DJ Nivekone a.k.a DJ Nivek1
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DJ Nivekone a.k.a DJ Nivek1
ParticipantRik, as a fellow VDJ user, I wouldn’t waste my time use VDJs beat editor, I would find the first beat (computer beat grid it) and then trust my ears to mentally count the 8-bar phrases, actually, you can dance to them for practice and hit the Cue Point(s) to see if you got them right. After a couple of times, you will get the hang of correctly counting 8-bar phrases. Then match the BPM by pressing VDJs sync button then off you go. At this stage don’t worthy too much about lyrics clashing or any thing else you main goal is to line up the down beat (the kick drum) and the (snare, or handclap, etc.) … Like this, remember the kick drum happens on beats one (1) and three (3) and the snare or handclap, etc. happens on beats two (2) and four (4) and then it repeats. Try this, tap you foot on the down beats (one and three) and snap your fingers on the upbeats (two and four) as you’re bobbing you head to the music…start with songs that have a BPM between 96 BPMs and a 100 BPMs and slowly work your way up or down until it becomes second nature. Which it already is because you can dance to the music without thinking about…and instinctly know when the musical phrase (8-bars) change will happen! Just do over think things Rik. Most important, have fun and dance while you’re mixing and you will be amazed at how fast you start beat matching songs.
Most important…don’t worry about beat matching solely by ear…just use VDJs sync button to get the BPMs the same, and use VDJs computer beat grid (CBG) to align the downbeat (one) of each song. Remember the thick square of the CBG must be under the downbeat of one {1} (preferably) of the 8-bar phrases but at this time it’s not necessary for you to practice what I described above. Start your mix on the “one” (of 1-2-3-4) in time with the “one” on the song playing then concentrate making sure you match the upbeats of two {2} and four {4} if it will help turndown the “Low” (knob) on the track you’re mixing (bringing) in so that you can concentrate on matching beats two and four…. Do this through the speakers without the headphones.
Peace out
DJ Nivekone a.k.a DJ Nivek1ast you start beat matching songs.
February 14, 2015 at 11:56 am in reply to: Setting up cue points for all songs? How do freestyle DJs do it? #2140661ParticipantGJ FUKIT…to piggyback off of Danzik’s, Deathy’s, Dizzle’s, and DJ Vintage’s comments. I would like to add that you should have a firm grasp and understanding of musical phrases if you’re going to juggle (or beat match) between or within a song using cue points–it’s definitely something one must practice to master.
In fact, I practice this skill at least two to three times a week for at least one hour, after I’m warmed up from doing beat juggling, blends, and beat matching for at least 30 minutes each. I try to have the mix (beat matched, scratched, or dropped on the one) done by the end of the first verse or chorus (hook). And make sure the songs’ key match (to me it’s a must) since you’re transitioning between songs so fast usually less than two minutes; there’s more of a chance the musical phrases will sound diatonic (musically pleasing) because they’re in the key (a little music theory there–but definitely! worth mentioning.)
I randomly select songs using the chord progression I want to practice. For example, for a C Major progression, I start with a song(s) in the “key of C Major, “ followed by a song(s) in the key of “a-minor,” followed by a song(s) in the key of “F-Major,” followed by a song(s) in the key of “d-minor,” followed by a song in the key of “G Major” and finally back to a song in the key of “C Major” thus completing the chord progression, then I repeat the process in a different Key.
I hope this helps.
Respectfully,
DJ Nivekone a.k.a DJ Nivek1
ParticipantRik, there’s nothing wrong with Virtual DJ 8 or any other DJ software one would use…and yes the time signature for the music is 4/4 (as is the case with 99.9 percent of Dance, RnB, Soul/Funk, and Pop music). However, the structure of music has–as you noted–8 bars and then a change happens. Albeit, there are breaks (or bridges) which could be as short or long (in terms of bars) as the artist or producer likes or is needed to give the singer a break (a chance the vocalist to catch his or her breath). That’s why Phil of Digital DJ Tips and DJ TLM of DJTLMtv.com always stress that you or we as DJs must always know our music–and definitely, the structure of the songs we spin or plan to play.
I use Virtual DJ (exclusively) and while as a beginner one relies on Virtual DJs Computer Beat Grid (CBG), waveform, or sync button (function) to beat match…Phil and DJ TLM strongly suggest one learn how to beat match by ear. Rik, …respecting that you’re a novice just starting out, I humbly suggest you continue to use whatever method that keeps you enjoying DJing. However, as you musicality increases along with you DJ skills, which they will the more you practice, I strong suggest you take to heart Phil’s and DJ TLM’s advice and learn to DJ (beat match) by ear. And most important, continue to listen to the structure and (musical “phrase” changes in the songs you want to mix, which is what your question was about).
Rik, what I find very helpful is to set cue points in Virtual DJ where I want to start and end my mix of a musical “phrase” mostly likely an “8-bar count” or (14-bars in your case). But, most important, make sure the length of the musical phrases lines up! And that you’ve completed the mix before the vocals start in the new track you’re mixing in (or the one you’re mixing out of) …usually at the end of “the hook” or breakdown/bridge of the song, or instrumental intro and outro—I hope this helps.
Welcome to the wonderful and enriching club of digital (or vinyl) DJing.
Respectfully,
DJ Nivekone a.k.a DJ Nivek1
P.S. DJ TLM at djtlmtv.com has some very informative video tutorials on counting bars, phrases, song structure, and beat matching…I strongly suggest you check them out–I found them very useful.
ParticipantDJ Thumpz the answer to your three questions are yes! You will be able to watch the video tutorial on whatever device you access the Internet with; for example, iPhone, Smartphone, iPad, Laptop, or PC…. As for question two, you have indefinite access to the online video tutorials–meaning you get to watch them whenever you like, and for as long for as you like. Furthermore, in answer to your third and finale question…you get immediate and unlimited access to the online video tutorial.
I purchased the “Pro Mixtape Formula” training video series and accessed it immediately; moreover, I access it two to three times a day (in fact, I’m viewing now). It’s in layperson terms, which makes it very easy to follow along; and most important, the videos are of the highest quality along the lines of “macProVideo.com” training video.
However, and most important–as I stated earlier–you have unlimited access to Digital DJ Tips’ videos indefinitely while you only have access (unlimited) to macProVideo’s online video tutorials for only one year and then you must renew your online subscription of $200 (U.S Dollars) a year or $25 a month. Furthermore, Digital DJ Tips’ online video tutorials comes with a no question asked refund, if you’re not completely satisfied! Which from the quality and elementary and layperson teaching approached used, I doubt you’ll seek a refund!
Keep learning and practicing your craft–DJ Thumpz!
Fellow DJ, DJ Nivekone
P.S. DJ Nivekone one a.k.a DJ Nivek1 an Old School DJ (1984 – 1990) whom thanks to Digital DJ Tips and DJ TLM (djtlmtv.com) I’m enjoying dovetailing into “digital DJing!” (got back into DJing in the last three to four years) and loving it.
ParticipantI’ve always had a love of music—all types—also had a fascination and curiosity about how to DJ, especially beat matching, turntablism, beat jugging, scratching and so forth…since Kurtis Blow release “The Breaks,” I wanted to become a DJ. (I know I’m dating myself, please smile I am!) Albeit, I didn’t have the money to invest or the time to pursue DJing or a career as a DJ. Most important, I didn’t have a mentor or teacher. So, with the Internet, and sites like “Digital DJ” it has made it easier for me to pursue my dream of becoming a mobile DJ. So one summer night when nothing worth watching was on the TV, I decided to Google “how to DJ?” and stumbled across “Virtual DJ,” I was in DJ heaven!
I love learning and unearthing new things. Thus, I enrolled in a community college (currently in first year) to pursue an AAAS degree in Electronic MIDI Music Production because there wasn’t or aren’t any schools awarding degrees in DJing. I have to say I’m glad I stumbled across “Virtual DJ” because I’m learning how to DJ (digital DJ) and how to use MIDI to produce electronic music. I’m also happy that I don’t have to invest a lot on money to learn how to DJ now.
Stumbling upon “Virtual DJ” was perfect timing for me because I now have the time and dedication it takes to become a mobile DJ. Furthermore, I’m happy to be back in college learning about music and music theory because I’ve and am learning about musical from the ground up and now have a newfound respect and appreciation for what goes into making a record and a “Hit Record” at that.
In “Coda,” summary, I’ve found my fountain of youth—digital DJing—thus I’m enjoying my rebirth and “Moving in the Key(s) of Life” as I continue my musical sojourn of learning how to DJ and Electronic MIDI Music Production; thus, I looking forward to what Digital DJ has to offer.
DJ Nivek1 aka DJ Nivekone
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