09/02/2024
Iāve read over and over individuals claiming if youāre not mixing in key youāre a lessor DJ and Iāll state here, youāre not. Harmonic Mixing as a DJ is not an essential skill, similar to scratch mixing, however, the more creative skills you utilize to create smooth transitions between tracks, enhances your creative talent. I recommend you learn how to maintain harmonic consistency, and ensure that your mixes sound pleasing to the ear. With that said Iāll share my step-by-step guide to mixing in key:
1. Understand Musical Keys and Harmonic Mixing
⢠Musical Keys: Every track is produced in a specific key, which corresponds to a set of notes that sound good together. The key is often represented by a letter (e.g., C, D, E) and a mode (Major or Minor).
⢠Harmonic Mixing: This technique involves mixing tracks that are in compatible keys to avoid dissonance. Tracks that share the same key, or are a perfect fifth or fourth apart, typically mix well together. In short it creates a more pleasing listening and dancing experience for your guests.
2. Use the Harmonic Keys Overlay Chart by the late Joseph Watt (I've attached his magazine article below).
⢠The chart is a tool that you can use to visualize key compatibility. It uses a system of numbers and letters to represent keys (e.g., 8A, 8B).
⢠Adjacent Keys: You can mix tracks with keys that are adjacent on the wheel (e.g., 8A with 8B, 8A with 9A) for smooth transitions.
⢠Energy Boost Mix: To increase energy, you can move to a key one number higher (e.g., 8A to 9A).
3. Analyze All Your Tracks
⢠Use your preferred DJ software (e.g., Mixed In Key, Serato, Rekordbox, Traktor, RPM) to analyze the key of each track in your library. The mentioned software typically displays the key in Overlay notation or traditional musical notation.
⢠Tag Your Tracks: Once analyzed, label your tracks with their keys so you can easily reference/search them during a live set.
4. Choose Compatible Tracks
⢠When planning your set, select tracks that are in the same key or compatible keys according to the Harmonic Keys Chart
⢠For example, if youāre mixing a track in 8A, you could transition to another track in 8A, 7A, 9A, or 8B.
5. Blend the Beats and Adjust the Tempo
⢠Start by matching the BPM (beats per minute) of the tracks youāre mixing. Use the pitch/tempo slider to bring the BPMs in line.
⢠Sync the beats so they align perfectly, which is crucial for a seamless transition. Of course some may use the sync button.
6. Use EQ and Filters
⢠As you bring in the new track, use your mixers EQ to balance the frequencies. For example, lower the bass on the incoming track until itās time to fully transition.
⢠Filters (e.g., high-pass or low-pass) can also help you create smoother transitions by gradually introducing elements of the new track.
7. Transition Between Tracks
⢠EQ Mixing: Gradually swap the bass, mid, and treble between the tracks to make the transition seamless.
⢠Phrase Matching: Ensure youāre transitioning at the right moment in the track, usually at the start of a new phrase (every 16 or 32 beats).
⢠Modulation Mixing: The word "Modulation" refers to taking a track in a certain key and shifting upwards giving a sense of buildup to energise a dance floor.
⢠Crossfader Technique: Slowly move the crossfader from one track to the other, blending them harmonically.
8. Practice makes perfect and Experimenting is suggested.
⢠Practice makes perfect! Spend time experimenting with different key combinations to develop your ear for harmonic mixing.
⢠Live Adjustments: If you find yourself in a live set where the keys arenāt perfectly compatible, you can use effects like reverb, echo, or looping to mask the key change.
9. Trust Your Ears
⢠While tools like the Harmonic Keys Overlay Chart and DJ software are helpful, your ears are the ultimate judge. If a mix sounds good to you, go with it, even if the keys aren't traditionally compatible.
Summary
⢠Analyze your tracks to know their keys.
⢠Use the Camelot Wheel to find compatible tracks.
⢠Match BPM and align beats before mixing.
⢠Adjust EQ and use filters for smooth transitions.
⢠Practice regularly to refine your skills.
I hope by following these steps, you can create harmonically rich mixes that flow smoothly from track to track, keeping your audience engaged and the dance floor moving.
I again thank the individual who shared the attached Harmonic Keys Overlay Chart article by Joseph Wait... I actually like it better than the original I used.
Musically Yours