Hot DJ & Turntablism How-Tos


How To: Set up a turntable for scratching
Before scratching on a given turntable, you'll need to set it up properly to ensure that you will not damage either your records or your hardware. This basic DJ tutorial demonstrates one method (among many) for adjusting up a turntable for scratching.

How To: Make a Reggaeton beat
Love Daddy Yankee? Check out this DJ tutorial video on how to make a Reggaeton beat. Watch as this instructor guides you along the beat-making process using FL Studio 7. This video is great for beginners who want to learn a few DJ tricks and techniques. Just follow along at home and you can make the next hot Reggaeton beat!

How To: Play 7' records on a turntable
Ever wonder how to play 7" vinyl records on a turntable? Guess what that round piece that came with your turntable is for.

How To: Attach the earth cable to the back of a DJ mixer
Check out this instructional DJ video that demonstrates how to attach the earth cable for most vinyl turntables to the back of the DJ mixer. This video is dedicated to the new DJ who is just starting out and setting up new gear. The earth cable has to be fitted to your mixer. Watch this turntable tutorial video to learn how to attach the earth cable to the back of a DJ mixer to stop any nasty buzzing sounds. Practice and enjoy!

How To: Mix funk, soul, and disco music
Modern music has a drum machine to keep the beat steady the whole time. Old school music might not have the same bpm the whole way through, so it is harder to mix.

How To: Use Mixmeister
This is a tutorial on Mixmeister Pro 6 software for DJs, but most versions of Mixmeister work the same way.

How To: Connect your laptop to your DJ mixer
This video shows you how to connect your laptop to your mixer. First you will need two different sound sources from your laptop to your mixer. This is so that you can use all of your mixer functions on two different channels. The way to do this is to run a 1/8" RCA cable channel 7 from your normal earphone jack to the mixer. Also use a behringer uca202 audio interface to connect to the laptop via USB cord. This provides another earphone jack. Then use a master out cable to connect it to an am...

How To: Fix a wobbly platter problem on a turntable
Learn how to open up your turntable platter in order to fix a wobble on your table, getting those records to play smooth. While DJing might appear simple to the untrained eye, truly mastering the turntables requires as much time and dedication as mastering any other instrument. Fortunately, the internet is awash in free video DJing lessons like this one, which make the learning process easier than it's ever been. For more information, including detailed, step-by-step instructions, take a look.

How To: Scratch without a fader
Here are a few ideas on scratching without a mixer/crossfader being used.

How To: Remove the knobs and sliders on a DJ mixer
How to remove the knobs and sliders on a DJ mixer to replace the crossfader or make other repairs.

How To: Scratch on turntables for beginners
The video is from the DJ tutorial and it shows us the basic principles of scratching for the beginners. And the first lesson you should learn is that there are basically four movements and here you will actually be not going to scratch put will be moving the record forward and backward. These four moves form the basis for starting to learn scratching. First you need are the type of sounds which are either acapella (song with no music) or with sounds (tracks with breaks on it). Before starting...

How To: Mix a Drum & Bass track with a Hip-Hop track
Wonder how to become a great DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how you can mix a Drum and Bass track and a Hip Hop track. These two styles may seem impossible to mix, Drum and Bass has a very high energy, fast beat, and Hip Hop has a slower beat. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to mix the two popular music styles, Hip Hop and ...

How To: Connect speakers in a PA or DJ system
Learn the difference between Speakon, Jack, and XLR inputs. Also learn how to wire all of these connectors to hook up your speaker system on your PA or DJ system.

How To: Stop record wobble on your deck
Does your 12" vinyl record wobble in the middle of the turntable spindel? Learn how to stop records from wobbling on the platter while you're DJing.

How To: Use the KAM LED Swingfire sound to light unit
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how you can use the KAM LED Swingfire sound to light unit. This demonstration shows you how to optimize its performance. With 63 LED's, 7 lenses, and sound to light, watch the beams of light as the instructor controls the lights with some funky music. Watch this ...

How To: Build a guitar amp repair stand
Simple-to-build, sturdy amp stand for repairing your gear safely. (2) 2 x 6 inch lumber

How To: Mix with more than two DJ turntables
In this video we take look at mixing with more that two, three, even four, turntables. CDJ or vinyl are the principals used behind beat mixing; and are exactly the same.

How To: Buy the right speakers and amp for your DJ setup
What size speakers and amp are the right ones for your DJ setup? Learn how to choose the right setup for home, house party or on the road and whether you're a bedroom or mobile DJ.

How To: Scratch records
Learn the basics of scratching/editing sounds on vinyl record decks and CD decks when DJing. Part 1 of 3 - How to Scratch records.

How To: Use the EQ, bass, mid and treble on a DJ mixer
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how to use the EQ, bass, mid, and treble on a DJ mixer. This video gives you a demonstration on how to use the EQ on a DJ mixer while a track is playing. It should be set at twelve o'clock because when that track is made at the studio, it's made as a flat signal....

How To: Mix dubstep style music
In this tutorial, we learn how to mix dubstep style music. A lot of people don't like dubstep because it's hard to time, but it can be done because you are just pushing the pitch control all the way down. A lot of bass will be in dubstep, which is why it is called dubstep. To count the timing, you must become familiar with dubstep and count time with the bass. The snare can also help you count the bass as well if you are new to this. Take a minute and listen to the way the bass works, the mor...

How To: DJ with your PC or Mac laptop
DJing with your laptop computer requires a combination of specialized hardware and software. This video tutorial demonstrates how to DJ with your laptop computer, using both a Mac and PC system. From the audio output jack, connect your laptop to an amplifier, then to your mixer where you can apply effects to your music.

How To: Create a basic mix with two vinyl turntables
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how you can create a basic mix with two turntables. Try to concentrate on getting a basic mix first off as apposed to trying too hard to be like the pros. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to create a basic mix with two turntables.

How To: Setup DJ equipment
How to become a professional DJ with these hip-hop DJ techniques; get expert tips and advice on how to use mixing equipment and turntables to DJ for a party or night club in this free instructional video series.

How To: Use the roll feature on the Pioneer DJM-800 mixer
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how you can use the roll feature on the DJM-800 mixer. This feature basically samples music. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to use the roll feature on the DJM-800 mixer.

How To: Keep your stylus needles from jumping
Why does the stylus needle jump on a 12" record? Learn why and how to prevent it form happening during your DJ set.

How To: Put stickers on scratch records
How to put the sticker in the corect place on a 12", for your DJ set and why it's done

How To: Make a plastic slipmat for a scratchmat
Brian Sredd gives tips and pointers on how to make a plastic slipmat for a scratchmat.

How To: Use the loop function on a CDJ turntable
Interested in jockeying discs? Compact discs? If so, you'll want a CDJ, which will permit you to do with your CDs what your turntable permits you to do with your records. In this DJ tutorial, you'll learn how to use the loop function on a Pioneer CDJ turntable. For more, and to get started creating loops on your own Pioneer CDJ-800, take a look!

How To: Upgrade the Pioneer MEP-7000 Firmware 2.02
Go to DJTUTOR computer where you can download the latest firmware for free. Once downloaded you need to either burn it to a CD-R or use a USB key. Unzip the file and download it to a fat formatted USB key with nothing else on it. The firmware upgrade consists of two files. Eject any disks from the MEP and remove any USBs and make sure the unit is turned off. Next insert your USB key and push and hold USB 1 and USB 2 and turn on your unit. The MEP will then tell you when the firmware is comple...

How To: Use a joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller
Did you know that your joystick and gamepad are amazing MIDI controllers? MIJOY PRO 2 is a VSTi that lets you use your joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller. So follow the step by step instructions outlined in this music tutorial video that demonstrates how to use your joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller.

How To: Cut and chop on a DJ mixer
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video sequence explains how to cut and chop on a DJ mixer. There are loads of ways of describing this technique: editing the track, washing up, mowing the lawn, or drying your hair.

How To: Mix a slow track to a faster one on a DJ mixer
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how to mix from a slow track to a faster song. In other words, this video shows you how you can step up your mix by 5, 10, 15 beats per minute (BPM). Watch this DJ tutorial so you can learn how to mix a slow track to a faster one.

How To: Mix old school funk tracks
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how to mix old school funk tracks together. This video gives you an example of how to mix old school funk. You must remember that this style of music most of the time had no drum machine keeping the timing. It was a real drummer and so in turn the BPM (beats per ...

How To: Pimp up your Pioneer CDJ-400 mixer
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how to pimp up your Pioneer CDJ-400 mixer. Just follow the simple step by step instructions: remove the two small screws and take off the see through piece of plastic, place a picture down on top of the platter and replace the cover, and re-screw the two screws. ...

How To: Set the pattern on the jog wheel of a CDJ-400 mixer
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how to set the pattern on the jog wheel of the Pioneer CDJ-400 mixer. Nothing in this tutorial is provided as legal advice. It is provided for informational purposes only. Watch this DJ tutorial so you can learn how to set the pattern on the jog wheel of a CDJ-40...

How To: Use the features of the CDJ-400 mixer
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how to use some of the features of the CDJ-400 mixer. Watch this DJ tutorial so you can learn a few of the features on the CDJ-400 mixer.

How To: Use the crossover frequency dial
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains the crossover frequency dial. This demonstration shows you the crossover frequency dial on the Peavey VSX active cross over. Watch this DJ tutorial and you can learn how to use the crossover frequency dial so you can separate the bass sounds from the mid and top ...

How To: Use kill switches on a DJ mixer
Want to mix and scratch like a professional DJ? To be a good DJ you need to understand the concepts of mixing tracks, adding cool effects, and of course you need a good sense of rhythm to line up the beats. This how to video explains how to use the kill switches on a DJ mixer. This demonstration shows you how the kill switches work on a DJ mixer. They are a lot like using the bass, mid and top dials but the difference is that these will get rid of all the bass or mid or top in one go. Watch t...

How To: Plug the vinyl turn table into a mixer
Check out this instructional DJ video that demonstrates how to attach the vinyl turn table into a mixer. In this video for the totally new DJ, learn where to plug the RCA cables (or phono plugs) from a Vinyl turntable into a DJ mixer. Discover the proper way of plugging your equipment in by watching this DJ tutorial video.