DJ & Turntablism How-Tos
How To: Use a mirror ball as a DJ
The mirror ball is one of the oldest lighting fx used in dance clubs. Learn how to use this effect in you DJ set up.
How To: Use the in loop sampler on a DJ mixer
Video one looks at the very basic function of the in loop sampler on the DJM-400 DJ mixer. Then learn how to use a sample with another piece of music,
How To: Use different effects on a DJ mixer
Learn how to use all the different effects on a mixer and a CDJ turntable.
How To: Plug two DJ mixers in together
How you plug one DJ mixer in to another so you can battle or just have a good old mix with your mates with just using one PA / speaker set up.
How To: Use the fader start on a DJ mixer
The fader start makes the volume control sync up with the play/pause function on the CDJ. It will stop the music and reset it to the cue point when you put the volume control down.
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 a cross fade in the mix as a DJ
Before you actually mix the two songs, you may want to "drop" the new song into the currently playing song. This is achieved with the cross fade. The fader can also be used for many other effects.
How To: Use two pitches in the mix as a DJ
The idea here is to use the two pitches on the two turn tables as opposed to using the platter or jog wheel to slow/ speed the track. Using this method is the same as using the pitch and the jog wheel on just the one CDJ/ vinyl turntable.
How To: Change the crossfader on a DJ mixer
A tutorial on changing out the crossfader on a DJ mixer and how to remove/replace a crossfader.
How To: Use the master tempo function when DJing
Watch this video to learn about the master tempo function on the CDJ-800 mk 2. The music played is DJ Tiesto "643(love's on fire).
How To: Scratch the best songs for DJing
Watch this video to learn what types of tracks or songs are best for scratching. Good for beginning for DJs.
How To: Use a microphone as a radio DJ
Use the mic to amplify your voice so it can be heard over the music.
How To: Dj using the jog wheel on a table top CDJ
The jog wheel increases and decreases the speed of the music being played. Part 1 of 2 - How to Dj using the jog wheel on a table top CDJ.
How To: Buy a second hand DJ CD player
Learn what to inspect on an old CD player before you buy it for your setup.
How To: Deal with drunks as a DJ
How do you react when a drunk comes up to you during the night? Don't ignore them. Be like a psychologist. Read the situation and get a conversation going.
How To: Talk on the microphone when DJing
What to say on the mic to keep the crowd interested. When you are DJing, you need to have a confident entertainer persona so that you can connect with the audience.
How To: Fix the crossfader on your DJ mixer
Does your cross fade on your mixer work properly? If it is making crackly noises, it may have dirt in it, so use contact fluid to clean it.
How To: How to set the crossfader on a DJ mixer
Learn what the crossfader on a DJ mixer does and how to set it for the desired performance during your DJ set.
How To: Mix on CDJ turntables
A talk through of a mix done on CDJ CD turntables (a CDJ800 and a CDJ200). Learn some fundamentals of beat mixing/beat matching.
How To: Use DJ lighting
A look at the various types of DJ lights and how to hook them up and use them. Part 1 of 2 - How to Use DJ lighting.
How To: Use a microphone when DJing
Learn two ways of using the mic when DJing and how to use the mic and the volume controls at the same time.
How To: Set the stylus and needle on a Technics SL1200
How to set the stily/needle into the headshell of a Technics SL1200 turntable. This tutorial also applies to similar model DJ turntables.
How To: Beat juggle
Learn the theory behind beat juggling and how to beat juggle in your DJ sets even if you aren't a turntabalist or Hip-Hop DJ.
How To: Organize the cables in your DJ setup
Learn a simple way to keep the cables in your DJ setup or PA system organized using gaffer's tape and/or zip ties.
How To: Mix two songs together again and again
DJ Tutor teaches you how mix two songs together again and again, so you can practice you mixing skills.
How To: Scatch records while DJing
DJ Tutor shows you a series of lessons on how to scratch properly, and how to do some awesome scratches.
How To: Use the bass, mid, and top between your mixes
DJ Tutor teaches you how to use the bass, mid, and top in between mixed when you have finished your mix and before you start your next one.
How To: Plug in DJ cables, and how to get good speaker sound
DJ Tutor answers the questions: where does the earth cable go, how do I get a good sound out of my speakers, and will I get problems if the cables cross each other.
How To: Organize your own DJ event
DJ Tutor teaches you how to organize your own DJ event when it comes to promotion, and legal issues.
How To: Replace the arm rest on a turntable
DJ Tutor teaches you how to replace the arm rest on a Technics sl1200, by bending a screwdriver at a ninety degree angle.
How To: Make a mashup as a DJ
Learn how to combine (mashup) two or more songs as a DJ. This is different from a mix because you are using elements from each song at once instead of blending one into the other.
How To: Beat juggle with just one CDJ and a sampler
How to beat juggle with the use of a sampler and a CDJ, no need for the cross fade.
How To: Keep your cables tidy as a DJ
Reduce the clutter of cables behind your DJ setup by organizing them into power cables and audio cables and tying them with cable ties.
How To: Mix basslines as a DJ
Mixing tutorial for the DJ: learn how to mix a bassline from one song into another song.
How To: Match the beats of two songs as a beginner DJ
The best way to match the beats in two songs is to mix the beats at the beginning or end of the song.
How To: Become a self-employed DJ
If you want to make money as a DJ (esp. in the UK) and become self-employed, you have to learn how to file the right paperwork.
How To: Plug in your DJ gear
For beginner DJs - Learn how to plug in and connect a vinyl turntable, a mixer, and a CDJ CD player. Also, learn to connect the amplifier.
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: DJ mix without headphones
Use two CDJ CD players and a mixer to use your speakers instead of headphones.
How To: Set a graphic equalizer on a DJ system
How to set a graphic EQ on a DJ system. This bit of kit is a bit like the bass, mid and top on your mixer except you don't get 3 knobs to mess about with you get anything from 15 to 30 and up.