How to start DJing?

[CoreyGoesRawr]

Hey there awesome dsf,
I hate to start a thread for this but I've been doing loads of research and it's just making my head explode. I also apologize if this is in the wrong forum it just made the most sense. (All the helpful people in this one.)

I want to start DJing, I realize it will be quite a while till I'm remotely decent but I'm having trouble where to even begin. There are very few djs in these parts but I've found a couple that I plan to get in touch with and hopefully score a mentorship (suppose that's a word?) Unfortunately I'm in the process of moving so it may be a while until I can get my hands on any hardware.

I also don't want to come off as the Djing world's equivalent of OMG TEECH ME DA SKRILLEX BASS! So what would you recommend as a decent way to learn the process until I can get some gear or someone to teach me? I've heard that virtual Dj is supposedly decent and It's only ~$50 so that isn't too bad.


Thanks for your help and patience

[bigfootspartan]

Hey there awesome dsf,
I hate to start a thread for this but I've been doing loads of research and it's just making my head explode. I also apologize if this is in the wrong forum it just made the most sense. (All the helpful people in this one.)

I want to start DJing, I realize it will be quite a while till I'm remotely decent but I'm having trouble where to even begin. There are very few djs in these parts but I've found a couple that I plan to get in touch with and hopefully score a mentorship (suppose that's a word?) Unfortunately I'm in the process of moving so it may be a while until I can get my hands on any hardware.

I also don't want to come off as the Djing world's equivalent of OMG TEECH ME DA SKRILLEX BASS! So what would you recommend as a decent way to learn the process until I can get some gear or someone to teach me? I've heard that virtual Dj is supposedly decent and It's only ~$50 so that isn't too bad.


Thanks for your help and patience

My best recommendation would be to start using real hardware once you can. I picked up one of those all in ones (torq xponent) and although it's super fun, and it's easy to take to parties but I found it really hard to translate my skill from that to a friends CDJ's. I still don't feel comfortable on any real gear you'd find in a club.

I'd say you can learn the basics on an all in one like that, or even with just some software and a mouse, but if you want to get serious try to get your own CDJ's or turntables or find a club that will let you practice on theirs during off hours or while eyre setting up for the night. That way you'll feel way more comfortable playing an actual show with real gear.

[kHoff]

Send your original mixes and a 1 hour set to a blog or promoter in your area. Get Traktor. Worked for me. But I still need gear cause unfortunately they don't provide me with CDJs, so I have to use midi which blows.

[Danimal]

real hardware! I got pioneer everything of craigslist for a great deal. Don't laptop DJ mate. If you want to be a good DJ, start with turn tables and a mixer. Very cheap gear out there too.

[CoreyGoesRawr]

Thank you everyone very sound advice. I got called into work, sorry about the late reply.

this is going to sound embarrassing
but, clubs typically have their own sound system correct? so in theory I would just need cdjs and a mixer? or am I missing something?(don't worry I don't intend to try to get a gig anytime soon but I feel it would be good to know)

So practice wise what do you guys feel would be adequate for daily home use or maybe even throwing a small house party for friends, in terms of monitors(don't know the proper term)?

I appreciate everyone's patience with me

.

[Shum]

For home use just use your home stereo.

[legend4ry]

Yeah, all you need to do is make sound - use whatever! Just make sure they're positioned in a way you can hear it nicely while you're mixing. (this is whats called monitoring in DJing)

[CoreyGoesRawr]

awesome thanks for everyone's help and patience lol

[Danimal]

yeah all clubs have at least a PA. I have a little crappy yamaha audiogram 3 which you can plug the "main out" on the mixer into with RCA cables. Then you can run your dj setup through the computer sound system. Buy used stuff. That's my best advice. I got a great deal for about 25% the cost of new gear. And like any musical interest, you can always upgrade later if you continue with it.

Also, having tables and mixer will give you props in the scene. Laptop Djs get a bad rap, unless of course you are playing your own tunes off of ableton or something along those lines.