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Music theory for DJs
BPM, beats, bars and phrases, musical keys, song structure and how pitch changes affect key.
You do not need to read sheet music to DJ, but a little theory makes everything easier. Counting bars tells you when to mix, keys tell you which tracks sound good together, and tempo math tells you what happens when you move the pitch fader.
TheoryBPM and tempo for DJsWhat BPM means, how pitch faders change tempo by percentage, the simple math for matching two tracks, and how halftime and doubletime let you mix across genres.TheoryBeats, bars and phrasesDance music is built in groups of 4 beats, 8-bar sections and 16 or 32-bar phrases. Learn how to count them, find the downbeat and use phrases to time your mixes.TheoryMusical keys for DJsWhat a key is, major and minor, the 24 keys, the Camelot wheel and why some tracks clash while others blend beautifully. No sheet music required.TheoryPitch, key lock and key shiftingChanging a track's speed also changes its pitch unless key lock is on. Learn the semitone math, when to use key lock or master tempo, and how key shifting helps harmonic mixing.TheorySong structure for DJsIntros, builds, drops, breakdowns and outros in club tracks, plus verses and choruses in pop and hip-hop. Learn how each section works and where to mix in and out.