How to Beatmatch

Mixing Basics: Beatmatching and Transitions for Total Beginners

What Are Transitions? (AKA How to Move Between Songs Without Chaos)

A transition is how you move from one song to the next. It’s like handing off the baton in a relay race—smooth and seamless, not clumsy and awkward.

Types of Transitions for Beginners:

  1. The Fade-In/Fade-Out:
    • Think of this as the “vanilla” of transitions. It’s simple and works every time.
    • Slowly lower the volume of the first track while bringing up the volume of the next.
    • Bonus points if you time it so the beats align.
  2. EQ Blending:
    • Fancy name, simple concept. Use the EQ knobs (bass, mid, treble) on your DJ controller to blend tracks.
    • Example: Lower the bass on Track 1 while increasing the bass on Track 2. It’s like swapping ingredients in a recipe—smooth and tasty.
  3. The Drop Swap:
    • For high-energy moments, you can let one track build up to a dramatic drop and then slam the next track in. Warning: This only works if the BPMs are matched, or it’ll sound like a car crash.

Pro Tip: Practice transitions with songs you know well. It’s easier to predict when the chorus or drop is coming.


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