You Can Start DJing Today

You don't need expensive gear, a music degree, or connections. You need a laptop, decent software, and the willingness to practice. Here's how.

Step 1: Choose Your Software

Rekordbox (Free tier)

Pioneer DJ's software. Industry standard for club DJs. The free version does everything a beginner needs.

Serato DJ Lite (Free)

Comes with most beginner controllers. Intuitive interface, great for learning.

Virtual DJ (Free)

Best free option for bedroom DJs. Supports almost every controller.

Traktor (Paid)

Native Instruments' offering. Popular in the techno/underground scene.

Step 2: Get a Controller ($150-400)

• Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 ($250) — Best overall beginner controller. Works with Rekordbox and Serato.
• Numark Mixtrack Pro FX ($200) — Great value, excellent jog wheels.
• Pioneer DDJ-400 ($250) — If you can find it used, it's the gold standard beginner deck.

Step 3: Learn the Basics

Beatmatching

Aligning the tempo of two tracks so they play in sync. This is the fundamental skill.

1. Listen to the downbeat of each track
2. Adjust the tempo slider until they match
3. Use the jog wheel to nudge tracks into alignment

Phrasing

Most electronic music is structured in 8 or 16-bar phrases. Mixing at phrase boundaries sounds natural. Mixing mid-phrase sounds jarring.

EQ Mixing

Use the EQ knobs (low/mid/high) to blend tracks. The classic technique: bring in the new track with the bass EQ at zero, then swap the bass from the old track to the new one at a phrase boundary.

Step 4: Build Your Music Library

• Start with 100-200 tracks you know well
• Organize by BPM and key (Rekordbox does this automatically)
• Buy from Beatport, Bandcamp, or Juno Download
• Avoid using low-quality YouTube rips

Step 5: Get Your First Gig

• Offer to DJ a friend's party for free
• Record mixes and post on Mixcloud or SoundCloud
• Reach out to local bars that have DJ nights
• Start a weekly live stream