Harmonic Mixing

Harmonic Mixing Cheat Sheet

What’s the secret technique pro DJs like David Guetta, Carl Cox, and Armin van Buuren use to make their transitions sound flawless? 🎧 It’s called Harmonic Mixing – and once you understand it, your sets will instantly sound smoother, more professional, and impossible to ignore.

• https://dj.studio/HarmonicMixing.jpg

Minor Keys (Sound Serious)

Starting Key	Perfect Mix	-1 Mix	+1 Mix	Energy Boost	Scale Change	Diagonal Mix	Jaw's Mix	Mood Shifter
1A	1A	12A	2A	3A	1B	12B	8A	4B
2A	2A	1A	3A	4A	2B	1B	9A	5B
3A	3A	2A	4A	5A	3B	2B	10A	6B
4A	4A	3A	5A	6A	4B	3B	11A	7B
5A	5A	4A	6A	7A	5B	4B	12A	8B
6A	6A	5A	7A	8A	6B	5B	1A	9B
7A	7A	6A	8A	9A	7B	6B	2A	10B
8A	8A	7A	9A	10A	8B	7B	3A	11B
9A	9A	8A	10A	11A	9B	8B	4A	12B
10A	10A	9A	11A	12A	10B	9B	5A	1B
11A	11A	10A	12A	1A	11B	10B	6A	2B
12A	12A	11A	1A	2A	12B	11B	7A	3B

Major Keys (Sound Happy)

Starting Key	Perfect Mix	-1 Mix	+1 Mix	Energy Boost	Scale Change	Diagonal Mix	Jaw's Mix	Mood Shifter
1B	1B	12B	2B	3B	1A	2A	8B	10A
2B	2B	1B	3B	4B	2A	3A	9B	11A
3B	3B	2B	4B	5B	3A	4A	10B	12A
4B	4B	3B	5B	6B	4A	5A	11B	1A
5B	5B	4B	6B	7B	5A	6A	12B	2A
6B	6B	5B	7B	8B	6A	7A	1B	3A
7B	7B	6B	8B	9B	7A	8A	2B	4A
8B	8B	7B	9B	10B	8A	9A	3B	5A
9B	9B	8B	10B	11B	9A	10A	4B	6A
10B	10B	9B	11B	12B	10A	11A	5B	7A
11B	11B	10B	12B	1B	11A	12A	6B	8A
12B	12B	11B	1B	2B	12A	1A	7B	9A

DJ Mix Guide

The cell values are filled in following the G{row}M{column} format, where G stands for Genre, the first number is the row number, M stands for Mix, and the last number is the column number.

Genre	Perfect Mix	-1 Mix	+1 Mix	Energy Boost	Scale Change	Diagonal Mix	Jaw's Mix	Mood Shifter
140 / Deep Dubstep / Grime	G01M1	G01M2	G01M3	G01M4	G01M5	G01M5	G01M6	G01M7
African	G02M1	G02M2	G02M3	G02M4	G02M5	G02M6	G02M7	G02M8
Afro House	G03M1	G03M2	G03M3	G03M4	G03M5	G03M6	G03M7	G03M8
Amapiano	G04M1	G04M2	G04M3	G04M4	G04M5	G04M6	G04M7	G04M8
Ambient / Experimental	G05M1	G05M2	G05M3	G05M4	G05M5	G05M6	G05M7	G05M8
Bass / Club	G06M1	G06M2	G06M3	G06M4	G06M5	G06M6	G06M7	G06M8
Bass House	G07M1	G07M2	G07M3	G07M4	G07M5	G07M6	G07M7	G07M8
Brazilian Funk	G08M1	G08M2	G08M3	G08M4	G08M5	G08M6	G08M7	G08M8
Breaks / Breakbeat / UK Bass	G09M1	G09M2	G09M3	G09M4	G09M5	G09M6	G09M7	G09M8
Caribbean	G10M1	G10M2	G10M3	G10M4	G10M5	G10M6	G10M7	G10M8
Dance / Pop	G11M1	G11M2	G11M3	G11M4	G11M5	G11M6	G11M7	G11M8
Deep House	G12M1	G12M2	G12M3	G12M4	G12M5	G12M6	G12M7	G12M8
DJ Tools	G13M1	G13M2	G13M3	G13M4	G13M5	G13M6	G13M7	G13M8
Downtempo	G14M1	G14M2	G14M3	G14M4	G14M5	G14M6	G14M7	G14M8
Drum & Bass	G15M1	G15M2	G15M3	G15M4	G15M5	G15M6	G15M7	G15M8
Dubstep	G16M1	G16M2	G16M3	G16M4	G16M5	G16M6	G16M7	G16M8
Electro (Classic / Detroit / Modern)	G17M1	G17M2	G17M3	G17M4	G17M5	G17M6	G17M7	G17M8
Electronica	G18M1	G18M2	G18M3	G18M4	G18M5	G18M6	G18M7	G18M8
Funky House	G19M1	G19M2	G19M3	G19M4	G19M5	G19M6	G19M7	G19M8
Hard Dance / Hardcore / Neo Rave	G20M1	G20M2	G20M3	G20M4	G20M5	G20M6	G20M7	G20M8
Hard Techno	G21M1	G21M2	G21M3	G21M4	G21M5	G21M6	G21M7	G21M8
Hip-Hop	G22M1	G22M2	G22M3	G22M4	G22M5	G22M6	G22M7	G22M8
House	G23M1	G23M2	G23M3	G23M4	G23M5	G23M6	G23M7	G23M8
Indie Dance	G24M1	G24M2	G24M3	G24M4	G24M5	G24M6	G24M7	G24M8
Jackin House	G25M1	G25M2	G25M3	G25M4	G25M5	G25M6	G25M7	G25M8
Latin	G26M1	G26M2	G26M3	G26M4	G26M5	G26M6	G26M7	G26M8
Mainstage	G27M1	G27M2	G27M3	G27M4	G27M5	G27M6	G27M7	G27M8
Melodic House & Techno	G28M1	G28M2	G28M3	G28M4	G28M5	G28M6	G28M7	G28M8
Minimal / Deep Tech	G29M1	G29M2	G29M3	G29M4	G29M5	G29M6	G29M7	G29M8
Nu Disco / Disco	G30M1	G30M2	G30M3	G30M4	G30M5	G30M6	G30M7	G30M8
Organic House	G31M1	G31M2	G31M3	G31M4	G31M5	G31M6	G31M7	G31M8
Pop	G32M1	G32M2	G32M3	G32M4	G32M5	G32M6	G32M7	G32M8
Progressive House	G33M1	G33M2	G33M3	G33M4	G33M5	G33M6	G33M7	G33M8
Psy-Trance	G34M1	G34M2	G34M3	G34M4	G34M5	G34M6	G34M7	G34M8
R&B	G35M1	G35M2	G35M3	G35M4	G35M5	G35M6	G35M7	G35M8
Tech House	G36M1	G36M2	G36M3	G36M4	G36M5	G36M6	G36M7	G36M8
Techno (Peak Time / Driving)	G37M1	G37M2	G37M3	G37M4	G37M5	G37M6	G37M7	G37M8
Techno (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)	G38M1	G38M2	G38M3	G38M4	G38M5	G38M6	G38M7	G38M8
Trance (Main Floor)	G39M1	G39M2	G39M3	G39M4	G39M5	G39M6	G39M7	G39M8
Trance (Raw / Deep / Hypnotic)	G40M1	G40M2	G40M3	G40M4	G40M5	G40M6	G40M7	G40M8
Trap / Future Bass	G41M1	G41M2	G41M3	G41M4	G41M5	G41M6	G41M7	G41M8
UK Garage / Bassline	G42M1	G42M2	G42M3	G42M4	G42M5	G42M6	G42M7	G42M8

DJ mixing is the art of seamlessly blending one song into the next, and there are a wide variety of techniques and styles to achieve this. From basic to advanced, these techniques can be combined to create a unique flow and energy for a DJ set.

Here are some of the most common DJ mixing techniques:

Foundational Techniques

• Beatmatching: This is the most fundamental technique. It involves adjusting the tempo (BPM) of two tracks so that they are playing at the same speed. This allows the beats of both songs to line up, creating a smooth transition.
• Phrasing: This technique involves aligning the musical phrases of two tracks. Songs are structured in sections (intro, verse, chorus, breakdown, etc.), which are often a specific number of bars long (e.g., 8, 16, or 32 beats). Mixing from one track to another at the end of a phrase creates a much more natural and cohesive transition.
• Fading: The simplest type of mix, where one track's volume is slowly faded out as the next track's volume is faded in. This is often used for slower-tempo songs or genres where a hard cut isn't desired.
• EQ Mixing: DJs use the equalizer (EQ) on their mixer to manipulate the frequencies of a track—typically the lows (bass), mids, and highs (treble). A common technique is to cut the bass of the outgoing track while gradually bringing in the bass of the incoming track to avoid a "muddy" or clashing sound.
• Crossfader Blending: Using the crossfader on the mixer to smoothly transition between two tracks. Pushing the fader to one side brings in one track, while moving it to the other side brings in the second.

Advanced & Creative Techniques

• Harmonic Mixing (Key Blending): This advanced technique involves mixing tracks that are in compatible musical keys. When done correctly, the transition sounds more melodic and pleasing to the ear because the notes of both songs work together harmoniously.
• Looping: A DJ can create a loop of a specific section of a track (like a beat, vocal hook, or synth riff) to extend the transition. This allows for more time to mix in the next track, build tension, or create a unique, layered soundscape.
• Using Effects (FX): Effects such as reverb, delay, phaser, and filters can be used to add creative flair to a mix. For example, an echo effect can be applied to the last beat of a track before a new one is dropped in, or a filter can be used to dramatically cut frequencies and build tension.
• Cueing and Hot Cues: Hot cues are markers that DJs can set in their software or on their equipment to instantly jump to a specific part of a song. They are used for quick transitions, beat jumps, and creating "mashups" on the fly by triggering different parts of multiple tracks.
• Scratching: While often associated with hip-hop, scratching (the manipulation of a vinyl record or jog wheel) can be incorporated into many genres to add a percussive, rhythmic element to a mix or to mark a dramatic change.
• Acapella and Instrumental Layering: This technique involves playing the a capella (vocal track) of one song over the instrumental version of another. This is a popular way to create unique mashups and remixes live.
• Tempo Transitions: This technique is used when mixing between tracks with significantly different BPMs. DJs can use various methods, including looping, effects, and beat manipulation, to smoothly transition from a slower track to a faster one, or vice-versa.

DJ mixing is an art form that has evolved from simply playing records back-to-back to a complex blend of technical skill and creative expression. The techniques used can range from simple transitions to advanced manipulation of sound. Here is a comprehensive list of DJ mixing techniques, from the fundamentals to more advanced methods.

Fundamental Techniques

These are the essential building blocks of any DJ's skill set, necessary for creating a smooth and continuous mix.

• Beatmatching: The most fundamental technique, beatmatching involves aligning the tempo (BPM) of two tracks so they are playing at the same speed. This is typically done by adjusting the pitch fader on a turntable or controller.
• Phrasing: This technique involves aligning the musical phrases of two tracks, which are often structured in 8- or 16-bar sections. By starting a new track at the beginning of a musical phrase, the DJ can ensure the transition sounds natural and fluid.
• EQing (Equalization): Using the high, mid, and low frequency knobs on a mixer, a DJ can sculpt the sound of each track to prevent frequencies from clashing. For example, a common technique is to "bass swap," where the bass of the outgoing track is cut as the bass of the incoming track is brought in.
• Gain Control: Also known as trim, gain control adjusts the overall volume of a channel to ensure that both tracks have a similar loudness level before they are mixed. This prevents one track from sounding too loud or too quiet in comparison to the other.
• Fading: The simplest form of mixing, a fade involves gradually decreasing the volume of the outgoing track while increasing the volume of the incoming track. A smooth fade is often called a "seamless fade."
• Cutting/Chopping: A more abrupt transition where one track is quickly and cleanly cut off and the other is brought in. This is often used for high-energy transitions or in genres like hip-hop.

Intermediate & Advanced Techniques

Once the fundamentals are mastered, DJs can explore more creative and complex ways to mix.

• Harmonic Mixing (Key Matching): This technique involves mixing tracks that are in compatible musical keys. By ensuring the songs are harmonically related, the transition sounds more melodic and pleasing to the ear, as there is no key clashing.
• Looping: A DJ can repeat a specific section of a track, such as a vocal hook, a drum beat, or a synth melody. Looping can be used to extend a breakdown, build tension, or create a unique rhythm.
• Using Effects (FX): DJ mixers and software often come with built-in effects like echo, delay, reverb, phasers, and filters. These can be used to add texture, drama, and energy to a mix. For example, an "echo out" transition is a popular technique where a delay effect is applied to the end of a track before the fader is brought down.
• Spinback: A popular turntablism technique where the DJ quickly spins a vinyl record backward, creating a distinctive rewinding sound effect. This is often used as a dramatic end to a transition.
• Turntablism & Scratching: This is a highly specialized area where the turntable is used as a musical instrument. Techniques include:
  • Scratching: The rhythmic manipulation of a record back and forth with a DJ's hand to create new sounds. There are many different types of scratches, such as the "baby scratch," "transform," and "crab."
  • Beat Juggling: Using two identical records to rearrange the beats of a track in real-time.
• Stem Separation: With modern DJ software, it is now possible to separate the individual components of a track (e.g., vocals, drums, bass, instruments) in real-time. This allows for highly creative mashups and remixes on the fly.
• Tempo Transitions: A mix that smoothly blends two tracks with a significant difference in BPM. This can be achieved by gradually speeding up or slowing down one or both tracks during the transition.
• Polyrhythmic Transitions: A complex technique that involves blending two tracks with different time signatures or rhythmic patterns to create a new, layered rhythm.
• Cue Points and Hot Cues: DJs can set cue points at specific moments in a track to quickly jump to them. Hot cues allow for creative triggering of different parts of a song, enabling a DJ to re-edit a track live.