How to DJ
Become a better DJ today!
Great list of DJ Shops
07 months ago
by admin
in Uncategorized
At How to DJ we are being asked quite regualrly where to purchase DJ Equipment from, who is a reliable DJ Shop and has a unique product range/website etc.
1 of the best place to find reliable sources for your DJ Equipment is DMOZ. The ODP directory is extremely to hard to get listed in with some people waiting years to get listed. Take a look on the DMOZ Music Stores category for more help.
All the DJ Stores listed within this category are based in the UK.
Battle with DJ Q-Bert
08 months ago
by admin
in Scratching
DJ Q-Bert is the most accomplished Scratch DJ and Turntablist in the world, and what better way to improve your advanced scratching skills than have your own personal battle with him! DJ Q-Bert bust into the big-time by the early 90′s and the legend in the making had claimed his very first DMC USA Championship at the age of only 22! Below are some of Q-bert’s most notable accolades;
Awards and credentials
- America’s Best DJ 2010
- DMC USA Champion 1991 (Solo)
- DMC World Champion 1992 – Rock Steady DJs (Qbert, Mixmaster Mike & Apollo)
Flare Scratch
18 months ago
by admin
in Scratching
The flare scratch begins with the crossfader in the open position and then the sample is moved while briefly closing the crossfader atleast one time to cut the sample sound out between 2 beats. The flare scratch produces a staggered sound which sound like a fast series of chirps and tears noises. The number of times the crossfader is closed is used to label the variations, ie; 1 click flare scratch, 2 click flare scratch etc etc. The flare allows a DJ to scratch continuously with less fatigue than say transforming would cause. The flare scratch can also be combined with for example the crab scratch to create an extremely rapid series of scratches.
Crab Scratch
08 months ago
by admin
in Scratching
The crab scratch involves moving the sample whilst swiftly tapping the crossfader open with the first 3 fingers on your crossfader hand. Performing the crab scratch allows you to perform transforms and flares much faster. The crab scratch produces a fading and increasing transform sound.
Transformer Scratch
08 months ago
by admin
in Scratching
The transformer scratch requires you start with the crossfader closed, then when the record is moved with the scratching hand while you need to periodically tap/cut the crossfader open and immediately close it again. The transformer scratch will give you a stab and cut sound together.
Forward Scratch
08 months ago
by admin
in Scratching
The forward scratch is a form of cutting by pushing the sample (releasing the sample would be classed a release scratch). Let the sample play out and close the cross fader at the end of it. Rewind the sample, and repeat. You can then speed this up, and it you like turn it into a backward scratch.
Chirp Scratch
08 months ago
by admin
in Scratching
The chirp scratch requires you to close the cross fader just after the start of the sample, and then as you close the mix, stop the sample to. The next point is to reverse what you just did. The chirp scratch is essentially a baby scratch with a gap in the middle.
Baby Scratch
18 months ago
by admin
in Scratching
The baby scratch is the simplest in theory to execute as you leave the cross fader open, and use only 1 hand, but it can take time to come up with creative movements. Take a look at the this video of the baby scratch and give it a try.
DJ Mixing Tips
0
Here are a few tips for Mixing. Hopefully they will help with your Mixing and improve your basic skills and knowledge.
- Stick to the same genre – or at least roughly the same BPM range. You can’t mix hardcore in funky etc as the speeds are too far apart to even try with the pitch control!
- Learn your tracks inside out – it helps you to visually plan a mix in your head before you do it.
- Visit your local DJ Shop and events local promoters are putting on and fish for tips, most are more than help to point you in the right direction.
How a DJ does basic EQing
2
What is EQing?
EQing is can be complex or a simple as your like – there is no right or wrong way to EQ a mix and by doing more of it and listening to other people’s EQing styles, you will eventually arrive at a way of doing it yourself.
