Why You Should Learn To DJ On Turntables

Becoming a DJ is a dream of many young entertainers, and it certainly has the potential to be one of the most fun occupations out there. If someone wants to be a real DJ, the most important skill they can learn is how to use turntables. It takes some practice but, once this skill is mastered, anyone can find success as a professional DJ.

The first thing to do when starting with turntables is to learn how to properly set them up. First, the turntables need to be properly connected to the input on the mixer. Then the DJ must choose the record speed, which will be either 33 or 44. If they are unsure what speed to choose, they should look at the record’s label for an indication.

A DJ turntable setup

Old fashioned turntables next to modern laptop setup

The next important step in using turntables is adjusting the pitch and the tempo of the records. Properly adjusting the pitch will allow the DJ to smoothly bled two songs together to create a new sound. It will also help them to seamlessly switch between two songs using their mixer.

The trickiest skill that a DJ needs to learn for success on the turntables is how to press lightly on the record to stop it without stopping the turntable. This allows them to start the record again without having to wait for the turntable to start up. This takes a great deal of practice, but once a DJ has it down, they will be able to mix any song they like successfully.

If someone wants to become a professional DJ, their first priority needs to be learning how they can use turntables. They are perhaps the most important piece of equipment for DJs, so the time and effort it takes to master them are well worth it. With a bit of practice and patience, anyone can start their own successful career as a DJ.

Using a turntable gives you the ability to change the pitch, tone and speed at which a record plays. This then allows you to be very creative. Being creative with these attributes of turntables will separate yourself from other DJ s. Changing these qualities or a record can create a wide variety of beats, sounds and rhythms.

Trying to explain how exactly one uses turntables can be difficult. There is a significant amount of information. If you are new or wanting to know how turntables are used, research and education are two key components that will guarantee you success. Having patience and practice are also contributing factors to the understanding of this skill. Besides all of those requirements the biggest would have to be rhythm.

Rhythm either comes naturally or not. If you don’t have rhythm you will have a very hard time trying to master turntables. The reason you need to have rhythm is because moving a record back and forth, know as scratching, as well as adjusting tempo,pitch,beat and volume all has to be done quickly and seamlessly. This will make you a very successful DJ. However, if you don’t have any rhythm that you know of or have never tried using turntables, give yourself a chance. Knowing how turntables are used is a battle. Trying is half that battle. Remember that every DJ is bad a first. Even if they tell you otherwise. Not giving up and working hard always pays off.

How to Get a DJ Gig

One of the first questions a prospective DJ will have is, “How will I get my DJ gigs?”. For many, this will be the most difficult part of being a DJ. But if the correct steps are followed it will be easy to find more than enough DJ gigs.

The first step a DJ needs to take in order to secure a gig is to record a large number of promotional CD’s or digital samples. These samples or CD’s must be distributed to as many potential venues as possible. These venues can include night clubs, wedding locations, and event locations. Make sure the manager of each venue is the recipient of the promotional sample because he or she will be doing the hiring.

A flyer advertising for a DJ gig

Flyers like this are a good way to advertise your DJ gig

Also, when advertising to clubs be generous with your samples. Many of the clubbers may either be connected to the management or may recommend your sample. As a new DJ, many clubs will already have a main DJ. This will leave the busiest days of the week reserved for the main DJ. But the club manager may offer spots on some of the slow days.

This might not be appealing, but it is usually the only way to build a reputation and earn a spot as a main DJ. Also, any practice you can get in front of a live audience is experience that will only add to your value as a DJ. Please don’t feel limited to these options. But they are great places to start advertising yourself as a DJ to secure your first gig. In addition to the promotional samples, a new DJ can advertise a number of other ways.

Business cards are a cheap and effective way to advertise your services to many people. We also live in a time where the internet is responsible for a large portion of the business world. Some ways to advertise your services online include: Craigslist, website creation, social media, and review services.

A great, but often overlooked, place to advertise your DJ services are radio stations. This does not necessarily mean being a radio DJ is the end goal. But many radio stations will offer DJ guest spots. One of these guest spots can advertise your services to thousands of listeners. In some situations a radio station will allow the DJ to mix and spin during their time slot. This leaves listeners with a free live sample of your services. One guest spot could results in dozens of DJ gigs. Plus, you never know what famous producer might be listening.

It also helps to be a bit different from every other beginning DJ. Do something special. One cool thing would be to get yourself an electronic drum set and use it to create your own beats and samples. You don’t have to be the best drummer ever, you just need some basic drumming skill to pull it off. Then you can drum on stage and be completely different from everyone else.

Once your first gig has been secured your reputation can begin its formation. Your reputation is a valuable tool that can be used to secure many future DJ gigs. After a client is satisfied with your performance it is a good idea to give him or her your business card and express that you are open to any other potential clients that can be sent your direction. By word of mouth this one client can turn into a spider web of clients. But, in the end, the main ingredients needed to secure DJ gigs are good content and persistence. And perhaps one day, you will be playing the most famous clubs in the world.

Good luck and happy spinning!