sounding, professional mix. A phrase is a short section of music, generally eight to sixteen bars in length. Prepare your tracks by marking the phrases using cue points on your tracks in Traktor Pro 4. Cue up the incoming track so its first beat begins at the start of a phrase, and start the mix at the beginning of a phrase in the track that’s playing. If you get it right, the musical timeline in both tracks should line up nicely.
To learn more about counting music, check out our beginner DJ guide here.
9. Try different types of transitions
A DJ transition is the technique of changing from one song to the next while maintaining the steady beat of the music’s rhythm. The type of transitions you use in your sets will depend on the style of music you play. A few common transitions include the fade, the cut, and the bass swap transition. Master these transitions to start out, and you’ll be well on your way to creating interesting mixes!
10. Harmonic mixing
One of the best techniques that a DJ can learn is harmonic mixing. Harmonic mixing means mixing together tracks in compatible keys. Each track has been composed in a certain key and will sound good mixed with certain tracks but clash with others. Harmonic mixing allows DJs to mix together music that has melodic elements and create live remixes using vocal and instrumental stems. You don’t need to be a music theory master to use harmonic mixing, as Traktor Pro 4 and programs like Mixed In Key have built-in numeric systems to simplify this technique.
