How to practice beatmatching
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  1. #1
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    Default How to practice beatmatching

    Without a doubt, digital DJ programs are works of art (speaking as both a programmer and a DJ/Musician). However, for those just learning how to DJ, practicing beatmatching/mixing with them poses a bit of a problem: the temptation to 'cheat' by looking at the bpm counter (or hell, just pressing the sync button) can be a little to big. By no means am I bashing these features, I just believe its a good idea to learn how to beatmatch without them. But whats a good way to do that without the money for a pair of turntables and a mixer?

    Here's what I did:

    Step One: Start your digital DJ program, whatever it may be.
    Step Two: Start your media player of choice (iTunes, WMP, Winamp, whatever)
    Step Three: Start a random track on your media player.
    Step Four: Try to select and mix in a song from your library using your DJ program.

    Now you don't have to worry about 'accidentally' peeking at the BPM meters, or letting your finger slip and hitting that sync button. Happy mixing!

    ~Segfault

  2. #2
    Dr. Bento BentoSan's Avatar
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    Lol that an awesome idea for those who cant resist the urge, its certainly a handy skill to have
    Last edited by BentoSan; 05-11-2009 at 06:55 PM. Reason: typo

  3. #3
    Tech Guru Monika.mhz's Avatar
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    I always recomend to everyone the method I've been telling people since 1997.

    Pick up 2 copies of Robert Miles - Children.

    Beatmix.

    Go back and forth, a billion times until you mix it 100% clean. Move the pitch around a bunch. Eventually you'll be able to lock in the beat in less than 10 seconds. (For those with a good ear, it may be able to get locked in under 2)
    Monika.mhz - I do things. Also stuff.
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  4. #4
    Tech Guru Kaon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Monika.mhz View Post
    Pick up 2 copies of Robert Miles - Children.
    lol ew. guess its perfect for this tho
    Quote Originally Posted by dripstep View Post
    Kaon, none of that has to do with drum and bass.

  5. #5
    Tech Guru Monika.mhz's Avatar
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    Never said it was the best song in the world. But it's how 90% of the people I know or taught learned how to beatmatch. It worked so well, that It's what I tell people till this day!
    Monika.mhz - I do things. Also stuff.
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  6. #6
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    i was taught to beatmatch this way.

    1) cue up the first beat/ bass drum hit of the track
    2) match the snares.
    3) fine tune it by matching the hi-hats

  7. #7
    Tech Guru Monika.mhz's Avatar
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    also, try not to suck.

    that's a really good piece of advice.
    Monika.mhz - I do things. Also stuff.
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  8. #8
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    ^ djs rarely follow that piece of advice

  9. #9
    DJTT Ninja Mod tekki's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Monika.mhz View Post
    I always recomend to everyone the method I've been telling people since 1997.

    Pick up 2 copies of Robert Miles - Children.

    Beatmix.

    Go back and forth, a billion times until you mix it 100% clean. Move the pitch around a bunch. Eventually you'll be able to lock in the beat in less than 10 seconds. (For those with a good ear, it may be able to get locked in under 2)
    Same here, but with a different song though.
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  10. #10
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    Why Children? Why that particular song?

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