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How to Start Mixing Music as a Beginner DJ (Step-by-Step Guide)

DJ at home - How to Start Mixing Music DJ
DJ at home - How to Start Mixing Music DJ
DJ at home - How to Start Mixing Music DJ

May 1st, 2025

Arib Khan

Consider this: You're at a party, and the DJ is killing it. The crowd's energy is electric, and you can feel the bass in your bones. You think, "I want to do that." But where do you start? Mixing music as a DJ is an essential skill that can set the tone for any event, and knowing how to start can feel overwhelming. Additionally, What skills are needed to be a music producer?

This guide will help you through the steps to start mixing music as a beginner DJ, making the process less daunting and more exciting. And speaking of making things easier, Musicfy's AI voice generator is here to help. It's a fantastic tool that can support your journey to become a DJ, offering insights and assistance to make the learning process smoother.

If you can't wait to use Musicfy's Free AI Voice Generator, you can try out 1000+ celebrity voices, like:

You can use all of these voices and 1000+ more for free today on create.musicfy.lol!

Table Of Contents

What Is DJ Mixing? And Why It’s Different from Music Production


DJ in club - How to Start Mixing Music DJ


DJ mixing is about blending full tracks in real-time to create smooth transitions during a live set or recorded mix. Your goal isn’t to remake the song. Instead, you guide energy, mood, and rhythm to keep listeners engaged as you move from one song to the next.

Key features of DJ mixing include

  • Matching the tempo (BPM) of different songs

  • Aligning beats so the rhythm flows smoothly

  • Adjusting EQ (bass, mids, highs) to prevent clashing

  • Using the crossfader or volume faders to transition

  • Occasionally applying effects like filters, delays, or loops for creativity

You’re not changing individual instruments or editing the actual song files. DJ mixing is about making finished tracks feel like one continuous musical experience.

DJ Mixing vs. Music Production: Key Differences


Mixing up DJs and producers is common, especially since many are producers. But they’re not the same thing, especially when you’re starting. A DJ mixes existing tracks live, while a producer creates those tracks in a studio, often from scratch. DJs focus on live performance skills like beatmatching and EQing, while producers focus on studio skills like sound design and arranging. DJs use decks and mixers, while producers use DAWs and plugins. DJs play to an audience, while producers create for others to play.

Why This Matters as a Beginner


If you want to mix music for fun, parties, TikTok clips, or livestreams, DJ mixing is the skill you need. You don't need a sound engineering degree, fancy production software, or knowledge of how to mix stems or master tracks. You need a sense of rhythm and timing, the ability to listen and react to music, and a basic understanding of EQ, tempo, and phrasing. Thanks to beginner-friendly DJ software like VirtualDJ or Serato Lite, and platforms like Musicfy that let you generate custom intros, vocals, or loops, you can start mixing faster than ever.

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Complete Step-by-Step Guide On How To Use Musicfy's AI Voice Generator


Video Guide


Written Guide

1. Download An Audio File or Find A Youtube Link For A Song That You Want To Use for A Voice Over or An AI Song Cover

2. Go To Create.musicfy.lol

You will land on this page

Musicfy Song Generator


3. Upload Your Audio File

You can upload the audio file, or you can upload a Youtube link

Upload Audio File:
Musicfy Song Generator
Upload Youtube Link:
Musicfy Song GeneratorMusicfy Song Generator


4. Optional: Click 'Advanced Settings' To Customize Your Remix

Musicfy Song GeneratorMusicfy Song Generator


5. Choose The Artist That You Want To Use For The Cover

Let your imagination run wild - the possibilities are unbounded ⬇️

Musicfy Song GeneratorMusicfy Song Generator


6. Click the 'Generate' button

Musicfy Song GeneratorMusicfy Song Generator


7. Click 'Download' and You're Set To Go!

8. Post On Socials and Go Viral 🚀


Let us know if you have any questions. We're always happy to help the next generation of innovators in this space. 

What You Need to Start DJ Mixing (Gear, Software & Music Sources)


man in his studio - How to Start Mixing Music DJ


Your Device: The DJ’s Command Center


Start with what you have. A laptop is the best choice for DJing, but even a tablet or smartphone can work. These devices are your control center, letting you load tracks, set cues, and manipulate effects. If your budget is tight, a phone can get you started.

Beginner DJ Software: Your First Mixing Tool


Choose beginner-friendly DJ software to mix your music. Serato DJ Lite is free and very popular. VirtualDJ Home is great for beginners, while Rekordbox is used in clubs. Algoriddim djay is perfect for iOS users. These programs load tracks, match tempos, and offer EQ controls and effects.

DJ Controller: Your Hands-on Mixing Experience


A DJ controller gives you physical controls that match your software, improving your timing and feel. It’s optional but can make mixing more intuitive. Recommended beginner models include the Pioneer DDJ-200 and Numark Mixtrack Pro FX.

Headphones and Speakers: Your Audio Setup


Headphones let you preview and cue tracks, while speakers or earbuds let you hear what the crowd listens to. Regular earbuds or budget headphones are fine for beginners, while studio monitors or Bluetooth speakers work for casual use.

Building Your Music Library: Your Sound Arsenal


Your music library is your most important asset. Use streaming integrations like TIDAL and SoundCloud or buy tracks from Bandcamp and Beatport. Royalty-free packs or loops are another option. With Musicfy, you can create custom, royalty-free music that helps you stand out. Use Musicfy’s AI voice generator for free today! With Musicfy, you can clone your voice for AI music creation, ensuring your song remains copyright-free and royalty-free. It uses a unique AI model to create a voice unlike any human's, protecting you from copyright issues. Explore its groundbreaking text-to-music feature to describe a style of music and make an entire song in seconds. Let Musicfy be your creative partner.

Step-by-Step Guide to Mixing Your First DJ Set


DJ in a party - How to Start Mixing Music DJ


1. Build a Small Playlist to Practice With

Why it Matters


You need tracks that flow well together. Mixing random genres or tempos can disrupt the groove.

What to Do

  • Choose 5-10 tracks with similar BPMs. For hip-hop, aim for 90-100 BPM; for house, 120-130 BPM.

  • Stick to one genre or vibe—chill, upbeat, or aggressive.

  • Arrange by energy—start soft, end strong.

Musicfy Tip


Use Musicfy to generate custom intros, outros, and cappellas that match your playlist's vibe. This helps create smooth transitions between songs that might not naturally mix well.

2. Learn the Layout of Your DJ Software

Why it Matters


Familiarity with your software prevents awkward fumbling during transitions.

What to Focus On

  • The decks where the tracks are loaded.

  • The tempo sliders for adjusting BPM.

  • The cue buttons are to preview tracks.

  • The EQ knobs for bass, mids, and highs.

  • The crossfader to blend tracks.

Musicfy Tip


Musicfy files are delivered as clean, labeled MP3 or WAV tracks. When imported into your DJ software, treat them like store-bought tracks—no formatting needed.

3. Match the BPM (Use Sync If You’re New)

Why it Matters


Tracks with different speeds won't blend well.

What to Do

  • Match BPMs manually using the tempo slider.

  • Or use the Sync button to auto-match tempos.

Extra Tip


Match both BPM and phrasing—start transitions at the beginning of a bar, usually every 8 or 16 beats.

Musicfy Tip


Set the desired BPM upfront with Musicfy for custom intros or beat loops. This way, everything matches your playlist’s speed for smoother transitions.

4. Cue the Incoming Track with Headphones

Why it Matters


Avoid surprising the crowd with the wrong drop.

What to Do

  • Use headphones to cue the next track while the current one plays.

  • Set a cue point at the spot you want to start mixing.

  • Practice aligning the beat to the song currently playing.

5. Start the Transition Using EQ and the Crossfader

Why it Matters


This is the heart of DJ mixing—blending tracks naturally and excitingly.

What to Do

  • Kill the bass on the incoming track to prevent bass overload.

  • Slowly fade in the incoming track using the crossfader.

  • Swap bass as it builds—fade the old and new bass out.

  • Bring up mids and highs gradually until the new track takes over.

Musicfy Tip


With Musicfy, you can create remixable song sections. For example, you can turn a whole track into a vocal and beat intro, ideal for live transitions.

6. Let the Transition Breathe, Then Fully Switch Over

Why it Matters


Rushing causes awkwardness. Letting energy build feels smooth and intentional.

What to Do

  • Let both tracks play together briefly.

  • After 8 or 16 bars, fully crossfade and bring up all frequencies of the new track.

  • Let it play solo for a moment to reset the mix.

Record Your Practice Mix and Review

Why it Matters


Listening back helps catch timing errors, EQ clashes, or bad song choices.

What to Do

  • Use the record feature in your DJ software.

  • Listen on headphones and phone speakers.

  • Write down 2-3 things to improve next time.

Musicfy Tip


Want your mixes to stand out? Create exclusive mashups or AI-generated hooks with Musicfy and blend them into your recorded mix. That originality will set your sets apart—even if you’re just practicing. Musicfy is an AI music generator that lets you create your voice clone, AI music with AI voices free from copyright, and with zero royalties. Its flagship feature, text-to-music, allows you to describe a style of music and instrumentals and use AI to create the entire song in seconds, from voice to beat to everything that makes up a song. Use Musicfy’s AI voice generator for free today!

Related Reading


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• Music Composition Techniques
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• Music Composition Terms

Create Viral Music In Seconds For Free with Musicfy's AI Music Generator


If you’re itching to create music that’s as unique as a fingerprint, Musicfy is your new best friend. This AI music generator lets you create your voice clone. You can produce AI music with AI voices, freeing your song from copyright issues. Musicfy uses a custom AI model that combines two different voices to craft a voice that no human has. This protects you from copyright laws and zero royalties. But that’s just the start. Musicfy's most groundbreaking feature is text-to-music. You describe a style of music and instruments, and the AI does the rest. It creates the whole song in seconds, from voice and beat to everything that makes up a song. And there’s more! With Musicfy's voice-to-instrument feature, you can hum a tune and instantly get the exact guitar sound or any other instrument. Try Musicfy’s AI voice generator for free today and create viral music in seconds.

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Arib Khan
Arib Khan

Author

Arib Khan, Founder of Musicfy

Arib Khan has been featured on Business Insider, VICE, and more. His passion and drive to help musicians is unbounded. He is on a mission to help anyone, from all walks of life, to create music with ease using AI.

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