| When it comes to mixing house music it takes some | | | | try to mix house music for the first time at it is |
| experience of knowing how house music is created. | | | | normal speed you could easily get frustrated because |
| This simply comes with listening to it over and over | | | | things could be going to fast for you. |
| again. Most house music we listen to uses a 4/4 | | | | Matching beats is probably the biggest hurdle to |
| measure. That means for every measure there are | | | | overcome when mixing any genre of music not just |
| four bars and for every bar there are four beats. | | | | house music. A beat is equivalent to one kick of a |
| For example most house music starts on the one or | | | | kick drum. Being able to match beats doesn't start |
| the first kick drum sound. From there you would | | | | with house music it starts with a simple drum track. |
| count 1, 2, 3, 4 in sync with the kick drum and then | | | | Just about any Hip Hop track that is about 90 BPM's |
| you would repeat the count again starting on 1. You | | | | with a simple 4 beat pattern will do. |
| do this one time and you just completed a bar. You | | | | Practice mixing with a pair of the same record trying |
| do this four times and you just completed a | | | | to match beats. Always try to catch the beat on the |
| measure. This is a good frame of reference in order | | | | "1" or the first drum kick at the beginning of the |
| to start. | | | | verse not the intro. On your right hand turntable cue |
| 5 quick and easy steps to begin mixing house music | | | | the record at the beginning of the verse starting with |
| 1. Start mixing by using duplicate records. In other | | | | the kick drum. You cue the record by placing your |
| words get two of the same songs and try mixing. It | | | | finger on the record at the point where you want |
| is much easier to start with two of the same records | | | | the beat to come in. On your left hand turntable play |
| rather than two different records. | | | | the same record from the beginning. |
| 2. When mixing two different records use the same | | | | The platter should still be spinning under the record. |
| or close to the same BPMs. | | | | Why? Because when you release the record you |
| 3. Use your favorite songs to mix when starting out. | | | | want it to match beats with the song from the other |
| 4. Slow the tempo down if the song is too fast. | | | | turntable in time. If you press too hard on the record |
| 5. Mark the record with a piece of tape to indicate | | | | while cueing it, the song will drag and the song will |
| the beginning of the beat. | | | | not play in sync. One record will play behind the other |
| Think of house music as Hiphop music just a little | | | | and you'll get a weird echo effect or something |
| faster. By slowing the house music down with your | | | | worse. |
| pitch adjustment on your turntable it will make mixing | | | | When the song from the left hand turntable reaches |
| the music a little easier. | | | | the beginning of the verse (on the "1" or first kick |
| Why? | | | | drum) that is when you release the record from its |
| Because when the music is slower you brain has a | | | | cue point giving it a slight push so it does not drag. |
| chance to process the music easier which allows you | | | | Continue to practice this method with your favorite |
| to mix songs easier. Your ear will adapt to the slower | | | | records and you'll be mixing any type of music you |
| tempo enabling you to match beats. If you were to | | | | can get your hands on not just house music. |