Fundamentals of Mixing for Beginners

Mixing is THE most important technique a DJ can acquire. For beginners who're struggling with this basic approach to playing music, here's a little video I put together I think you might find helpful. Below, I wrote out all the steps too. Good luck!
Fundamentals of Mixing for Beginners:
Step 1 - Cue the beginning of the next song in your headphones and manually locate the "1" (i.e., Down Beat or first KICK).
Step 2 - Drop the "1" of the new song where the "1" starts of the song playing outside of the speakers. Again, this is all happening in your headphones for now.
Step 3 - Decide if the song playing in your headphones is slower or faster than the song playing outside of the speakers by listening to the SNARES. If the SNARES in your headphones land after the SNARES of the song your audience is listening to, the song in your headphones is too slow. If the SNARES in your headphones land before the SNARES of the song your audience is listening to, the song in your headphones is too fast. The goal is for both SNARES to land at exactly the same time.
Step 4a - If the song you've cued up in your headphones is slower, speed up the turntable's pitch control by one notch. So if the pitch is at 0, move it to +1. Go back to the start point. Cue up the "1" and drop it on the "1" again and listen. If it's still too slow, move the pitch to +2 and so on and so forth. This method allows you to reduce the gap between the speeds of song A & B incrementally until they're exactly the same.
Step 4b - If the song you've cued up in your headphones is faster, slow down the turntable's pitch control by one notch. So it it's at 0, move it to -1. Go back to the start point. Cue up the "1" and drop it on the "1" again and listen. If it's still too fast, move the pitch to -2 and so on and so forth. Again, your reducing the gap between the speeds of song A&B incrementally until they're exactly the same.
GET IT?
GOT IT?
GOOD LUCK!

[@deelux5519]

I'm a professional musician....let me just say to prospective DJ's....THIS guy is a good teacher, he KNOWS what he's talking about, I've seen more than a few "D.J's" who don't have a clue, this guy isn't one of those. I don't know the guy, I just watched this video for the hell of it, but this guy is legit.

[@dj_dezeo]

Big facts. Musician and DJ here. There’s a lot of DJs out there. Aside from preparing in advance, knowing their genres and creating a relationship with their tracks, what separates the professionals from the basic ones are those that learn the basics of music theory and know how to mix in key. This way you have the power to alter the mood and go up and down the whole circle of fifths. It’s like telling a story.

[@user-sx9xz9ov9u]

In 2023 the fundamental are still the same

[@andyjett]

Nice to see right channel knob cap missing on the mixer which totally doesn't interfere with mixing process! Real punk rock attitude!

[@Ceee_400]

3:30am and i have to wake up in 2 hours for work. Do not regret binge watching your vids at all! Itching to play once i get off work now!!

[@iangillon6981]

Fuckin Brilliant :)

[@zip9509]

Dude, your teacher is one of the best DJ´s from oldschool era. Pay attention. He´s a fokin LEGEND.

[@whynotanyting]

Luckily for him (and us) the session was recorded

[@U2BROTHR]

Great teaching. As a techno and tech-house guy, we are known to have mixes go even longer...... lots of overlap... which means constant adjustments during a mix......Continually adjusting....ever so slightly... Great video showing what is happening in the headphones....

[@djbobbyd3985]

Rob, I just want to say that this video made mixing by ear a lot easier for me. I just wanted to thank you for helping me and I'm sure many others out. Peace Brother....

[@robswift1551]

I love and appreciate you taking the time to write me this. Thank you Bobby!

[@biggdrake]

Finally someone mentions the importance of the snare with mixing. The snare always had to match the snare on the other song. A busy drum with lots of notes and one with little notes can blend if the the snares hit at the same point. Once DJs get that it they are able to blend songs together quickly. 👍

[@chrismay4861]

I've watched pretty much every youtube video on beatmatching/mixing techniques and have to say this is the best/simplest explanation for someone just starting out. No where else have I heard the tip to isolate the sounds of the snares which seems obvious but for someone starting out is not.

[@djrobswift]

I'm happy you found my tutorial helpful.

[@davidguiney1746]

I'm 42, been clubbing to house music a long time and was always amazed at how they do this. Now after watching this I feel I could invest in a mixer and turn tables and start something. Rob is so damn concise and clear about the steps and makes it look easy and makes you feel like you could easily do it. Damn man.

[@hectorheckler6327]

@Grapthar's Hebrew Hammer I remember my 1st set of turntables. I had Numark turntables, which back in the 90s, weren't initially designed for beat juggling. They started and stopped too slowly. Then I got those technics 1200s. They were kind of expensive for me at that time, but yeah, they were worth it. Every hip hop DJ....or a wannabe like me..... knew those were the turntables they should get.

[@Rex-dk1rx]

The only thing I had a problem with is I wanted to touch the platter straight away and then alter the pitch and then grap plater again to slow it down and then adjust pitch. But the main trick to beat matching is spinning the tune of on time so this vid is really good for beginners. Wish I knew this when I first started I had to suss it out all by myself back in the 90s

[@sawyerthereal]

I have to say , the way you break down every step in your classes, made a night and day difference for me. Your videos are awesome man! I wish I could be in your class!! Thank you so much for sharing this. Respect brother!

[@marianasantosish]

Amazing how clear you are!! Thank you so much for your videos and generosity!! Good teachers are worth gold.

[@Dave-Red]

I'm just about to start out and this video has made so much sense. Now going to practice, practice and practice with these basic steps. Happy.

[@johnbrazelton6130]

Straight GOLD! Exactly the inspiration I needed for the direction of exploring this artform. Mad Respect

[@curtisjohnson3882]

TY for taking the time out to explain what a lot of DJs will not explain to you

[@avemedina]

Well put Swift...one of the best explanation tutorials Ive seen thus far Peace

[@Realmojo23]

Wow man your videos are exactly what ive been looking for. Its been so hard to find someone that is well spoken and understands the true basics.

[@onionpoo]

Wow , thanks man , this is awesome . Just starting out on vinyl and it’s clearer than a lot of videos on here . Respect.

[@WillieMakeit]

Listen to the snares I always thought it was matched my the bass beat. Very neat lesson 👌

[@DjNegi]

Appreciate the great timeless information!!

[@aristsogas1260]

Ok. You just helped me make up my mind after years. I am going to start DJ-ing. Thanks. Greetings from Greece

[@gabriel3236]

These are easily the best tutorials on you tube. I’ve been slightly struggling with Hip-hop mixes and your video about not always dropping on the 1 has been such an eye opener . Thanks Rob. You should do online courses if you don’t already.

[@solidrockmediaproductions645]

Dj Rob you the best, attentive to details and very interested in your students to understand all about djing. Blessings brother

[@2119rocky]

Excellent man best video I have seen yet on mixing

[@hionliferbmusic5643]

I like your vibe man. Thanks for sharing!

[@voncaslu4115]

Man, your explications are so clean and didactic. Thank you! Helps me a lot :)) Watching from Brazil

[@256k_]

i remember when i was young i watched the movie scratch and it changed my life. i was introduced to so much and Rob was one of the people i enjoyed the most watching in that video.

[@cjsocool3307]

I'm 50 now & got back into spinning , I have two Technics SL-1200MKII turntables I recently bought. I spun in the late 79's into the 90's. Old school Hip Hop & House. This tutorial was great. I needed to be reminded to "drop it on the one" is with the snare drum. Thanks for the great lesson. Keep spinning.

[@lafiosca]

Thank you for sharing these incredibly valuable videos.

[@LtDLong]

Thx bro. I just started and I’m learning a lot from these vids

[@realtalk6180]

Professional and very clear 💯

[@cliffpadilla5871]

Great video! A lot of folks don't realize how important it is for a DJ to get the mix done correctly.

[@tomhardy5188]

I have to say; If you can't get the mix - I do love a good boom-bap cut! Rob you are amazing at this!

[@IndigeniousTaino]

You’re a great teacher Rob!🤙🏽

[@MakingMadBeats]

True GEMS 💎 that Rob is droppin' at us ❤️

[@reynan9622]

This Dj teacher teaches his student so good the same exactly what my dj teacher too!great job!i am now deejaying in the club.👍

[@MrBuddy397]

Old school Beat matching I love it keep teaching

[@mrchitown21]

Man i needed this, i want to start to DJ, always wanted to learn.

[@earfortrance3776]

i mix trance and with trance the transitions are about a minute long so getting the bpm correct is a totally different ball game. what you'll find after you've done it for a long time is that the pitch control isn't accurate enough to get it for that amount of time for it to stayed locked in perfectly. so what i do to overcome that is get it locked in quite accurately but make sure it's slightly running in front and before it has time to run out give it a slight dab on the metal platter. it's a very effective way of keeping the bpm locked for long periods of time. and congrats on using vinyl the only way to mix of course

[@hstone0808]

Bro...... thank you!!!! You are a great teacher my bro!!!

[@DjSandy46901]

You are God Gifted in teaching! My respect to u Sir..

[@StaceyARobinson]

Exlxcelllllleeent teaching. Going to practice this.

[@iambobby3537]

Most important thing a DJ can do is pick the right song at the right time. The club responds to the music. Of course a great song can be destroyed by bad mixing but the song come first. Love your videos.

[@santaana4life]

You’re the man. This was an awesome video my g.

[@Steve_Van777]

Great video. Thanks

[@tbraysfan2008]

Great stuff Rob.

[@monsieurlatte4018]

Amazingly explained. Thanks a lot!

[@paulellam6926]

Super helpful video, many thanks, it all made sense!

[@barrywatts803]

I love that opening comment. You need to know how to mix!! I can't beat juggle. I'm not very good at skratching ( bit getting better) but I can mix. Rob swift is a masterclass and knows what he is talking about. Respect Rob. Love all your content really really helps being a better all round DJ

[@djrobswift]

It's the truth!

[@Sebastiaanmatla]

Respect for the instruction, it is very hard to put into words what is very obvious for an experienced professional and you do exactly that with clear and precise explanations. I'm a flight instructor (and amateur DJ) myself and hearing you explain how to mix, how listen to the tracks and ultimately manipulate the controls to achieve a mix is not unlike instructing a student how to properly manipulate controls in an aircraft. Know that you are a natural at both DJ-ing and instructing !

[@erwinchatjaune5313]

Great Dj, great teacher. Thanks Rob Swift

[@robswift1551]

+Herman Pollos You are welcome sir.

[@RaymondReise]

beautiful teaching

[@barrywatts8501]

I dont think I have ever mixed only for 10 second for a transition. Great teacher Rob. I remember just using 2 records I know well and just keep going over it again and again at slightly diffrent speed. Now I guess my brain can just pick out the sounds automatically even if they are 2 tunes I have never heard

[@giselle5596]

Great teacher wish to have one like you

[@tonyerskin9067]

Perfect description 🔥💥

[@preisnert]

Thank you very much, Rob. Best video for beginners I have seen so far. Will follow all your vids. Unfortunately, I cannot join your DJing school since I live in Berlin.Will look for a DJing school in Berlin for sure and keep practicing at home. Love the X-exectioners. Peace

[@bogevs]

That's great information, Top video!

[@markrago7217]

Track selection is essential. Some tracks just don't fit together. I've learned that first hand mixing drum n bass. The individual drum loops have so many more layers than some genres, and the number of kicks and/or snares and the time signatures can vary considerably from one track to another. Figure in tempos ranging from 165 to 185 bpm, and it's extremely likely that two tracks being mixed can sound like a few tool boxes being rolled down stairs. I like to be familiar with each track and try to sort them into groups that match up seamlessly. If I feel the need to mix two that clash on the beat match, I'll either mix them during ambient drops on both tracks, or mix ambient intro into a beat that's playing so that the beat playing stops soon before the next beat drops in. It's still very much like threading a needle because if the second intro beat or the build up you are mixing in doesn't drop within a 4 or 5 count it's going to sound dull or poorly timed, with the new pad melody or FX or bass line sounding alien to the previous track because the drums drop in way off time from the previous drums. It's difficult to count beats that just stopped or beats that are 10 or 11 seconds out from the end of the previous bar. It works wonders in a pinch when timed in a manner that leaves only one clean, complete melody, bass line, or lyrical Acapella to bridge the gap. Even if you have to fade out the proceeding beat in a bit of a panic to accomplish this, it's better than dropping in the middle of an ambient loop, or crashing the two beats you intend to bridge into each other hood to trunk. Don't underestimate the power of the EQ, gain, or fader on your mixing console. It can help make seemingly impossible possible when teamed with good timing and counting.

[@millsbomb007]

that's why most use auto-tune/sync

[@njdewit]

This is also an issue with classic disco, and even early italodisco; knowing your records (i.e. can I play this now), pitch riding, being realistic (no drawn out mixes as one would do with progressive house) et cetera are key. Sometimes I still grab a record only to find out that it's waaay outside of the pitch range and we're 25 years in.. ;)

[@bhaktabilly4669]

@@millsbomb007 DJs don’t use auto tune

[@millsbomb007]

@@bhaktabilly4669 they use a helluvalot of sync and auto's though.

[@sgtcreasegrease]

D&B sounds like a more difficult genre to beatmatch especially jungle type stuff. Those dudes go crazy with the sped up breaks haha! Boom bapp/regular hip-hop stuff is pretty easy, the art with that comes in with how you do transitions and shit IMO. I'll be happy when I get my second rp-7000

[@michagorecki8893]

Greetings from Warsaw, Poland. I really enjoy Your lessons.

[@dubjay1981]

I really love how you break things down andd make it like learning an instrument. I've just got mybsetup back after years away and I'm trying......thank you

[@djrobswift]

I’m glad my tutorial was helpful. Keep at it!

[@OLIVER949OC2]

Both snares baby ...... Bro dog I mastered hip hop mixing just now thank you Rob

[@onitosumi6056]

Its so amazing to learn even in tutorial from you bro.....❤

[@jamiefantetti6245]

Great video this! Well explained

[@viceroyarizona9285]

Great video. Thank you!!!!!!!!

[@Puto73]

Phenomenal teaching skills

[@ME-rr6uh]

Oooouu relationship.. really listening!!! 👀👂🏻 I feel the passion! 💓

[@lukabunic]

clear as water..tnx!

[@Pauldjreadman]

When I was DJing and you have the basics, you can experience as much as you like :)

[@majesticenterprise5746]

Thank you for this

[@chinmayshekhar5861]

Perfect tutorial!

[@Frank-sm2pc]

Hey Rob you're a dope teacher bro, I've been watching you videos and they have help me out so much thanks man

[@djrobswift]

That's what I want to hear. Respect!

[@anthonyhansen4383]

savage tutorial thank you so much brother !

[@Chris_978]

I've been trying to get better with mixing by ear hearing that gem u threw in "Isolate the sound of the snare".. i appreciate u making this vid way back because now this will help me level up u amazing rob because u help those in need i respect u alot. I can't wait for the live show on Dj City im excited.

[@djrobswift]

Right on bro! And yes, I’m excited about the DJ City live-stream on Monday as well.

[@Baneumann66]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@davidw1218]

I have been following you as a dj for quite a while, but following you as a teacher of djing is really AWSOME!!! I took some music lessons as a kid and I have been djing now for 46 years, and for most of that time I did it professionally!!! Now that I'm a little older I do it mostly for FUN but I still follow the real hip hop dj's, scratch do's and beat jugglers! Now that my grand kids are 6 and 7 I am teaching them to dj. From learning music I know music is basically a 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 beat. That is how I learned to count bpm's way before that was popular and way before I had turn tables with pitch controls!!! (I started out using older belt drive Pioneer turntables way before I graduated to SL23's) I'm saying this to say that is how I am teaching my grands to dj. You have to count your beats weather you are blending music or just cutting up beats!! You Must Know what beat to throw your song in!!!!!! Please keep teaching our young DJ's they can always use the tutoring of a PROFESSIONAL like YOU!!!!!!!

[@xenofyl1]

Excellent video, very helpful, very well explained, thanks a ton!

[@djrobswift]

You're welcome a ton.

[@DjSOTA]

Good video well explained, I do same explanation when helping others but I tell them to use the same record and practice that way...obviously adjusting the pitch and not really looking at that. Also to try adjusting the pitch controller up or down with out touching the platter or record, quick ups and downs to zero in on the bpm match. I mix, well I call it blend, for about 1-2mins on average in my sets but I do mix a different style of music! :) LOVE UR VIDS 😃

[@jaybee9476]

Rob, thank you man for posting this video my brother you are a great teacher.

[@djrobswift]

Thank you!

[@fatafehisuka6586]

On point right there 🤙🏾

[@stevestewart2547]

thanks so much i cant wait to get my DDJ sb3 so i can practice these steps!!!

[@ovurubrian7551]

Have so many emotions rn Army I can't thank u enough, have never watched any dj video like this...

[@AaronAlso]

I've been mixing for almost 15 years and this might be the most technically detailed explanation/demonstration of "seamless mixing" I've ever heard or seen anywhere. I learned by listening to mixes from rookie DJs, mostly, from the house and break beat genres and developed my own sound by ear, trial, and error. I couldn't explain "mixing" any better myself.

[@djrobswift]

I appreciate you saying that @AaronAlso. Thank you sir.

[@nickcase6351]

Im self taught in mixing. My first live mix was 1989 when i started mixing in a nightclub, these tutorials are pointless

[@ernestogonzalez1969]

@@nickcase6351 these tutorials are infinitely more helpful than your comment

[@nickcase6351]

@@carnmarth334 I probably can mix better than anyone of you lot 😁😁😁😁

[@ke0kie]

super helpful thanks!!

[@jayydee5115]

That was nice👌🏽🔥 peace and love from Cali OG💪🏽

[@johnfernandez6623]

Pretty informative, Thxs

[@TheCurls1]

Thanks Rob incredibly helpful tutorial. I will be practicing using your shared knowledge much love from Aus.

[@djrobswift]

Yessir. Have fun.

[@georgea.henryjr.5191]

DJ Rob Swift is one of so many DJs who knows how it is to mix wax without a laptop and software. I strongly believe to do it by your ears proves how good you are as a female/male DJ. Great video DJ Rob Swift! A laptop and softwares makes you cheat.

[@djrobswift]

Right on!

[@DanielMartinez-ir4pf]

Good video for the folks that didn't know

[@emlynnarsi2383]

Hey Rob Appreciate your tutoring I am finding mixing soul and rnb a little harder. Please show a video of you transissioning, let's say an 80's club rnb set. Thanks and regards

[@dj.excess]

Its crazy i learned how to mix house music in the 90s and learned it all on my own i dont know how. But it was kinda hard to explain to my friends and or didnt have the patience like you lol. But once you get the hang of it you can mix literally anything

[@caraleones54]

Thanks for you help..I appreciate 🎛🎚🔊🙏👍

[@angelalba8496]

glad i found this, JUST SUBSCRIBED!

[@KOTO_XD]

Perfect 👌🏼

[@dianetousignant6078]

You a great teacher bro! Thanks

[@djrobswift]

Thanks Diane.

[@AB-yb8nf]

This just explain alot thanks dude appreciate it the knowledge

[@djrobswift]

Always!

[@djczone1]

Great instructions!! Love these vids. Do u have any suggestions on how to fine tune the release of the record? I rarely get it right. Either push too hard or not hard enough and have to adjust the platter.

[@lucyashurst9572]

I love the way he explaines it xx some people just got it 😉xx

[@hadbl12]

Very informative, great teacher

[@djrobswift]

Thank you!

[@Gabri_dj79]

I like how you teach

[@DE4DR4T]

Any big room DJ or Traktor/serado/etc. DJ should watch this video to get what mixing is really about. xD Big ups for Rob for keeping the scene alive! One love!

[@djrobswift]

Respect!

[@ethandelafontaine]

most controller and edm djs know what djing is about.