How to Spin Records

If you are interested in learning how to spin records, here are a few basic tips to get you started. Just like learning to play an instrument, the more you practice, the better you'll get. Be patient with yourself and keep trying.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 Turntables with needles (preferably belt-driven)
• Records
• Headphones
• Mixer with cross fader
• Speakers

How to Spin Records

1. Assemble your gear. Keep in mind that high quality equipment - like Technics turntables, Allen and Heath mixers and Sony headphones - are great if you can afford them. Your results will obviously be better with high end equipment, but pay attention to your budget. Borrow a friend's tables or start with less expensive brands. Be sure spinning records is right for you before you spend thousands of dollars.

2. Get plugged in. Make sure your turntables are plugged into your monitor speaker. Also, plug your turntables and headphones into your mixer. You will use your headphones to preview what your mix sounds like before you broadcast it through your speakers.

3. Choose your first two records. Pay close attention to the complexity of the intro of your second record and the outro of your first. Will they match together well? If slowing down one to match the other will distort the melody of either record, keep looking until you find two records that pair up well. Typically, choosing two records from the same genre (disco house, minimal techno, intelligent drum and bass) makes it easier to learn how to mix.

4. Pair up your first two records. Move the crossfader all the way over to the side of your first record and listen to it through your speakers. When does the beat break down enough to allow your second record to start? That's where you should cue your second record. Listening in your headphones, adjust the pitch control bar on the second record and try to match the beats per minute (BPM) of the second record to the BPM of the first in your headphones only.

5. Get ready to throw in your second record. Rewind it by gently moving it backwards with your fingertips. Line up the needle over the first beat of a measure. Then, use your hand to slide the beat under the needle. Slide the first beat so the drum kick or bass thump matches the beat of your first record. Release the second record so that the first beat starts playing along with a new measure of the first record. Once it sounds good in your headphones, you're ready to play it through the speakers. Slowly move the cross fader to the middle and enjoy your first mix. Move the fader to the opposite side when you want to end the transition and play only the second record. Then, repeat the process with another record and construct your first set.

Tips & Warnings

• Line up your records in your headphones before using the cross fader to play the mix through your speakers.
• Don't speed up the record that is playing in your speakers. Only adjust the speed of your next record in your headphones.
• Use a beat counter if you need help. Don't use it as a crutch, though.
• Once you've mastered the art of beat matching, learn advanced cuts and mixing tricks to make your sets more interesting.
• Don't get frustrated. It takes many long hours of practice to learn how to spin records.