How to Beat Match: An Essential Skill for Any DJ

Beat matching is when a DJ will adjust the tempo of a track to match the beats per minute of another. If both songs follow the same time signature, the tracks should flow smoothly for the duration of the mix, with minor adjustments, if the beats have been matched. Listed below is a simple set of instructions to beat match two tracks with the same time signature on a pair of Pioneer CDJ 2000-NXS2s.

1. Adjust the tempo of one track

The first step to beat matching is to make sure that the tempo of both tracks is the same.

Most modern CDJs will tell you the tempo of each track on a digital screen. On the right of the CDJ is a knob that you can slide that will move the tempo up or down. Slide this knob until the both tempos are the same.

2. Push play at the right time

Because both tracks in these instructions have the same time signature, you must push play at the right time. This will be whenever the track that is currently playing begins its next phrase. This is generally every thirty-two beats. For this example, just push play when the track exits the breakdown.

3. Make minor adjustments

After hitting the play button, some adjustments must be made. To do this, you must adjust the jog wheel. This is the center platter. To speed up the track by a small margin, you would move it to the left and to slow it down, you move it to the right.

4. Use the headphones

In the headphones, listen to see if the beat of each track is playing in unison. You do this before raising the volume fader for that track. This is done to make sure the beats are not clashing.

5. Raise the volume fader for this track

Begin to slowly raise this fader so that both tracks will be heard on the speakers. If it sounds like the beats are slightly off beat, adjust the jog wheel in the appropriate direction. Continue to raise the fader once the beats are playing in unison.

6. Monitor the mix

The songs will not be the exact same tempo, but close. You must listen to mix and slightly speedup or slow down one of the tracks using the jog wheel to make sure the beat does not fall off. A slight adjustment will be made about every ten to twenty seconds.