DJ Tutorial. How to construct a set that will stand out. Two tunes always in the mix!

[@ellaskins]

@theinuitjoe we all have haters in our lives, best we just let them be and get on with hating.. let us do the GOOD in the World!

[@GETMESAINK]

You taught me how to beatmatch, mix and everything more !.. and now I'm playing at ministry of sound London in June.. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! Thanks!

[@happystudio1]

i dont agree that if youre away from the decks for a second your not doing it properly...that sounds like absolute rubbish in my ears

[@trancepower1205]

Shit man i thought that lamp was a bong with the amount of coughing going on! 🤣 Love your videos bro!

[@farhadchaudhry]

What drugs is this guy on? .....

[@PBMuzik]

"Record your mix" on video! and watch it! So simplistic! So smart Johnathan!! So glad I have you!

[@cabaiste]

"tripod on the camera"- I think you just came up with a new album name there.

[@shakerpenguin]

***** best comment ever +++

[@BaertXavier]

constructing a set !? i thought to have heared constructing a HAT ! lol

[@ellaskins]

@mcluuvnnn to match up the keys can mean eather they are the same or that the keys will work well together.

[@ellaskins]

@arokgod agree, sometimes its best to keep the mix RAW with NO FX!

[@chriskerr13]

You're the man Jon. Honestly.

[@ellaskins]

@camilledevalk this will come with time and practise.

[@CHRISTOPHERSTEWARTHAIRDRESSING]

i think its from very smart dj companys > due to the fact that the videos are so in depth, and have such a large audience . i think they would give him the gear to use properly in the videos etc while he is using the gear people buy it etc so its the cheapest from of advertising and live demonstration all rolled into one and all they have to do is hand over gear that costs loads to buy and very little to make..... probably

[@FannyLerouxTime]

Thing is, with stuff like this, its all about being creative and doing what works for you. If tv wasnt creative, we wouldnt have great shows, they'd all be crap. People (most people) practise hard before putting their stuff on tv, and its hit or miss. Same with the world of djing. Always practise (n enjoy) before putting your stuff out there. Make sure you are happy with it, then go and do it. Dont always follow what other dj's are doing either, do your own thing :)

[@SeanfromSydney]

a) who cares. his dad could have been a millionare for all we know b) more likely: notice he is wearing a djkit.com tshirt? for a guy with this many great videos for NEW djs that are likely looking to buy their first equipment companies would be mad not to be sponsoring all his gear

[@CameronHeard]

Do you live in a club x)

[@93NikoX]

5000euro Gear and so much work to keep up runing 2 tracks together.. I got DDJ T1 and TRAKTOR PRO 2 and its easy as hell with sync...i can keep even 4 together all the time..thats the power on sync i know ´´ all hater sync´´ blabla but if I have the technology to do simply beatmatching for me..i can concentrate on effects and planing my set in that time ! and WATCH THE CROWD !

[@branscombe_]

You probably get soooo many messages, and wont respond, but HOW DO YOU make your mix STAND OUT if people in the crowd, or "judges", never heard the songs you are playing before.. Some people can tell 2 songs areplaying, some cant.

[@TheWaynelds]

@camilledevalk what kind of cd decks do you have? The jog wheel can be used to nudge the song into phase, the same with a turntable, you nudge or tap the record to quickly speed it up or slow it down so it goes back in sync with the other track.

[@Hirozama]

The mixer (DJM-2000) cost around 2300£ and the whole set (DJM-2000 & 2 CDJ-2000) goes for like 6800£ I think. I would not recomend this DJ set for a beginner tho. These toys are pretty expensive.

[@mjovanovic1905]

Hey i just started djing and i don't know anything about music, so could you explane what are keys and which keys work well together. I know it's a stupid question but i really need the answer.

[@Tester2244]

A quick Tip: Mixing like this will work out only for about 20 mins or as your final stage of progression if you wish to maintain dynamics. Do not over-do FX because people will hate you for ruining their favorite part or breakdown in the song. (Breakdowns are meant for a reason like that, no need to put extra). And if you think you can take it to a higher level, shift subgenres in main genre. For example House-garage-deep-tech-two step etc. Have fun :) And DON'T play commercial music!!!! EVER.

[@DD-sw1dd]

Great vid man. Really gave me a new method of constructing a decent playlist. I use various methods that chgs depending on what works best for me at that particular time. I also don't generally make a "set in stone" playlist....more like an arrangement of tunes I want to play and go from their. Sometimes I'll get the DJ equivalent of "writers block".....usually the only way I can break out of it is by creating my playlist in a more visual way. This was of great help! Thanks man!

[@markanthonyheckles]

DJing is all about planning ...the construction of a good set that starts off tame and builds towards a climax is essential is a must .. think of a set as a journey ..with a start ..a middle ..and the end .. play the full tracks first get to know them ..knowing the structure of each track is a good way to help build a good mix... always make sure you keep them in time ..nothing worse than two track going out of time..or 'ping-ponging' as i like to call it ..most of all enjoying mixing :)

[@BamaDan78]

Always enjoy your videos! I know you make a point to emphasize that things aren't quite running smoothly because you're trying to INSTRUCT how to do that while actually doing it...however, I think it's a good idea to at least do things once just slightly out of sync so we mere learners can hear that the two/three/25 songs are separate and see how well they sound together once they're synced...same when teaching crossfading, beatmatching, etc. :-)

[@Swindel67]

..not then, keep it in time with jog wheel and bring it up to +1.60..keep doing this until u get to the point where u leave it and it stays in time. There u go, u just beatmatched without knowing the bpm, this has probs made no sense at all but it makes sense to me! And you commented 5 months ago, so im guessing you know what to do by now! Hopefully this will help someone else, if the can comprehend the drivel ive typed.

[@Swindel67]

..hear a thing called phazing" which helps cos when u start hearing it, you are getting close to the beats being matched) then that tells you, u need to speed the pitch up. I like to work the jog wheel to keep the beats in time while slowly speeding up the pitch, bring it up by 1 beat which is always "+0.80" so for eg if you bring it up by 2 beats it would say "+1.60" etc. so to start with just keep it in time with jog wheel and bring the pitch up by 0.80, wait and see if it stays in time if n..

[@Swindel67]

got my decks about 2-3 months ago man and quite recently the things you mentioned just click all of a sudden. Try practising with two of the same track (no drastic difference in sound and they are the same bpm), hide the bpm counter then change the pitch on the live track. And in the headphones turn the platter either way to see if the track needs sped up or slowed down. For example, you speed it up and start hearing the beats falling into place ( if you are using 2 of the same track you will ..

[@eddiemperor]

...And i know a good mix is a Mix In Key, so instead of changing the pitch of the tracks I rather find tracks that are originally in the same key as the others, when i listen to a track for the first time and for instance i know it's in C minor and it's melodies and bass are in the C minor, so when the pitch is changed the track completely changes it's "Mood" to me and that is Really Really Annoying, like I said I know the crowd cannot tell one bit difference but it's really annoying.

[@eddiemperor]

I have a little problem...When I make a setlist i always choose songs that are in the same key for example the first six tracks might all be originally in A Minor then i will change the mood a bit with the next six in D Minor Etc. I always disable the pitch controls I just beatmatch, the reason is because when I change the pitch of a track IS NOT the same track anymore!! to me and it's annoying i know the crowd cannot tell, but to me A minor and for Instance C Minor are two completely different!

[@vintagemahogany]

I usually plan my sets around different keys. When modulating keys it is useful to use the circle of fifths. Generally, two songs will sound good if they are in the same key, and sometimes a fourth or fifth away. Otherwise you may not want to have two different tracks playing at the same time. That said, it also really depends on the specific song (chord patterns, etc). If you don't have the musical knowledge, just use your ears and you'll be fine.

[@jfmafx]

Silence! This is the most important thing that helps me to construct my set. When I hear silence, my mind is more flexible to construct sounds that are in my mind. Silence doesn't disturb my creativity. Unfortunately few years ago I started to listen a lot of mp3s on my mp3 player on headphones (during riding to work, during running) and since then I lost many good ideas how to construct my new sets.

[@vintagemahogany]

@mcluuvnnn Just from experience the keys listed on Beatport aren't very accurate. Maybe 20% of the key listings I found were wrong. Software that detects keys aren't perfect either. I find its best to just slog away with a keyboard a guitar to figure out keys. If you're not a musician, make note of which songs sound good together and make groupings.

[@camilledevalk]

Great video! I only have one question. I have two CD-players with BMP counter, but if they aren't started exactly the same time, you can make them match, how. I cannot do that, and you just with the pitch fader. For example I cannot hear immediately which track is faster and which is slower. Is this just part of the 'practice and enjoy' thing? Haha!

[@XBlade316]

@mcluuvnnn I thought I might help answering that question. If you have tracks with the same key, they will work better BUT you can use different keys. In that case, you have to look at the harmonic scale and start to learn music theory to understand if they can work, or there are even programs that can help you set up your mix, like Mixed in Key.

[@DjBenno187]

So I am watching this thinking... so this is somthing I have allways done naturaly!!! BUT then you come along and BAM!!! You blow my mind in how you construct your....Like you hage given me a Magnifying_glass or more so a Micro-scope!!!! Love your work!!! NICE ONE BRUVVAAA!!! :)

[@FrAnKWGS]

I don't particuarly like the idea of practicing a 'mix' or having a game plan as such. It takes away the spontaneous element in a DJ set and prevents DJ's to think on the spot as to what track will compliment and fit with another track, which is a skill in itself.

[@DJDolven]

@DfuckmeimfamousG The key is the tone of the tune. When two songs are the same key, they are like the same tone. But you can also have different keys that work together. An example: If you have an instrument, and play fist note C, and then note G they work together. Add the note E and you have C chord.

[@MrJiibbo]

Hi! You have probably have been asked this question a million times. But I just wonder.. What would you recomend for gear for a beginner? I don't have that much money either so that I can afford the most expensive gear.. Please answer :)

[@brobdj]

You really should stop moving around so much with the camera; it's very annoying to watch and after a minute I gave up on this tutorial, even though it may be good. And please quit the patter and just get to the point of what you really want to say.

[@DJMaksymum]

when you chose a hotcue to have the same amount of bars in both tracks in lets say the falling action of the song. do you actually count EVERY bar to be spot on? that seems like a huuuggeee amount of preparation! you are a great teacher man (Y) thanks!

[@cromulentcorncommander]

Seriously? Who would actually dislike this? What need is there for that? I just cannot understand what exactly would cause someone to be peeved at this? Or really any other of J's videos. Meh whatever, Apparently they don't like to practice and enjoy :3

[@mcluuvnnn]

@SpazzJazzy Well some musicians can pick it up by ear(unfortunately im not on that level yet) or some programs automatically do it for you. If you really need it, Beatport lists all of the keys of the songs on their site also.

[@firemanslick]

Dude have to say your way of teaching is awesome hahahaha better than listening to some monotone dude with no explination. noob mixer here hoping to learn a thing or 2, right after i do the dishes tho

[@skv0ra]

And a friend of mine told me, when I was more or less doing the same thing- DJing isn't about planning, just play the music. Glad I was actually right with my method as far as serious quality mixes go.

[@THOMAS72272]

Great video!! I have slowly become addicted to your video series. Being new to the world of Djing, I have a long way to go. In the words of your fellow countrymen, it shall be a bloody fun ride, I hope.

[@byouno93]

@mcluuvnnn essentially with what ellaskins said, it can be with keys that work well. Specifically, try to use keys that are either the same, a fourth up, a fifth up or in the relative minor or major.

[@theillestboYee]

J has been doing vids for 4+ years and he is STILL making A+ quality videos like this one. A true inspiration.

[@lazerrazor7905]

That's why i like midi control cause no mistakes when keeping the timing when syncing 2 songs together. Plus I,m a perfectionist and i don't like making mistakes when i do something.

[@ThePolishGuy10]

Thanks for the tip, I've been thinking about messing with stuff like this but you showed me to actually do it with more than 2 tracks. Keep up the good work, and keep on being funny =D

[@Nathan20XX]

Not gonna lie..lmao I totally forgot my clothes in the washing machine thank you for reminding me! and thank you for teaching me something new!!!!! I love all your videos your my hero! :)

[@Noname7401]

i am not a dj but i still watch this it still helps me make music, we have to push dj-ing a more we can't stick to basic mixing i understand we can be lazy mixing all the time

[@mikecullen2008]

Absolutely love these videos, although I'm not a mix DJ, I enjoy the humor, especially the "Hotpoint" reference I thought that was class! BIG UP from Newcastle Upon Tyne!

[@IOWPCV]

Great Vid as always , but effects Can be over rated always makes me laugh people who over do the Mix ,sometimes less is More and Visa Versa , its all about finding that .

[@buddafingaz9403]

Very interesting video DJ Ellaskins, I'll be back for this one later, hope all is well my friend.... 🔥💯👍💪🙏🎶🌎

[@mcluuvnnn]

Noob question: when you match up the keys, that means they both absolutely HAVE to be the same key, or can they be slightly different(and if they can, how so)?

[@listentoATB]

im terrible at that too camille. its all about ear training and you will eventually be able to train your ears to do it. i just recently started DJing!

[@TheCrunchymango]

Dude this tells me to stay outta wales as the sheep are mutants and as big as the shops...........risky stuff lol.....all the very best,TCM !!!

[@gogytkd]

I always come back to your tutorials even though I am now able to pull off decent trance set with traktor 2 and behringer 3000 controler :D

[@terists]

if you do a google search you should be able to find some kind of free(-ish) program that will record all audio from the general sound card output

[@RichardSpoelstra]

Really, it's more easy to just take 3 players and always keep 2 songs in the mix. Gives you more time to match, and sounds awesome to.

[@cromulentcorncommander]

@ellaskins Well said man, Well said. We know it's better to sit down and try to gain the best from life instead of hating and bitching.

[@cjsmitzer]

There was a south african DJ at the BPM Gemini competition that could learn a lot from this video;)

[@yesyes952]

i have a numark v7 with serato itch, and it doesnt record with the software, what program can i use to record my sets?

[@NLGentleMel]

@ellaskins this is so true, i am experiencing this problem right now too, the only cure is practice practise practise

[@2shei]

it seems like it would be uncomfortable. i wonder if you could wear one of those messenger hats with headphones

[@lbourgoin1]

Can I like ALL THE VIDEOS!! at once?! You are a blast to watch, and very fun to learn with :) Cheers mate :)

[@SpazzJazzy]

@mcluuvnnn I was wondering that too. and how do you find out what key a song is in?

[@cassionanet]

Dude you should open a DJ school, you are very good teacher... I can learn a lot with this video.

[@krullbulle2]

I'm Honestly very jealous! I love ministry and i've been there and planning on more trips there!

[@benhewitt97]

I love your music and enthusiasm, but 50% of the reason i watch your vids are for the hats =D

[@LukeDeLargee]

LOLZORD! errr im goner play that track then im goner wait 5 years and play this track! lol

[@MikeeYork]

What pioneer table is that ? Could some one inbox me please, if they know ?

[@Brainspilla]

Love this guy, but he's totally been sniffing before filming this video...

[@SlayerDarkRaver]

I love your hats :) And thanks for the video with the cars explaining beatmatching :)

[@MrMusicMan95]

you, sir, just earned yourself another sub. keep it up man that was fucking awesome

[@MrHARDtaHANDLE1]

it feels like im sitting in on a professors lecture....set theroy 101 lol, i like it

[@saumijoon]

WOW. You are awesome. PLEASE keep making videos. They've been a huge inspiration.

[@HemoManiacGaming]

this dude continues to give me his great wisdom. im all over his vids

[@negroDeJota]

can you same the song u used on deck b please ? :) good work btw keep on going

[@PBMuzik]

@imani793 To beatmatch the next song in the mix. Adjusting the tempo as needed.

[@deeptechh]

He is 101% natural and therefore I fully support his work! Practice and enjoy

[@TheStwet]

cant fin the very first song. can you share the link. its a remix of it

[@DJDolven]

This is when it suck with players that doesn't have hot cue points ...

[@s4njosesh4rk]

I lost track of how many dj stuff you show on your vids...

[@alexuztu90]

i'm a dj and your vids helped me! now i can say that i'm a good dj!

[@matthew8rs125]

What's with the sheep on the map? Hmm are you welsh, lol. Great vids.

[@djthunderkat]

great video man, im a hiphop dj but the same rules apply basically

[@liverpoolkyran338]

this is amazing, could you do something with the ddj ergo please?

[@karlaugustgrnvaldt2021]

Is it just me, or did he say "i''ll put the tripod on the camera"?

[@christso9240]

how many fucking decks mixers turntables etc have you?????????????

[@imani793]

I don't really understand why you need headphones when people mix?

[@djdescent]

I would like too see your polished version of this type of set....

[@theillestboYee]

J, no chocolate celebration for 3,000 videos?!

[@ThirstyFou]

Done that So many times. Man that was awesome... WTF did i play

[@nicolavision]

Can you make a video of how you've built your your dj furniture?

[@link19013]

thank you for doing your vids keep them going good STUFF!! lol

[@smokejc]

Jesus, a DJM-2000. that thing's expensive as hell.

[@anthonytausig6820]

what is the model and deck you got there? I want to buy one!

[@branscombe_]

finger nail polish or did you slam your thumb :(