4 Simple Steps to Kickstart Your DJ Journey

Thinking of learning how to DJ but feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

With so many options for gear, software, and tutorials, it can feel confusing at first. But here’s the good news: DJing always comes back to the same fundamentals. At its core, it’s about your love for music and the excitement of exploring your collection. That passion is what will drive your journey and keep you motivated as you learn.

1. Build Your Music Collection 

Every DJ’s journey starts with the music. Begin with tracks you love and know inside out. Build playlists on Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music and notice which songs make you nod your head or want to move. That’s your “crate” (DJ talk for your music library), and it’s the heart of every great set. 

👉 Pro tip: Try grouping tracks by vibe—like “chill,” “party bangers,” or “late-night”—so you can find the right track quickly when mixing.

2. Download Rekordbox & Organise Playlists

Rekordbox is free software that DJs all over the world use. Once you’ve got it downloaded, start creating playlists and organising your tracks. You can sort them by genre, mood, or even energy level (slow build vs. peak-time). This might sound simple, but it’s a skill that will save you loads of stress later when you’re behind the decks. 

👉 Pro tip: Colour-code your playlists—green for warm-up tunes, red for high-energy tracks. It’s a game-changer when you’re mixing live.

3. Learn the Core Skills 

Don’t get distracted by flashy tricks, start with the basics:

• Beatmatching – lining up two songs so they stay in time together. This is what makes your mix sound seamless.

• Mixing – blending tracks smoothly using EQ and volume.

• Song structure – learning where the intro, drop, and outro are, so you know when to bring the next track in. 

  👉 Remember: every pro DJ you admire once spent hours just practicing transitions between two tracks. That’s where the magic begins.

4. Watch, Copy, Experiment 

One of the best ways to learn is by watching DJs you admire on YouTube, TikTok, or live if you can. Copy what they do at first, then start experimenting with your own twists. Don’t worry if it doesn’t sound perfect, mistakes are part of learning. Over time, you’ll develop your own style and sound. 

👉 Challenge: Pick your favourite DJ, watch one of their sets, and write down three mixing tricks they use. Then try to copy one of them in Rekordbox.