3 Mistakes Beginner DJs Make

Here are just a few words of wisdom from the Benjamin Ellis , President and CEO of the successful DJ Video tutorial series

Mistake #1: “Learning How To DJ From Books Is Too Difficult…”

This is the number one culprit that most new DJ’s fall victim too. They think they can pick up a book and learn how to DJ overnight. I’m sorry to say it just doesn’t happen like that. If there is one thing I’ve learned that I can pass on to you is that without actually seeing how it’s done, books on how to DJ are pretty much useless.

Mistake #2: “I can learn how to DJ by using my friends DJ equipment…”

This is another big hindrance and probably the most unbeknown to beginner DJ’s. This catches most new DJ’s off guard because learning DJ skills and techniques on another persons DJ equipment will hinder your development to personalize and create your own style. Why? Because you can only use their equipment when they’re available. Besides, owning your own DJ equipment allows you explore your creativity on your own time when that spectacular idea pops in your head!.

Mistake #3 “I’ll just buy some cheap DJ equipment and learn on that…”

Using “cheap DJ equipment” is basically like committing a crime in the DJ community. Avoid this mistake at all costs. There are many reasons why you should but here are the biggest reasons. (1) Belt drive turntables are worthless for DJ’s and they are not made for DJing. (2) Using cheap DJ equipment will only throw your DJ skills and techniques off. (3) Buy the right DJ the first time because like I’ve told tens of thousands of people “DJing is easy when you have the right equipment.”

Avoiding these three main mistakes
virtually guarantees your success.

And just incase you were wondering I’ve made these mistakes before including some not mentioned. But after I learned from these three mistakes I was able to avoid future mistakes and “develop my own style” after a few short sessions.

My friend … if you let me, I along will my partners Ill Vibe Collective, can show you DJ skills and techniques by teaching you basics and then showing you variations of the same techniques to take you to the next level. Once have those skills down pat other skills will come much faster and thus the learning curve is shortened.

- Benjamin Ellis

Check out the full scoop on the idjondemand website, where they’re giving away $136 worth of free material and content just for checking out their new program.

idjondemand Reviews and Testimonials

Is this djing tutorial series worth it?

Here are a bunch of the positive things people are saying about the idjondemand djing tutorial series. Is it worth the money? These people think so:

“Hi, I just recently signed up to view your video tutorials and also have gotten myself some turntables (Technics SL1200MKII) and a mixer (Numark DM1002X MK2). As lazy as I am to writing people online I just want to give a quick thanks on the videos. The explanation on the scratching was phenomenal! Once again, thanks so much on such a great site & keep up the great work.”

John, Canada

“…We can all read a book and look at pictures, but to have videos to watch; showing you how particular moves are created is second to none. Thank you for saving me from a DJ-ing stalemate and providing me with something more to aspire to.“

Ben, US

“Hey there Ben, I would just like to tell you that you are a great man, thanks so much for helping me out with DJing and stuff like learning the basics, I soon want to get hooked up with a club and start playing there, I wouldn’t have been able to that if it wasn’t for you and this web site, thanks alot mate your a champ!!! good luck in all your dreams.”

Jeremiah, UK

This site is too cool for the DJ’s around the world and especially its video tutorials which helps a beginner to become a professional. Believe me it was same in my case. I stay in India and have learned a lot from this site. Beat mixing is an art where it needs practice and you should never get nervous while mixing or opting for a song to be mixed. BEST OF LUCK FOR YOUR FUTURE .”

DJ Krush, India

“I was searching for the site that could answer my simple questions about DJing. This site is very useful for me as a beginner (I have my turntable and mixer for 2 months). I found on your site very useful, the video, “Making Your Scratches Sound Better”. I have a question, do you have more videos like this? When I’m looking at video my learning is better.”

Peter, Poland

“Hey thanks Ben, it’s much appreciated. your site has been a wealth of information for me for a long time. I’m currently in a DJ course and will forward this message to all the members so they can take of advantage of this…the vids are well made and very helpful…thanks again man! “

Tony, US

If you’re interested in learning more about the idjondemand courses, they’re giving away $136 worth of bonus materials for new members. We think its a pretty wicked deal. Check it out.

Connecting Extra DJ Devices and Peripherals to Your Mixer

Here’s an overview of the best methods for connecting other devices to your mixer, including recording devices, laptops, and more.

Source: idjondemand

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Other components that get connected to the mixer are CD players, mini disc players, MP3 players, digital 8 tracks (like my Roland VS 880) and PCs if you’re daring.

This set up runs along the same vein as connecting your turntables however, instead of connecting these components to the PHONO INPUT they get connected to the LINE INPUT.

Use the LINE/PHONO button or switch on your mixer to access either the CD player that is connected to the LINE INPUT or the turntable that is connected to the PHONO INPUT. You can have a CD player playing on CH1 making sure you have the LINE INPUT selected and mix it with a turntable on CH2 making sure you have the PHONO INPUT selected. However, you can’t access both components at the same time on the same channel.

DJ Tutorial Tip: Remember connect like colors from your RCA leads to the color connections to the mixer.

Had enough talk about setup? Let’s get down and dirty with some more interesting DJing tidbits from idjondemand

• Go to the final step: DJ Output Connection Setup
• Go back to :  Connecting DJ Needles and Cartridges
• Back to DJ Equipment Tutorial Index

How To Connect DJ Needles and DJing Cartridges

Here’s a simple, straightforward explanation on how to set up your needles and cartridges for best use when DJing.

Source: idjondemand

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This is simple. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on connecting your needles and adjusting the tone arm, anti-skate and height adjustment. They usually come with different settings according to application. I bought the Shure M44-7 and the directions were very easy to follow. It told me step by step on how to set up the tone arm for playing back records only. Because I sample a lot I did not need to use the Battle DJ settings.

So if you are going to be doing tricks there is one setting and if you’re not there is another setting. Instructions come with the needles when you buy them. If not let me know and I’ll find out for you. Click on the “Contact Me” link from the menu below.

DJ Tutorial Tip: Remember to take into consideration what type of DJing you will be doing. There are different needles for different types of DJing but all needles and cartridges fit turntable tone arms.

Some needles come mounted on a head shell while with others you have to mount the needle to the head shell then connect the head shell to the tone arm. Other needles are built on one platform so all you have to do is connect it to the tone arm.

DJ Tutorial Tip: Follow the manufacturers instructions and you should do fine.

Done with setting up?

Move onto bigger and better things with this resource for advanced DJing Tips and Techniques

or

• Go to the next Setup step: Setting Up Other DJing Equipment
  
• Go back to :  Setting Up Your DJ Gear
• Back to DJ Equipment Tutorial Index

Connecting Your DJ Equipment

Putting all of your new djing gear together can be a daunting task if you’ve never done it before. Thankfully, the guys at idjondemand have helped with this section of their DJ Equipment setup tutorial, which focuses only on how to connect your dj mixer, turntables, dn other equipment.

Source: idjondemand

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Now that you have all of your DJ equipment you need to connect everything together. Your central point of contact for your equipment is the mixer. All of your sources come and out of this unit. When you place your DJ equipment out on the table put your mixer between the turntables.

For example purposes we will be using the Rane TTM 56 2-Channel Performance Mixer and the Numark TTX1 Direct-Drive Turntable.

All turntables produce a stereo output on left and right channels which are marked by white and red RCA leads coming out of the turntable. Your ground wire also comes out of the turntable. This is a thin wire with a U shape clip on the end to secure to the mixer.

DJ Tutorial Tip: Remember these DJ tips when connecting your DJ equipment.

* Secure all ground leads to the mixer where indicated. (PHONO GND)
* Connect your turntable leads (White Lead = Left and Red Lead = Right) to the proper inputs on your mixer.
* Connect the remaining components into their corresponding inputs and outputs.

To secure the ground leads to the mixer unscrew the ground connection but don’t remove it from the mixer. Just loosen it enough to fit the ground lead from the turntable between the mixer and the screw. Now tighten the screw making sure that the ground lead stays firmly in place. Repeat the process for the other turntable.

As you can see there are 2 channel inputs or program inputs marked by LINE 1 and PHONO 1 and LINE 2 and PHONO 2. Plug the leads from the turntable on your left into CH1 (PHONO 1, Left and Right) and now plug the turntable on your right into CH2 (PHONO 2, Left and Right). Unless stated otherwise, turntables plug into the PHONO INPUTS.

DJ Tutorial Tip: Typically these inputs are also marked by color as well. The LEFT INPUT is WHITE and the RIGHT INPUT is RED. Your turntables leads are marked in the same manner so all you do is connect the colors. All other components get plugged into the LINE INPUTS.

Altogether you should have both turntables leads and ground wires connected securely to the mixer. So what’s next in this DJ tutorial?

Before I forget, those slipmats are for your turntables. Use the slipmats instead of the rubber mats.

DJ Tutorial Tip: Take the rubber mats off that came with your turntables and replace them with the slipmats. The rubber mats are useless if your going to be a ‘real’ DJ

Place your vinyl on top of the slipmats, turn the power on to your turntables after you’ve plugged it in.  Place a finger on your vinyl as the plate turns around beneath.

Now put enough pressure on the vinyl as to hold it in place as the plate underneath still spins. This is where your mixing skill begins to take shape. I hope that DJ tip helped some. DJ needles and cartridges are up next.

If you don’t feel like you need any more help with your setup, you can get some more advanced tips from this great djing resource.

To continue to the next step of the series go to: How To Connect Djing Needles and Cartridges

or

Go back to the DJing Equipment Setup Index

Output Connections from Your DJ Mixer

This sections will help to ensure that you have a quality connection between your mixer and your amps or recording devices.

Source: idjondemand

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Typically there are a minimum of 2 to 3 outputs on a mixer. There is the RECORD OUT, MASTER OUT and the BOOTH OUT on many club mixers.

The REC OUT is used to record your mix. You can connect any device to it such as a tape deck, digital 8-track like my Roland VS880, MP3 recorder/player, or Mini Disc player and so on. The REC OUT has one level and can’t be adjusted on most mixers. REC OUT is a stereo mix so it has a LEFT and RIGHT outputs.

DJ Tutorial Tip: Make sure you connect the proper leads to the proper connections on the REC OUT just as you did with the turntable leads to their corresponding inputs.

The MASTER OUT gets connected to the amplifier or to the component that is amplifying the signal. On the back of a stereo receiver there are usually RCA connections. Those RCA connections correspond to a component that gets plugged into it. But there is nothing that says mixer on it. Not to worry. Simply take the MASTER OUT and plug it into the CD if it’s not in use or AUX IN of the stereo receiver.

If you have an amplifier like the Peavey PV900 Power Amp take a look at the rear connections. Chances are you don’t see an RCA connection on it. You probably see a QUARTER INCH jack on it. If this is the case on your amplifier then you need and RCA to QUARTER INCH cable.

Plug your RCA end of the cable into the MASTER OUT and the QUARTER INCH end into the QUARTER INCH input of the amplifier making sure you plug the LEFT MASTER OUT of the mixer into the LEFT QUARTER INCH in on the amplifier. Do the same with the RIGHT MASTER OUT.

DJ Tutorial Tip: If you are using powered speaker then connect use the proper cables such as RCA to RCA or RCA to QUATER INCH. Chances are it is an RCA to RCA. Connect your mixers MASTER OUT to the RCA INPUT or QUARTER INCH input if it has one, of the powered speakers.

Success! You’re ready to create your first mix! For info on how to create that killer DJ mix, check out one of these two great resources:

• i DJ on Demand’s Video DJ Tutorial Series
• Danny Rampling’s “Everything You Need to Know About DJing And Success“

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Head back to the DJ Setup Tutorial Index to go over anything you might have missed.

or

Go back to the previous step :  Connecting DJ Mixers to Other Devices

Gear You Will Need for DJing

Here’s an overview of the type of equipment you will definitely need if you want to start becoming a successful DJ today. Whereever possible, we’ve provided links to specific products that we’ve recommended.

Source: idjondemand

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If you’re using vinyl to DJ then here is what you need.

• Two (2) turntables like the Numark TTX1 Direct-Drive Turntable
• Two (2) slipmats – If you don’t know why don’t worry I’ll tell you why later.
• Two (2) cartridges like the Shure M44-7 Competition DJ Cartridge
• One (1) mixer like the Rane TTM 56 Performance Mixer
• One (1) pair of headphones like the Stanton DJ Pro 3000 Headphones

For CD DJs

• Two (2) CD turntables like the Pioneer CDJ1000
• One (1) mixer like the Xone:92 Mixer
• One (1) pair of headphones

*Check out this  CD turtables+mixer discount from Musician’s Friend here

For Laptop DJs

• One (1) Laptop Computer like the MacBook Pro
• Headphones
• DJing Sofware
  • Serato Scratch
  • Traktor DJ
  • Ableton Live
• Headphones

A way to amplify your sources such as stereo system or an amplifier and speakers. If you’re on a tight budget then powered speakers may be the way to go. For this DJ tutorial we already have an amp set up.

DJ Tutorial Tip: Always opt for separate components if  you can because if your powered speakers go down then you have to replace them. If you go with separate components and one fails you replace that one component.

If you’re using CD decks then drop the cartridges, needles and slipmats. But you still need an amplifier and speakers. You do want to hear your mix right?

Ready to step it up to the next level? Get bigger/better djing tips here

Go to the next free tutorial : Connecting your DJ Equipment

or

Go back to the DJ Equipment Tutorial index

Setting Up Gear for DJing

DJ tutorial for setting up your DJ equipment for the first time.

Source: idjondemand

• Do you have a lot of new deejay gear that you just bought, but you’re not really sure how to get it up and running properly?

• Are you experienced disc jokey, but want to make sure you’re connecting your deejay equipment the right way?

• Do you want to set up deejaying gear the right way, every time?

If you said yes to one of these, then you’re in the right place. Here we have provided a great free 5 step tutorial to help you accomplish this quickly and easily. In this tutorial series, you will learn how to efficiently and effectively get your DJing equipment set up and connected to ensure that there will be nothing you have to worry about when you’re playing out, whether it be practicing in your bedroom or playing out to hundreds of partygoers.

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Here are the 5 steps to setting up proper:

1. DJ Equipment – What You Need To Start DJing
2. Connecting your new DJ equipment
3. Connecting your DJ needles and cartridges
4. Connecting other DJ components and devices
5. Outputs (Master outputs and Record outputs)

Happy with the info in this first tutorial series? Check out idjondemand’s guaranteed DJing success tips.

On Being a Gentleman’s Club DJ

There a many different types and variations of the traditional “DJ”.  DJs come in many shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds (both culturally and musically). That being said, we couldn’t turn down the opportunity to expose you to the unique world of the Strip Club DJ.

Many have aspirations of DJing in clubs for thousands of fans, but not as many have taken the road of being a disc jockey for the sole purpose of enabling nude women to dance more effectively for paying clientele.

Author Bill Matthews has provided use with a new eBook covering every aspect of DJing at Gentlemen’s Clubs. He claims that  “You can easily make $500 or more every day, surrounded by hot, sexy women.”

Here is Bill’s Bio: About Bill Matthews, author of the Strip Club DJ eBook

Here are the basics of what’s Covered in “I’d Kill For That Job”: How To Become a Strip Club DJ

• Discover exactly what to say and how to say it

  It’s easy. And when you have this, you’ll quickly develop your own style. You’ll be able to handle any club situation. The best clubs will want you to be their ‘voice.’ And the best clubs have the best women, the ones who line your pockets with cash.

• How to run the equipment

  If you can run your home stereo, you can run the sound system in any club. I’ll show you everything you need to know in short order.

  I’ll share the ins and outs of stage lighting. Dancers will tip extra when you give them a great light show.

• How to control the Dancers

  You’ll discover how to keep them happy and keep them tipping. And how to become any dancer’s favorite DJ.

  This matters because every club has at least one or two prima donnas that can drive a DJ crazy. With “I’d Kill For That Job,” you’ll discover how to deal with these spoiled brats and turn them into your best tippers.

• Choose the best club to make the best bucks

  Discover how to make sure you are immediately aware of any openings at any club that interests you. You’ll save months, even years of being stuck in a bad club. You’ll move up to the best clubs 10 times faster than most DJs even dream of doing.

  You’ll be able to identify the different types of managers and club owners, and know how to deal with each type effectively. You’ll discover how to get the best shifts, as many as you like, and make more money faster.

• How to choose music that keeps both the dancers and the audience pumped up

  • A system for keeping track of each dancer’s music.
  • A fast and easy way to discover the best songs within any music category.
  • How to keep up with new music in minutes each week, not hours.

• Avoid the costly mistakes almost every DJ makes.

  • A simple technique to boost your tips that 90% of DJs overlook.
  • The right time to change clubs or shifts. Many DJs settle for $100 to $200 a night. It’s easy to duck this mistake when you know how.
  • Discover ‘attitude money’ and how it can boost your income.
  • The do’s and don’ts of dating dancers and waitresses.

Plus 2 Valuable DJing Bonuses:

Bonus #1 – “Free Personal Consultation”

If you get stuck, I’ll personally help in any way I can. Just describe the problem in an e-mail and I’ll get back to you ASAP. Order now, then take advantage of this offer later when you find yourself really up against it. It’s unlikely you’ll bump into a situation I have not already faced successfully.

Bonus #2 – “Free Voice Coaching Session”

Send a copy of your demo tape (which I show you how to make in the course). Or a sample recording of you working in a club. Use one side of a cassette. I’ll record on the opposite side and return it to you with specifics that apply strictly to you. This will help you sound more professional and, of course, make more money.

These two consultations alone are worth far more than the price of the course. But if you order right now, the consultation and this free one-on-one voice coaching session are yours. And there is no time limit on these offers. Take advantage of each when it makes sense to do so.

Interested in learning more? Check out the “I’d Kill For That Job” Page

“I’d Kill For That Job”

About Bill Matthews, author of the eBook on how to be a strip club DJ

My name is Bill Matthews and before I retired from the business, I was a DJ and manager for one of the most famous gentleman’s club organizations in the world, Rick’s Cabaret and The Colorado Bar & Grill in Houston, Texas.

Rick’s was the first ‘gentleman’s club’ and is the club that many of the biggest clubs today are modeled after. The club has been featured in Penthouse magazine and one year over half of the Penthouse Pets were Rick’s Girls including Pet of the Year and the 20th anniversary Pet, Lynn Johnson, as well as former Playboy Playmate of the Year Anna Nicole Smith. The Colorado Bar & Grill has been featured in Playboy and has also had its fair share of Penthouse Pets and Playboy Playmates.

In addition to being a DJ, I was responsible for hiring and training new DJ’s for the organization. Some guys are great DJ’s but they don’t have any idea how to teach someone else how to be a DJ. I’ve trained dozens of DJ’s and, having also been a manager, know what managers look for when hiring a DJ.

In more recent years, I’ve been involved in the music business in a management capacity and developing seminars for musicians. My experience in the music business helped me learn how to help creative people handle their careers for the long term. That experience came in handy when writing the book. I use it to show you how to get noticed and move up to the bigger clubs where the real money is.

More than anything, I love to teach. While still managing bands, I developed a weekend seminar for local musicians to show them how to take charge of their careers. My seminar was successful on a local level but there were several other people doing similar seminars around the country and the music industry was changing in a big way due to the internet and sites like Napster.

It was then that I remembered an idea that I’d had ten years ago: to write a book about how to be a strip club DJ. I did a little checking and was surprised to find that not one book had been written on the subject. I also recalled how much I’d enjoyed teaching other people to DJ. So, I started working on the book right away.

In writing the book, I tried to think of every single question someone just starting out would ask and what they’d need to know to get started and, more importantly, what they’d need to move into the better paying clubs. I also tried to include as much information as I could about how to deal with the people you’ll encounter in the clubs: the dancers, the managers, the customers and even other DJ’s.

Every working DJ that I’ve show the book to has said the same thing. They wish they had a book like this when they started out. Fortunately for you, this information is now available to you for the first time anywhere. You’ll learn not only what I spent several years learning, you’ll be able to avoid some of the mistakes that I made along the way.

More info on Bill’s eBook is available on
his book’s site