How to Match the Beat as a DJ

When working as a DJ, or disc jockey, it is important to know the equipment, the techniques and how to match beats. All of these skills will help you rise to the top of the DJ industry, whether you are in a club or on the air. Master matching the beat as a DJ to broaden your horizons.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Understand what beat matching is. Beat matching is when you get the beat on 2 different tracks to match up. This is used when you are switching from 1 track to another with a seamless transition. This technique is extremely important, especially in night clubs where the music should never stop or even pause.

2. Get your tracks to the same tempo. Songs with the same or similar tempo will be much easier to beat match and you will have a little longer to make the transition. Songs with entirely different tempos are more difficult to beat match and make the transitions.

3. Listen for the bass drum in the tracks. This is often the easiest beat to find and follow, since it is generally the dominant sound in a song. Position the needle on the first drum beat in the song and revolve it by hand a couple of times to get the feel for where it is in the song. This is not necessarily only on vinyl; digital mix tables are set up the same.

4. Practice. Once you are able to find the tempo and beats in each of the songs you are transitioning between, practice the transition a few times. This will train your ear for what to listen for and soon you will be able to beat match like a pro.