How do I get the BPM right… help please…

Ross de Souza, post: 19548, member: 2075 wrote: Hello,

Please someone help me out… if possible…

I bought a DDJ T-1… mostly because I wanted digital gear that was similar to the club standard of Pioneer. So that when I eventually got to play in public, I wouldn’t struggle too much with the transition to club gear. The DDJ T-1 is awesome, I am really enjoying every second of using it.

Now I have listened to what Phil said and I am practicing without using the sync button. Its mostly been going well and the more time I spend the better. I have got to the point where I can hear when the beats are out and with a bit of play on the jogs I get it in line… not always but mostly. I have no idea exactly what I do, I just know when it sounds right.

However, for the life of me, I just cannot get the pitch slider and BPM going at all. I have been using the BPM on screen, just so my practice can even progress but I just cannot get the BPM right. I really want to master the pitch slider. I often can’t hear if its too fast or too slow, unless its drastically out. I just feel like there isn’t enough time in a song for me to fiddle around and try and match the speeds.

Does anyone have any basic tips or suggestions for me to work on. I realize it all takes time but I need some direction.

Kind regards

Ross de Souza

Hi you will find it hard to get it exact mate if you watch DJ’S on CDJ’s they are always nudging them to keep time I would say if it sounds right it is right and the only way to Lock BPM is the Sync Button Practice Beat sync but don’t stop using the Sync button completely it is there so you can be more intuitive and Creative with your mixing without worrying about keeping both tracks in time.It is a good skill to have because sometimes the software just can’t do it but when it can let it and enjoy adding one shots or a third deck explore. Hope this has helped 80) Fitzfunk

CDJs do display BPM in their displays quite accurately actually… so no harm if you use the BPM display in your software and then pitch-slide to the BPM of your master track.
If you are going vinyl in the club, of course then you need to do it totally manual. What I have found useful for beginners here is the following procedure:
– listen to the master track and tap the tempo with your foot
– put on headphones (keep tapping, it takes a bit practice to keep the original tap with your foot) and listen to new track
– try to get it as close to your foot tap as you can
Most beginners cannot hold the original tap with their foot first, but after 20min or so of practice you should be very close and go with nudging from there. With time you will get better.