Have you ever thought about becoming a DJ, but didn't know where to start? Well, you have come to the right place. Everything you need to know is covered in our simple guide on how to be a DJ for beginners in 5 Steps.
If you have ever looked for help becoming a DJ, you may have found it daunting. But that needn't be the case. This guide provides all the information you need to get started. Let's get straight down to work and learn how to be a DJ.
1. Find out if DJing is for you?
This is a question you really want to ask yourself before you get started. DJ equipment is expensive. You really don't want to spend a lot of money on it unless you are sure it is something you want to do.
Generally, people get into DJing because they love music and think they would enjoy the job DJs do. However it can be a lot more difficult than it seems. Find a friend who owns DJ equipment or see if a local community centre has DJ equipment and ask if you can try it out.
If you enjoy playing about with it and have a love for music then DJing really could be for you!
2. Build your music collection
There's no point having your equipment and an audience to play in front of if you don't have any music to play!
Don't just grab every piece of music you can find though. Pick up the best music – whether it is simply music you like or music that will be popular at the gigs you play.
Get hold of the music in high quality. If you buy MP3s, look for the highest quality file available and never download pirate copies! If you can find a capella or instrumental tracks then pick them up. They could be useful down the road.
3. Buy your own DJ equipment
There are loads of good quality beginner DJ equipment options to choose from. It really is up to you to decide which you think is best.
Many DJs use only a laptop and software to cue up and play music, while others still like to use turntables and a mixer with a DVS (digital vinyl system).
To get started you need to think about what you want to do as a DJ. Do you just want to cue up and play music or do you want to scratch and beat juggle? The hardware you buy will depend completely on what you want to do.
The main options for DJs are:
- Turntables and a mixer (possibly with a DVS)
- CDJs (Compact Disc Jockeys) and a mixer (possibly with a DVS)
- Laptop and software (alongside a controller or on their own)
Do your research and don't let anyone else sway your decision. Start looking on YouTube and read reviews online before you decide. Although the price for the equipment that seems to suit you best might be expensive, remember that you get what you pay for. It's best to buy good quality equipment first time around.
4. Refine your skills
Any “how to be a DJ for beginners” guide needs to tell you that practice makes perfect. Before you get out in front of an audience, you want to be as good as you can be!
Spend as much time as possible playing about with the equipment, getting the timing right and getting prepared to perform in front of audiences. Learn how to cue up tracks at home – it would be very embarrassing if things went wrong in front of an audience.
If you are going to mix then you need to practice at home before you start. Your mixing is likely to sound pretty bad when you first start. It’s best not to inflict that on an audience!
5. Start gigging
Once you know you're ready, start getting DJ gigs. You will be excited, you will also be nervous, but this is something you need to do if you want to be a DJ.
When you look for gigs, find venues that you think you will enjoy playing and for places with an audience that enjoys the music you want to play. Look for venues that suit your experience level too. Make sure you put yourself in a good environment to learn and improve in every gig you play.
One word of advice when you are gigging - be professional. You aren't going to be asked back to a club if you behave unprofessionally. You will also harm your chances at other clubs. People talk and if people talk about your antics at their club, you may find other owners don't want to invite you to theirs!
Becoming a DJ is expensive and can be hard work, but it is a very enjoyable hobby that can turn into an awesome career. But to become a DJ you need to put the time in and learn your craft. So, if you want to be a DJ there is no time like the present. Who knows, in a few months, you could be heading into your local club as the DJ – not just as an audience member wishing they were the DJ!
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