How to DJ For Absolute Beginners In 2024 | Complete Guide to DJing on Pioneer DDJ-400 & Rekordbox 🔥

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How to DJ for complete beginners!
Timestamps:
Intro - 00:00
Equipment - 02:07
Getting Setup - 03:51
Rekordbox Explained - 04:52
UnderstandingThe Decks - 07:19
Using The Headphonrs - 12:58
Preparing To Mix - 14:19
First Mix - 16:04
Outro - 21:27
How to DJ for complete beginners!
In this video I explain everything you need to get someone with no DJ knowledge or experience mixing two records together and learn the basics of DJing.
We are going to be using Rekordbox DJ software to mix and the decks we will be using is the Pioneer DDJ 400 all in one controller.
Follow along as we learn what DJing is, what equipment is needed, and ultimately the entire beat matching process. At the end of this tutorial, you will be able to mix two songs together live, as if you were a DJ performing a live set in front of a crowd.
#HowToDJ #FreeDJLesson #LearnToDJ #HowToMix #Rekordbox #DDJ400
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[@benraineydj]

You can now get all of my exclusive music here.. 👇🏻 soundboxmusic.uk/collections/music

[@Bertasbmx37]

Hey bro, cant found the link for free music anymore... is still some out there? cheers !

[@davidacreman5828]

Hi can I just use headphones for now and my Samsung tablet

[@chancevu8759]

I'm an old man, but after watching your videos. I've decided to invest into a music station to play for my kids.

[@iposhi2Videos]

wow your kids are lucky :)

[@ampedturtle4033]

Thats awesome

[@alexandraimani888]

Awww you're the best dad in the world 💖🙌🏽

[@AnxiousCowboy]

“Music station” what an old man thing to say. Stay happy homie!

[@borewyrm]

I don't know about old...but I just picked up a DDJ 800 to learn to mix.

[@techheadiv7457]

I got into DJ'ing about four months ago. I watched this tutorial before and after I purchased my first controller. Fast forward to last night where I just DJ'd my first gig with Bass Flip transition as my foundation. Mixed in with hours of practice, familiarizing myself with my music, and incorporating some things I learned via trial-and-error, last night couldn't have gone better and it's opened some doors moving forward. Videos like these help budding DJs like me. Thanks a million for this, Ben!

[@AlexanderDemergis]

First gig after 4 months?? That's awesome man. What kind of music do you mix and how much did you practice a day? Do you produce anything?

[@techheadiv7457]

@@AlexanderDemergis Currently, not producing. Don't know if I will or not. Still figuring out my DJ journey and still learning a lot and mastering the basics. As far as mixing goes, it's pretty much anything I have in my library (house/EDM, pop, music across the decades, etc.) and it's not too much more than the outro of one song and the intro of another to facilitate smooth transitions. Lastly, I practice whenever I can: 30 minutes here, 1 hour there, etc. I have a wife, kid, and a dog, plus I work full-time, so there's definitely some balance involved. It helps that one of my co-workers introduced me to a local, established DJ, whom I, currently, shadow. It's great. I'm receiving technical training and hand-on field experience. Plus, at this point, any gigs I do (like the one mentioned above) will likely come through him, so that's, definitely, a bonus. Cheers!

[@4H7P3]

@@techheadiv7457 hows it going so far? any new gigs?

[@techheadiv7457]

​@@4H7P3 Since the original post, I've done two public events with a county's parks and rec department, 3 school dances, a Christmas Party for a county's Special Olympics, a Valentine's Dinner and Dance, as well as several DJ Trivia nights at different places around where I live. Thanks for asking. Cheers!

[@joewujek5386]

That’s awesome! Quick question if you don’t mind. The internet is convoluted with info and I have no DJ friends but I’m looking to get into it. I’ve DJed on a radio for awhile but want to do my own stuff too. I have ZERO equipment, so what precisely do I need to buy?

[@yuhyuhtheindigo7085]

Hey Ben, just wanted to say I have watched every single beginner DJ tut on KZbin in the last 3 days, and yours is by far the most practical to watch and follow along with. Instead of "do this, do that" I feel like i started to get a real understanding WHY we use the equipment the way we do. Thank you

[@kmoreland3413]

TOTALLY AGREE! He's fucking excellent.

[@sleepy9875]

Thank you! No im just kidding im not him LOL. but i came here for that to shop tutorial vids and see who's good!

[@DJBillionator]

I don't make these types of tutorials because i found this stuff out on my own. I learned how to write music only 2 years after i started djing in 2002. Because, i knew i wasn't doing it right. Real musicians die with their passions. The others die with their bank account. ;)

[@XOTheHosttt]

facts

[@arshim4782]

i agree 100%

[@DJ-ui2cn]

I started DJing in the 80's, with good old technics 1200 turntables without any pitch control may I add. After the 80's and 90's I briefly left the hobby, and came back when obviously the industry was all CD based. I've stayed with these type of CD based equipment since, and been afraid transitioning to these advanced equipment if you will, because of cost. Just stumbled to your video and gave me the confidence to take the first step! Thank you for sharing.

[@briancase6180]

Great instructional video, but actually, the jog wheels do not change the speed of the track; they move it forward or backward. That is, they *temporarily* change the speed, while you're moving the wheel. When you stop moving the wheel, the tempo returns to where it was, but the position of the track has changed.

[@PopcornWalter]

yes, I found it also. I only use the pitchslider for the tempo

[@ninjamutchynew7114]

Same

[@honeybee591]

oooh ty ok i get it now tysm for saying that

[@absolutehonda]

turning 50 nxt month, started to learn how to DJ & Play drumms - from last week,..... 45 days to go ...... Nice VDO , cheers

[@josephchiorazzi8276]

discovered djing a few months back and I'm obsessed! I've started to practice seriously and my plan is to play in a club!

[@matthewturner8950]

All the best bro !

[@imaFly1234]

How did you go Joseph?

[@jw.b.6049]

I'm 45 years old and just bought myself a pioneer DJ set. I am taking classes with DJs at a music school, but this video has helped me immensely since I can go back to things I didn't get the first time around. Thank you very much

[@brittonbrittonjr8796]

you got classes in a music school..? datz wassup my man ))

[@ultrapaiva]

Wow. This is the most direct and straightforward beginner’s tutorial I’ve watched so far. Not trying to sound more complex or black magic just to flex. Well done.

[@LeahEJayCee]

Thank you for making this so simple to understand :) You helped me grasp the basics of mixing & I've been non stop since!

[@darkstepwarrior88]

killer production my man. very good lighting with clear explenations. also the after effects visual are very clean.

[@twylaprice512]

Great teaching Ben! Thank you for keeping your personality involved and getting excited! You make a great teacher.

[@joelhuston9430]

This is genuinely the best beginner DJ tutorial I've seen. Thank you!

[@citrix123]

Blown away by the simplicity you have brought into this, fantastic training, I honestly can't remember the last time in enjoyed a tutorial such as this

[@user-sc2bt1du1c]

This is the best tutorial for beginners I’ve found so far! You’ve made it simple which is really helpful when there’s so much to learn all at once.

[@dripcode2600]

That low flip is key! Thanks for sharing that! This is the best intro - I've watched so far.

[@nitinsrivastava1960]

Thanks Ben for the tutorial. Feeling inspired from what you said about your experience. I will be approaching you for help

[@Marky_Trance]

That’s a brilliant lesson. Thank you. I’m doing this over and over til I get it right 🙌

[@NEWNATURE777]

Great introduction, thank for your support to the DJ community 😃

[@sexxyayon]

This was very help, and allowed me to get over some of the intimidation with using a dj controller. Thank you for your help.

[@kathrynjones7358]

This tutorial was great! Thanks for breaking it down so well. You did a brilliant job and greatly appreciate it. I'm off to look at your other lessons now 😊

[@xopatrizia]

this is the best video ive ever seen! Ive seen many vidoes, but nobody explains it as well as you. Youre such a nice, calm teacher. I learned a lot from your tutorial. I think, I will also buy your online course. Thx man

[@CarmitaSmiles]

This is a great introduction. The timing where I should up the bass and intro of the second song is definitely intimidating. Much grateful for the lesson!

[@danielpedersen1688]

I've been DJ / Producing for 7 years but still enjoy watching this!!! just stumbled across your video @Ben Rainey amazing!!!

[@kmoreland3413]

Ben you're awesome at this man! LOVE watching you. It's so frustrating to learn this but your tutorials are brilliant. Nice one x

[@splashdropz9239]

I'm beginning to learn how to DJ properly and this was by far the most helpful video. Thanks a lot fam!

[@halfmiledigital2104]

Fantastic! Honestly one of the best online tutors I've ever seen for any subject.

[@honestjoe7940]

5 Mins in and this guy is a diamond in the ruff, actually wants to teach. Well worth watching (Thank you for being so kind firstly with your knowledge and secondly decent) enough to NOT(create a filler tutorial on a go slow for money,) but actually create something, others can learn from. It's appreciated!

[@LatiNoble]

One of the best tutorials I’ve seen. I’ve rarely seen djs teaching the “bass flip transition” and counting beats and bars. I really appreciate the enthusiasm and energy. It shows your passion and makes the video really fun to watch. Thanks.

[@CalvinOnTwitch]

I've watched about 4 other videos before making it to this one. And I think your video is BY FAR the BEST for beginners. You broke down how everything works, and I didn't feel like I had to look up what certain things meant or needed info beforehand. I bought the Pioneer DDJ-REV1 and you've encouraged me to figure this thing out! This video should be at the top of the algorithm! Thanks!

[@colinh3460]

Ben, great video. Crisp, clear, and very easily understandable from a beginners perspective. Coming from someone looking at the 400 as a first purchase...and watching lots of “beginner” dj vids right now...that’s prob the best one I’ve seen so far. Please keep them coming!

[@marierelax]

👍

[@gemmaturner5828]

Wicked! Had mine a few weeks and felt proper pants as I couldn't get it. I have watched so many videos and have been spaced out. Found your teaching method straight to the point. First time I have understood the twisty fun nobs woopwoop!!

[@rhemaluckie5300]

Thanks Ben, my 16 year old son and I really appreciate your heart to take time out of your busy schedule to teach others. All the way from Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific. ❤️🇵🇬

[@smithmuh]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks man !

[@bul1yy]

By far the best tutorial I’ve found, thanks man!

[@LadySevereGenerator]

I've been searching for a video like this. So clear and easy to follow. Gratitude for sharing in a such a smooth way!

[@dboy6735]

Love this bro really broke it down all in depth each thing!! Really good tutorial mate!! Thanks so much 🤌🏻

[@bushtucker66]

Clear and concise. Outstanding.🤘

[@SJTech1001]

Great video, such an easy style of explaining everything. Thanks Ben 👍

[@tanyadickey3784]

LEGEND!!! thanks for the lesson and thanks for the free download. much appreciated x

[@linaletra8434]

My very first mix thanks to this video :) 🙌 I just couldn’t stop 😱 👌

[@petetheweed7428]

Great job man, very useful and great tips and tricks. I really appreciate it 😎

[@raplex2476]

Thank you! Simple and straight to the point!

[@krissokaro6230]

I have gotten my twins involved in music and I got them the music station already and they are under the tutelage of a good dj. This tutorial you gave here is a blessing. Thank you so much for this.

[@Flightcoach]

Awesome video! I used to spin vinyl at clubs 20 years ago. Got out of djing professionally but want to get back in now I turned 40 heheh. I miss it. But man so much has changed. It all looks so easy now!

[@keibrown6170]

Thanks so much for this Ben! My DDJ 400 only came a few days ago and my mixing was not great. I feel much more confident after watching your video, especially now I understand what each section of the decks do 👌🏽❤

[@DJBillionator]

Word?!?! You should learn music 101.... the rest comes with understanding music. Not the methods of performance.....

[@babynieve9612]

Help me out where did you buy your DDJ 400 at? Can't find one

[@beatsmadesimple]

@@babynieve9612 don't go for the DDJ 400 its now going out of production get the new FLAX4 its replacement loads of amazing new features!

[@babynieve9612]

@@beatsmadesimple thanks man 👍 no wonder I can't find the ddj 400

[@DanielEstrada-nr1pb]

Best tutorial on KZbin so far! Going to checkout the rest of your videos!

[@JonesDankwa]

This tutorial was great and amazing! Thanks so much for breaking it down so nice.

[@steveclarke4041]

Cheers dude.. loads of help. Just doing it fo fun t home and my kid media studies... Love my music and an old Ministry boy/..... Keep up the posts :)

[@krunowien3214]

Tnx very much 👌👌👌 That's the best video for beginners I did ever see 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌 Was struggling whole day with DDJ 400,til I hit your video m8. 😀😀😀

[@Userrrrrr_rr]

Got into DJing recently and now i’m starting to put 100% my all into it. Not just as a hobby but defo something i’d want to do full time in the future. Hopefully i’ll get there 1 day 😊

[@cjsbesttv2963]

Thanks Man. This saves me a lot of practice time. Thanks for heartedly sharing your thoughts about it.

[@alilredsugar]

Ben this was a awesome tutorial, thank you. I am subscribing!!

[@KiddSisco]

just bought this exact deck and am SUPER interested in becoming a DJ myself. this video was excellent and you broke down things really well. i haven't even opened the deck yet but i already feel confident what is going on on it after watching this!

[@MeowTime24]

Yo how are you doing? I have my ddj400 coming in later this week I cant wait

[@KiddSisco]

@@MeowTime24 hey! i've been tinkering with the controller for a couple days. i'm still a newbie like crazy but just getting on it and messing with the music i love to listen to has already helped me understand the deck a bit more. i highly suggest just sitting in front of it with your music going that you like and just messing with the different effects and mixers. it has helped me feel more comfortable with learning everything. i still have a long way to go though! lol. hope you enjoy the controller!

[@DJMonee727]

YOU EXPLAIN EVERYTHING PERFECTLY !!! THANK YOU !!!

[@Assaulttroop]

Always been something that I’ve been meaning to do, so let’s do this. Thanks Ben 🤙

[@djdannyk8335]

Could maybe teach the viewers about song structure for better transitions, beats/bars/phrases/keys. Getting your head around the equipment and the basic mix in and out only take a little bit of practice, understanding the music more takes longer.

[@benraineydj]

Great idea.. That's coming next!

[@downunderdog]

I've been keen to get into mixing for so long and I'm finally just getting round to it , this video was really helpful, I finally understand how it works, thanks

[@romeomeoful]

Hey mate do you live in london by any chance?

[@downunderdog]

Nah I don't

[@drt8990]

Absolutely superb tutorial. Thank you!

[@theluckyproject8044]

EDIT: searched the comments and found the link for the laptop stand, thanks Ben! Great tutorial, your genuineness is persuasive

[@judefrith6265]

Great video mate! I have a passion for house, techno & DnB music and love seeing live DJ sets as you hear some mixes that are totally unique and out of this world. I have always wanted to learn how to DJ but am scared of the technicals and how the equipment works. You broke it down and made it very easy to understand. Just ordered a DDJ-400 starter kit & will definitely check out more of your vids when it arrives. Keep up the good work , love from the Bristol massive 👊🤟

[@leojohannes9257]

So how did it go? Still enjoying your kit? : )

[@MAIE8136]

After watching this intro, I bought his proper tutorial and he explains everything in a very easy way. If you are looking for beginners level, you should take his complete tutorial ... it is definitely fun !

[@benraineydj]

Thanks man! Really appreciate it!

[@kendramcleod6492]

where can I access the paid course please?

[@o6fade800]

I took dj school as an after school thing and I didn’t learn anything. I only remember what I already know from watching other djs. This is the first time I actually understand everything😂

[@salcast1953]

Great video. Very helpful and detailed . Congrats!

[@teresalove1436]

Bless up brethren... bes entry-level vid mi see pon Pioneer DDJ 400! Respect!

[@benraineydj]

Haha bless!

[@andreshernandez4642]

Great video Ben ! Now I want to learn more to play at home in the family parties, thanks man ! This is awesome ! 😉🎶🎶👍

[@romeomeoful]

Hey mate do you live in London by any chance?

[@petecrouch8277]

So its my 54th birthday tomorrow, and my wife has bought me the gift I wanted which is the new Pioneer FLx4 and I am not allowed to play with it until tomorrow, but having watched a couple of your tutorials I cannot wait to get stuck in. As a child of the 80's/90's dance music has been a big part of my growing up, and when I finally do grow up I think I might be a DJ...here goes!

[@DJNanzee]

Excellent video and clear explanation with visual is perfect for my learning style - am gonna try the flip bass transition tomorrow as it is not my normal way of mixing - love your vibe - peace out!!

[@petersalvador9298]

Nice video. Great explanation, as a DJ watching this video pretending to be a noob, I can really follow your instructions I love how you're explaining using your volume controls and fade controls. I use fade left and right and keep both volume controls at top when I mix, but thats just the way I was taught. Great video, stand up, I like how you're teaching bringing and cutting bass while you are mixing tracks together, or cutting mids and highs. If I was a beginner and followed your instructions, I could start to mix. I also like how you were saying don't rely on the screen use your ears. It's a lost art forum. I wish I could teach more people how to do it.

[@miles4816]

Who taught yoy DJ?

[@djfrostbyte13]

I also learned to DJ on vinyl... a time before digital BPM readouts and then wav form display with quantization. I learned to trust me ear and that rapid up and down of the pitch fader until yours beats were in sync. This is when mixing in key was damn near impossible unless you planned everything out perfectly. I had my vinyl organized by BPM and it was only through practice and knowing my music perfectly that I was able to mix in key. Honestly, I feel like some of the modern technology has made it harder. One thing i will say is it allows the DJ to spend a lot more time ENJOYING what he/she is doing and that is amazing.

[@benraineydj]

Hope you guys find this video useful! I want to help as many people as possible learn how to DJ so drop me some suggestions below on what you want me to teach next.. 👇🏻

[@joysticgaming5437]

this was really helpful, just need to get a DJ set now lol

[@benraineydj]

@@joysticgaming5437 thankyou good luck!

[@mat2y]

Creative house mixing techniques!!

[@rjgowrie]

@@benraineydj all I can find is a link to your Soundcloud. Where can I find the music pack please? Ps great video! Cheers!

[@dylancomerford6219]

This has beena great help as i am purchasing my Pioneer DDJ-400 and Speakers tomorrow. I've had great experiecnce with creating tracks,but always knew and always wanted to step my game up, I think mixing is how i will step it up. BTW I LOVE THE MIXES ON SOUNDCLOUD!!!

[@maheshjerkin1072]

Just bought this for my sister as she wants to start learning to dj , will show her this video ,. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@hillarycourchaine6829]

I've been a drummer for 2 years and a bass player for 7 months . But recently I talked to a guy who does dj ing named Steve and is going to give me loop apps to have on a Mac computer . If I want to I could always buy one but they're kinda expensive but worth it. I love experiencing and looping songs it sounds amazing and plus becoming a DJ sounds awesome.

[@rizzo2864]

Nice one Ben - I do like that transition technique! The questing is - how long will it take to master it :) Just got a DDJ 400 so better get on start practicing... Thanks a lot for this tutorial!

[@davewhite2390]

cracking video Ben 👍

[@anthonywelton5137]

I've just got myself a pioneer xdj rx3 was using sx2 before I've never watched a video before and kind of self taught myself This video is brilliant I've kind of been doing what you show in the video but not using the EQ buttons this video is so helpful Thankyou

[@antonneremie9772]

Thank you Ben, i learned a lot from you in that lesson.

[@damelos4039]

VERY VERY useful! Thanks man.

[@benraineydj]

Thankyou!

[@douglasj5489]

Class stuff, ddj400s arriving today!

[@benraineydj]

Good luck

[@jopaysalentes8555]

Man thankyou for this I will pursue my passion on DJing thankyou you're so informative 💯

[@Caytronyx]

Thank you! This was so helpful and I feel like I got a lot out of it. Thanks for sharing the knowledge, brother!!

[@martinhughes9720]

Hi can you add the link for the music package please so I can practice I can’t see it in the comments , great starter video by the way really good

[@EnarcMail]

This is superb Ben. Perfect for me just looking to start out. What would be you recommendation for decks & software? I was looking at Traktor with DJ pro by Algoriddm but I’m just getting confused!

[@gnarlycharlie80]

What a lovely bloke... beautifully executed and explained...

[@moalam1172]

This guy is so down to earth and educational

[@NovaTrains]

Could you use the flip technique on professional dj mixers such as the djm-900 and all 4 channel mixers?

[@alexandraimani888]

I'm so happy you said "if any of you guys and GIRLS..." Many of the videos I watched didn't even consider the girls that might be watching

[@lauderdale77]

Best one I’ve seen. Appreciated

[@josmyth5579]

Hi Ben, Thank you for this brill video. This has been a long time coming and lockdown has now given me the chance to bring a dream into reality (we hope!!!!) Thank you for the music too, here we g-g-g-g-g-o!

[@razorian100]

So small story short you use the headphones, to silently hear the track that the crowd cannot listen to so you can make adjustments to prepare for mixing both

[@Dswanky]

I literally bought this controller 2 days ago, it isn't even here yet. Then this video pops up in my recommended videos

[@Dswanky]

Update, might sell. These tutorials aren't really the best. I don't need to know why, i need to know how to make things work and its just way too complicated. Rekordbox is also challenging in itself

[@xLuvandkisses101x]

This is a fantastic tutorial, thank you!

[@Thestrager2383]

Best video !! Thank you so much dude! You've helped so much 🙏❤❤

[@jaydenwinslow1849]

I got the ddj400 for my bday and a bunch if other DJ equipment

[@iraiva6746]

Congo brother

[@vinsamson8061]

Ben this is a superb video infact the best one I’ve found for beginners to be honest! What a great guy you are to pass this knowledge on and give some of your tracks also for our use! I’m a musician already half my week and play several instruments and sing live etc but I’m getting into playing Live Loops and using fx with but now wanting to progress to dj sets also! Thanks fella great stuff I’m subscribing 🤘Regards Vin

[@vinsamson8061]

Just bought a virtually new Flx 4 very cheap so on the way thanks again Ben🤘

[@clayb8919]

Mate great video. Has given me confidence to get a DDJ400 and have some fun. Really good explanations. Thanks👏

[@marksutton5382]

After not djing for almost 20 years l had stratch l need to itch,not a intentional joke their,things have moved on alot since vinyl and 1210's so shout out to Ben for breaking down what seemed a lot to take on board,good work mate.

[@Cell379]

that broken volume fader is triggering me :D

[@benraineydj]

Haha I break everything!

[@woodgrainproductions]

Me too bro! 😂

[@djanthonyrap8222]

I think for beginners DJ should Denon DJ prime GO because its portable to travel and you just need 2 decks to start with first

[@benraineydj]

I hear you but most people teach on DDJ 400, both amazing decks!

[@joannastrzelecki1637]

thank u for your easy way to explained tips and tricks so far ur my fav ,,,and learnt the most important basic tips in a logical and suitable order for me thanks so much