How to Start DJing: Beginner Tips, Gear, and Guide
Have you ever imagined yourself behind the decks, commanding the energy of a crowd with nothing but beats, vibes, and rhythm? DJing isn’t just a hobby — it’s an art, a career, and for many, a passion-fueled lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn by the music, the culture, or the adrenaline rush of live mixing, this is your guide to starting your DJ journey the right way — with optimism, clarity, and confidence.
You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need to be a music theory master. You just need the drive to learn, a decent setup, and a love for music that moves people.
Let’s break down the dream into real, actionable steps.
Step 1: Understand What DJing Really Is
A DJ — short for “disc jockey” — selects, mixes, and transitions music for an audience. But in today’s digital world, DJs are more than selectors. They’re performers, curators, and often, producers.
There are different types of DJs:
- Club DJs (play at nightclubs, bars, and parties)
- Mobile DJs (weddings, corporate events, private gigs)
- Radio DJs (broadcast music and talk to audiences)
- Turntablists (focus on scratching and performance)
- Bedroom DJs (practice at home, stream online, or play for friends)
Where do you fit? Don’t worry if you don’t know yet. Many start in one category and naturally evolve.
Step 2: Choose Your DJ Setup
There are three main types of DJ setups, and your choice depends on budget, goals, and preference:
1. Controller Setup (Best for Beginners)
- What it is: A hardware device that mimics traditional DJ gear and connects to DJ software.
- Why it’s great: Portable, affordable, and tightly integrated with software.
- Popular beginner gear:
- Pioneer DDJ-FLX4:
- Price: £289 / $319
- Numark Mixtrack Platinum FX:
- Price: £229 / $249
- Pioneer DDJ-FLX4:
Software:
- Rekordbox (with Pioneer)
- Serato DJ Lite (free), upgrade to Pro later
- Virtual DJ
2. Laptop + DJ Software Only (Low Budget)
- What it is: Just your laptop and DJ software — no hardware.
- Why it’s great: Ultra-low cost, great for learning track selection and software basics.
- Software options:
- Serato DJ Lite (Free)
- Mixxx (Free, open-source)
- Rekordbox (Free version available)
3. Club Standard Setup (For Future Pros)
- 2x Pioneer CDJ-3000 and DJM-900NXS2 mixer
- Price: £6,000+ / $7,500+
- This is what you’ll find in most clubs. Not beginner-friendly price-wise, but good to know what’s ahead.
Step 3: Build Your First DJ Library
Music is your arsenal. Don’t just dump every song you like — curate a library that reflects your style and goals.
Where to Get Tracks:
- Beatport: For club tracks and underground music.
- Bandcamp: Support indie artists, great for niche genres.
- iTunes/Amazon: Mainstream music.
- Record Pools (paid subscription):
- DJCity: £30/month / $39
- BPM Supreme: £20/month / $29
- SoundCloud & YouTube: Not always legal to download, but good for discovery.
Organize:
- Use crates/playlists by genre, vibe, or event type.
- Tag BPM (beats per minute), key, and energy level.
- Back everything up — twice!
Step 4: Learn Basic DJ Skills
You don’t need to go to school for this, but you do need to learn the fundamentals. Start with:
- Beatmatching: Syncing tracks manually or using software.
- Phrasing: Mixing tracks so the music flows musically (bars and phrases).
- EQing: Balancing bass, mids, and highs to avoid clashing.
- Looping: Extending parts of a track to mix creatively.
- Cueing: Setting starting points for tracks.
Free Learning Resources:
- YouTube channels: Crossfader, DJ TLM, Phil Harris
- DJ TechTools blog
- Skillshare/DJ courses (some free trials available)
Pro Tip: Start recording your mixes early. You’ll learn more by listening to yourself than watching 10 tutorials.
Step 5: Practice Smart, Not Just Hard
Practice isn’t just about playing music — it’s about intentional repetition.
Create Realistic Goals:
- Mix for 30 mins daily
- Learn one new technique per week
- Record and critique one mix every weekend
Practice Ideas:
- Recreate a mix from your favorite DJ
- Build a set for a fictional event
- Livestream to friends or on platforms like Mixcloud
Don’t aim to be perfect. Aim to be consistent. Progress follows.
Step 6: Brand Yourself Early
Even if you’re just starting, think like a DJ. Give yourself a name. Create a simple logo or use a free template. Set up:
- Instagram or TikTok account
- Mixcloud or SoundCloud profile
- Basic website or Linktree
Branding isn’t about pretending — it’s about owning your journey.
Start posting early. Show your growth. Document your setup, your practice, your vibe. People love the underdog story.
Step 7: Play Your First Gig
No need to wait for Ibiza to call. Your first gig could be:
- A friend’s house party
- An online radio station
- A local open-deck night
- A community event
Gig gear checklist:
- Controller and laptop
- Headphones (e.g. Pioneer HDJ-CUE1: £59 / $69)
- USBs (if using CDJs)
- Backup cables and power
Prepare a 30–60 minute set tailored to the crowd. Keep it simple and tight.
And don’t worry if you mess up — every DJ does. What counts is learning and enjoying the moment.
Step 8: Keep Evolving
DJing is an endless skill tree. Once you’ve nailed the basics:
- Learn production (Ableton, FL Studio, Logic Pro)
- Add scratching or effects
- Play with visuals (VJing)
- Join DJ communities or Discord groups
- Submit mixes to radio stations and podcasts
Some DJs blow up in a year. Others take ten. What matters is momentum, not speed.
How Much Does It Cost to Start DJing?
Let’s break it down:
| Item | Price (GBP £) | Price (USD $) |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner DJ Controller | £229–£289 | $249–$319 |
| DJ Software (optional Pro upgrade) | £0–£129 | $0–$149 |
| Headphones | £59–£99 | $69–$119 |
| Music/Record Pool | £20–£30/mo | $29–$39/mo |
| Laptop (if needed) | £500–£800 | $600–$1,000 |
| Total Starter Budget | ~£300–£500 | ~$350–$600 |
You don’t need it all at once. Start lean, grow smart.
Final Thoughts: Your DJ Journey Starts Now
If you’ve read this far, you already have what it takes: curiosity, interest, and ambition. DJing is one of the most fulfilling creative outlets — whether it’s a hobby or a career.
You’re not too late. You’re not too old. You’re not too underqualified.
You just need to start.
So why wait another weekend?
Ready to drop your first beat? Start your DJ journey today with the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 — the best beginner controller on the market.