How to Create Your First DJ Mix – A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginner DJs

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve fallen in love with music in the same way I did all those years ago. I’m Jerry Frempong, a UK-based DJ with over 25 years behind the decks, and I still remember the excitement and fear of creating my very first DJ mix. That moment when you realise you’re no longer just listening to music, but shaping it, guiding it, telling a story with sound. Creating your first DJ mix is a massive milestone, and I want you to know from the start that you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.

This guide is written to help beginner DJs understand exactly how to create their first DJ mix in a way that feels achievable, enjoyable and confidence-boosting. I’ll walk you through the mindset, the preparation, the technical basics and the creative decisions that matter most. This isn’t about shortcuts or gimmicks. It’s about building solid foundations that will carry you through your DJ journey for years to come.

Understanding What a DJ Mix Really Is

Before you even touch your DJ controller or software, it’s important to understand what a DJ mix actually represents. A DJ mix is more than a collection of tracks played one after another. It’s a continuous musical journey where transitions feel natural, energy flows smoothly and the listener stays engaged from start to finish. When you create your first DJ mix, you’re learning how to blend tracks, match tempos, align phrasing and shape mood.

Many beginner DJs focus too much on technical tricks and forget that the heart of a great DJ mix is track selection. Your mix should reflect your taste, your personality and the kind of vibe you want to create. Whether it’s house, techno, hip hop, drum and bass or open-format, the principles of mixing remain the same. Flow, consistency and intention always win.

Choosing the Right Music for Your First DJ Mix

One of the most important steps in creating your first DJ mix is selecting the right tracks. This is where many new DJs get stuck. My advice is simple. Don’t overthink it. Choose music you genuinely love and know well. Familiarity with your tracks will make mixing far easier and more enjoyable.

Aim to pick tracks within a similar BPM range and style. This helps your transitions sound smoother and reduces the technical challenges early on. When I mentor new DJs, I always recommend starting with around ten to fifteen tracks. This is enough to create a solid thirty to forty-five minute DJ mix without feeling overwhelming.

As you listen through your chosen tracks, pay attention to energy levels. Notice which tracks feel like warm-ups, which feel like peak moments and which feel like gentle closers. Creating your first DJ mix is about learning how to move energy forward, not jumping all over the place.

Setting Up Your DJ Equipment and Software

You don’t need expensive gear to create your first DJ mix. What matters is that you understand the basics of what you’re using. Whether you’re working with a DJ controller, turntables or all-in-one system, make sure your setup is comfortable and familiar.

Spend time learning your DJ software before recording anything. Understand how to load tracks, set cue points, adjust EQ and control tempo. If you’re using popular DJ software like Serato, Rekordbox or Traktor, the fundamentals are very similar. Beatmatching, phrasing and EQ control are the skills you want to focus on.

Make sure your audio levels are set correctly. Avoid clipping or distortion, as poor sound quality can ruin an otherwise good DJ mix. Clean, balanced audio is essential if you want your first DJ mix to sound professional and enjoyable to listen to.

Learning Beatmatching and Timing

Beatmatching is one of the core skills every DJ needs, and it’s especially important when creating your first DJ mix. This is the art of aligning the tempo and beats of two tracks so they play smoothly together. While modern DJ software offers sync functions, I always encourage beginners to at least understand manual beatmatching.

When you practice beatmatching, listen closely to the kick drums and count the beats. Feel the rhythm rather than watching the screen. Your ears are your most important tool as a DJ. Timing also matters when bringing tracks in and out. Mixing at the right point in a track’s structure helps transitions feel natural and musical.

Your first DJ mix doesn’t need flawless beatmatching throughout. Minor imperfections are part of the learning process. What matters is that you’re developing control and awareness.

Understanding Phrasing and Track Structure

Phrasing is one of those DJ skills that transforms a mix from amateur to polished. Most dance music is structured in phrases, often in groups of eight, sixteen or thirty-two bars. When you mix tracks at matching phrase points, the changes feel logical and satisfying.

As you prepare your first DJ mix, listen for breakdowns, drops and outros. Mixing during these moments allows tracks to blend without clashing melodies or rhythms. This skill takes time, but once it clicks, your DJ mixes will instantly sound more professional.

I always tell new DJs that phrasing is like having a conversation. You don’t interrupt someone mid-sentence. You wait for the right moment to speak. Music works the same way.

Using EQ to Create Smooth Transitions

EQ control is essential when creating a DJ mix. It helps prevent frequency clashes and allows tracks to blend smoothly. The most important frequencies to manage are the bass, mids and highs. When mixing two tracks, you generally want only one bassline playing at a time.

As you bring a new track in, gradually reduce the bass on the outgoing track and introduce the bass of the incoming one. Use subtle EQ adjustments rather than drastic cuts. Smooth transitions come from gentle control, not aggressive movements.

Learning EQ is one of the fastest ways to improve your first DJ mix. Even simple blends sound far better when frequencies are managed properly.

Planning the Flow of Your First DJ Mix

While spontaneity is part of DJing, planning your first DJ mix is incredibly helpful. Decide on a rough running order for your tracks. Think about how the mix will start, how it will build and how it will end. This doesn’t mean you can’t adapt while mixing, but having a plan reduces pressure and nerves.

Your opening track should set the tone without overwhelming the listener. Your middle section can explore energy and groove, while your closing track should feel like a natural conclusion. A well-structured DJ mix leaves listeners feeling satisfied, not exhausted.

When I created my first proper mix all those years ago, planning gave me confidence. It allowed me to focus on execution rather than panicking about what came next.

Recording Your First DJ Mix

When you’re ready to record, create a calm environment. Turn off distractions and give yourself space to focus. Recording your first DJ mix can feel nerve-wracking, but remember that you can always record again. Perfection is not the goal. Progress is.

Use your DJ software’s internal recording function or an external recorder if needed. Make sure your recording levels are balanced and that your audio source is set correctly. Once you hit record, commit to the mix and enjoy the process.

If you make a small mistake, don’t immediately stop. Learning how to recover and continue is a valuable DJ skill. Many great mixes include tiny imperfections that listeners never notice.

Listening Back and Learning from Your Mix

This step is where real growth happens. Listen back to your first DJ mix with an open mind. Notice what works well and where transitions could improve. Pay attention to energy flow, timing and EQ balance.

Avoid being overly critical. Every DJ, including professionals, learns by listening back and refining their craft. Your first DJ mix is a snapshot of where you are right now, not a verdict on your potential.

I still listen back to my mixes after decades in the game. There’s always something to learn.

Sharing Your First DJ Mix with Confidence

Once you’re happy with your mix, don’t hide it away. Share it. Upload it to platforms like SoundCloud or Mixcloud and let people hear your work. Sharing your first DJ mix is a brave step, and it’s an important one.

Feedback helps you grow, but remember that not every opinion matters. Focus on constructive input and stay true to your musical identity. Confidence comes from consistency, not approval.

Final Thoughts from the Decks

Creating your first DJ mix is a powerful moment. It’s where practice turns into expression and passion turns into purpose. You don’t need the best equipment, the biggest following or years of experience. You need curiosity, patience and a genuine love for music.

After 25 years as a DJ, I can tell you this with certainty. Everyone starts somewhere. Your first DJ mix is the beginning of your story, not the final chapter. Keep mixing, keep learning and most importantly, enjoy every second behind the decks.