Basics of Beat Matching Vinyl

Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.

Think you got what it takes to be a good DJ? Well, if you’re serious of becoming a professional disc jockey, beatmatching is one of the most important skills you need to succeed in the industry. For those who do not know this yet, it is a method of synching two different tracks to create a unique sound with awesome beats. However, this method is not as easy as most aspiring DJs would often think. Not being able to match two different track results to an awkward sound that often leads to frustrations from remixing a song. This is why some research has to be done, and of course a lot of time for practices to get the beat just right for a particular song.

The basics of beat matching vinyl

The first thing to know is that beat matching vinyl is a skill that can take a long time to master, depending on the person learning. Therefore, it is ok if you do not get things write the first time.

There are a lot of techniques involved from matching beats on a vinyl. For newcomers, having a good ear and finger is important. Both of these should match the track that you’re dealing with so that you can incorporate the beats to the song.

Now when you have the track playing, you can now try to put in some beat. Do not worry if you’re off the mark. Keep it playing then make some adjustments so that you can get the beats right. One of the best ways to get the beat is to put your finger in a circular motion on the vinyl without putting any pressure. Run the motion along with the tracks until the beats are complimentary with each other.

To practice with the vinyl, you can get two toons beat matched then fade in the center position while they are being played together. Place your finger on the vinyl and move with the turntable. Go with the record then turn the power off and continue to move with the vinyl. Do not expect this to be easy. You need a lot of practice, especially with ear and finger coordination to get the perfect beat for the track.

Tips for beat matching vinyl

If you want to get the beat, it is good to let things go way off. Let it get out of beat first then slowly get back right on track. Once you have got the beat, try to keep it there. Then, try to memorize the pattern of the beat you created by moving the vinyl.

Do not get pissed off when you do not get it right. Practice hard and make sure to train your ear. The beat will just come off while you are practicing.

It is also important for every DJ to practice with their fingers. Make sure that you do not put too much pressure on the vinyl. Your hand motion should try to get the beat just right, not too fast but not too slow.