Learn to DJ

Short, practical guides to the skills every DJ learns first.

• How to beatmatch on the DDJ-FLX4

  Beatmatch two tracks on a Pioneer DDJ-FLX4: match the tempo with the TEMPO fader, line up the kicks with the jog wheel, and keep them there.

• DDJ-FLX4 controls explained

  What every knob, fader and button on the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 does, from the jog wheels and TEMPO faders to the EQ, TRIM and headphone controls.

• How to cue in your headphones on the DDJ-FLX4

  Set up headphone cueing on a Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 so you can hear the next track before the room does: the CUE buttons, MIX knob and LEVEL.

• Your first mix on the DDJ-FLX4

  A step-by-step first blend on a Pioneer DDJ-FLX4: beatmatch in the headphones, bring the new track in without its bass, swap the basslines on the 1.

• How to beatmatch by ear

  Learn to beatmatch without looking at the screen: hear when two kicks drift, tell which deck is ahead, and fix it with the pitch fader and jog wheel.

• Sync button or beatmatching by ear?

  Should beginner DJs use the sync button? What sync does well, what it can't fix, and why learning to beatmatch by ear still helps.