DJ 101 for Absolute Beginner: Feeling Overwhelmed!
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  1. #1
    Tech Convert
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    Default DJ 101 for Absolute Beginner: Feeling Overwhelmed!

    Hi there,

    I have a previous thread in showing my action plan, right now I am just routinely looking for music, which is scoured the web and making mixtapes as I go via soundcloud.com. However, I am a person that requires structure to learn, I don't like wasting my time looking around the web for pieces. There are many online DJ schools that require payment, which I totally understand, but is there a website that lists step by step for absolute beginners for free. The closets I found are the following free websites, but they are absolutely disorganized. However, I am willing to pay if the anyone has tried any DJ schools that require payment.

    Free:
    https://www.djtutor.com/tutorial-edu...j-lessons.html
    http://spin-academy.com/how-to-dj/

    Paid:
    https://www.digitaldjtips.com/how-to...gital-dj-fast/ - $147 (1 year return policy)
    http://djtutorial.com/dj_skills/digital_dj_course.htm - $20
    http://www.idjcourse.com/idjcourse-course - $300
    http://www.dubspot.com/programs/digi...om=105#courses - $720
    http://spin-academy.com/lessons/?platform=traktor#0 - $20/month

    I am reading a good book called Beyond Beatmatching, but this book is for those who know how to mix. I barely know how to mix, I am only tinkering with my traktor controller.
    Last edited by rocaso; 01-11-2015 at 05:46 AM.
    MacBook Air 2011
    Traktor S4 w/ Traktor Pro 2
    Creative T20 Speakers
    Sony MDR Headphones
    http://soundcloud.com/official_djromeo

  2. #2
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    I felt the same way at the beginning. I only have been dj'ing for the last 5 months and am getting my first gig this sat. Anyhow, you need to focus on beat matching, phrasing and gain. Pick 2 songs that you like or even the same song and try and beat match. Once you get that down, try to phrase match the song and things will start to come together. I am not the best or even near it, but this is some of the tips I got. Just relax, enjoy, and practice a lot. I spend 2-4 hours a day practicing and enjoying my hobby.

  3. #3
    Tech Guru mostapha's Avatar
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    This is still the standard as far as I know. The technology/gear has changed some, but you're still doing essentially the same things with very similar controls, especially in the beginning.

    I've been told good things about Skratch Academy as well, and IMHO in-person instruction is going to be better for this kind of thing. But, I haven't paid for it or felt like I needed it for technique, so I can't speak directly. I've also heard that things like this can help get your foot in the door by meeting people and networking, depending on what you want to do.

  4. #4
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    Watch this guys videos. He's a quirky chap but he's been doing the videos for almost a decade IIRC, if he hasn't covered it then it's not worth learning.
    Kontrol S4Senn HD 25-1Kontrol F1

  5. #5
    Tech Guru mostapha's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sambo View Post
    Watch this guys videos. He's a quirky chap but he's been doing the videos for almost a decade IIRC, if he hasn't covered it then it's not worth learning.
    I remember watching some of his videos when I started over a decade ago.

  6. #6
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    After thinking it over, I'll be doing the following:

    1. https://www.digitaldjtips.com/how-to...gital-dj-fast/ - $147 (1 year return policy) to understand the foundation w/ traktor
    2. Read How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records to fill any holes from the first step
    3. Read beyond beatmatching to fill any holes from the second step, plus I like reading this book
    MacBook Air 2011
    Traktor S4 w/ Traktor Pro 2
    Creative T20 Speakers
    Sony MDR Headphones
    http://soundcloud.com/official_djromeo

  7. #7
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    I read most parts of DJing for Dummies 5 or so years ago when I was just starting to dabble, a simple read and easy to pick up what was being said.

    Here's a beatmatching vid by the guy who wrote the book, the technique does work

    However, when you build a set you memorise the bpm of each track so you don't really need to do this; e.g. you know the track you have on is 126 and the next one is 128 then you know your are pitching 1.6-ish%

    Best thing you can do is a bit of youtube and play to yourself, a course wont really tell you much more than what is already out there.

    Think less, play more

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by rocaso View Post
    I don't like wasting my time looking around the web for pieces.
    The first thing to do is get rid of this attitude. There is no one right way to DJ. A craftsman must humble himself and dedicate himself to his craft. If you think that researching and experimenting is wasting your time then you are not going to enjoy DJing.

    Its mostly about experimentation and digging to find your sound. No one can teach you or give you that.

    The mechanical aspect of DJing is laughably simple and can be taught to anyone in a day, and can be proficient in a few weeks. Doing mixing and phrasing smoothly and in a compelling way takes a lifetime.

    I agree with Ellaskins videos. If you cant learn from his videos, Im not sure how a course will help. He literally shows you all aspects of DJing as he understands it.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by rocaso View Post
    After thinking it over, I'll be doing the following:

    1. https://www.digitaldjtips.com/how-to...gital-dj-fast/ - $147 (1 year return policy) to understand the foundation w/ traktor
    2. Read How to DJ Right: The Art and Science of Playing Records to fill any holes from the first step
    3. Read beyond beatmatching to fill any holes from the second step, plus I like reading this book
    Alternatively just dig for music you like, read the traktor manual, and then practice 3 hours a day. You learn DJing by doing.

    Dont be afraid to embrace being a noob and not knowing anything. Dont be afraid that your mixes suck and you have no timing yet. Embrace the journey and practice practice practice.

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by Sambo View Post
    Watch this guys videos. He's a quirky chap but he's been doing the videos for almost a decade IIRC, if he hasn't covered it then it's not worth learning.
    Without even clicking the link, u must be talking about ellaskins...lol
    Traktor/Ableton /Komplete /MBP OSX el capitan

    http://www.soundcloud.com/deejaesnafu

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