How to Count Beats Like a DJ

The basic skill of the music deejay is to count beats by measures and notes. Most music, whether hip hop, house or drum and bass riffs, consists of four bar measures (rarely do DJ's deal with 3/4, 6/8 or 2/2 time songs). If you DJ in a loud club, no one should be able to hear you counting aloud, and it may help keep you from being distracted by club patrons and other outside influences.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Start with quarter notes. As the music plays, count to yourself on the major song downbeats like this: 1, 2, 3, 4. On most house and hip hop records, the bass drops on the one and three counts and the snare kicks in on the 2 and 4 beats.

2. Break down the song into eighth notes. These notes count both the major song downbeats and the beats halfway between them. Count eighth notes like this: 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and.

3. Dissect songs further into sixteenth notes. These extremely quick notes constitute 4 quarter notes and count off as follows: 1 e and ah, 2 e and ah, 3 e and ah, 4 e and ah.

4. Count aloud to yourself. Beginners especially should use this technique to learn the rhythms and nuances of most song styles. Counting aloud helps with timing and beat focusing, which leads to more advanced techniques such as song mixing and record scratching.

5. Consider taking music lessons. Most musical knowledge gleaned from playing an instrument such as the piano or guitar translates to increased skills as a DJ.