How to DJ With Rekordbox
I’m Jerry Frempong, a UK based DJ with over 25 years behind the decks, and if there’s one thing I love, it’s seeing new DJs gain confidence and experienced DJs sharpen their workflow. Rekordbox has become one of the most powerful DJ software platforms in the world, and learning how to DJ with Rekordbox properly can completely transform the way you play music, prepare sets and perform live.
This guide is written to help you understand Rekordbox from the ground up. Whether you’re opening the software for the first time or you’ve been mixing casually and want to sound more professional, this article will walk you through the full DJ journey in a clear, encouraging way.
What Rekordbox Is and Why DJs Use It
Rekordbox is DJ software designed to help you organise music, prepare tracks and perform live sets with precision and creativity. It’s used by bedroom DJs, club DJs, mobile DJs and festival performers across the UK and worldwide. One of the biggest reasons DJs choose Rekordbox is its tight integration with professional DJ controllers and club standard equipment.
When you DJ with Rekordbox, you’re not just mixing tracks. You’re building a system that helps you read music better, stay organised, and perform with confidence. Over the years I’ve seen DJs struggle not because they lack talent, but because their music preparation is chaotic. Rekordbox fixes that problem when used correctly.
Installing Rekordbox and Getting Set Up
The first step to DJing with Rekordbox is installing the software and setting it up properly. Once installed, take time to adjust the audio settings, controller preferences and display layout. These early decisions matter more than people realise.
Make sure your audio device is selected correctly so your master output and headphones work as expected. Choose a waveform display that feels natural to you. Some DJs prefer stacked waveforms, others prefer parallel. There is no right or wrong here, only what helps you mix more accurately.
As a UK DJ who has played everything from small lounges to packed dancefloors, I can tell you this with confidence: comfort equals confidence. If your Rekordbox setup feels right, your performance will feel right.
Importing and Organising Music in Rekordbox
One of the most important parts of learning how to DJ with Rekordbox is understanding music management. Rekordbox is at its best when your library is clean, well tagged and logically organised.
Import your music carefully and make sure track titles, artist names and genres are correct. Rekordbox reads metadata, so the more accurate your information is, the better your experience will be. Over time, you’ll thank yourself for doing this properly.
Playlists are your secret weapon. Create playlists based on energy, mood, venue type and time of night. I’ve used this approach for decades, even before DJ software existed. Rekordbox simply makes it faster and smarter.
Understanding Beat Grids and Track Analysis
Track analysis is one of Rekordbox’s strongest features, but only if you understand it. When Rekordbox analyses a track, it detects the tempo, sets the beat grid and identifies musical structure.
Always check your beat grids. Even experienced DJs skip this step and regret it later. A drifting beat grid can throw off sync, loops and effects. Take a moment to adjust the first downbeat and ensure the grid stays tight throughout the track.
This habit separates casual DJs from professional DJs. When your grids are correct, your mixes become cleaner, your transitions smoother and your confidence grows.
Cue Points and Memory Cues Explained
Cue points are essential when DJing with Rekordbox. They allow you to jump instantly to key moments in a track such as intros, breakdowns, drops and outros. Memory cues help you visually map out a track’s structure.
I encourage DJs to use cue points musically, not randomly. Place cues where energy changes. Place cues where vocals begin. Place cues where you would naturally mix out.
When you practise this consistently, Rekordbox becomes less of a screen and more of an extension of your musical instincts.
Learning to Beatmatch in Rekordbox
Beatmatching is still a vital skill, even with sync available. Rekordbox gives you visual waveforms, BPM readouts and phase indicators, but your ears should always lead the process.
Start by matching tempos manually. Use the jog wheels to nudge tracks into time. Listen to the kick drums. Feel the groove. Rekordbox helps, but it doesn’t replace musical judgement.
As someone who learned to DJ on vinyl long before digital displays, I can say this honestly: DJs who master beatmatching in Rekordbox sound more confident, more fluid and more professional.
Mixing Tracks Smoothly Using Rekordbox
Smooth mixing comes from preparation and timing. Rekordbox allows you to see phrase alignment clearly, which helps you mix tracks that complement each other musically.
Watch the waveforms, but listen closely. Use EQ properly. Reduce bass on one track as you introduce bass on another. Avoid overusing effects early on. Clean mixing always wins on real dancefloors.
When you DJ with Rekordbox regularly, you’ll begin to anticipate transitions before they happen. That’s when mixing becomes second nature.
Using Performance Mode Like a Pro
Performance mode is where Rekordbox truly shines for live DJing. This mode allows you to control decks, effects, loops and hot cues in real time.
Spend time practising in performance mode without pressure. Learn where everything is. Learn how effects sound on different genres. Experiment with loops to extend breakdowns or tighten transitions.
Confidence in performance mode comes from repetition. The more comfortable you are, the more creative you become during live sets.
Recording Your DJ Mixes in Rekordbox
Recording your mixes is one of the best ways to improve as a DJ. Rekordbox allows you to record high quality DJ sets directly within the software.
Listen back critically. Notice where transitions feel rushed or where energy drops unexpectedly. This feedback loop is invaluable. I’ve been DJing for over two decades and I still listen to my own mixes to improve.
Sharing your mixes online also helps build confidence and develop your DJ identity.
Preparing for Live Gigs Using Rekordbox
Preparation is where great DJs are made. Rekordbox makes gig preparation efficient and stress free when used properly.
Before a gig, analyse new tracks, set cue points and test transitions. Organise playlists specifically for the venue and crowd. This approach has saved me countless times in unfamiliar venues.
When you arrive at a gig fully prepared, you can focus on reading the crowd and enjoying the moment.
Common Mistakes DJs Make With Rekordbox
Many DJs rely too heavily on sync without understanding track structure. Others ignore beat grid errors. Some clutter their libraries with poorly tagged files.
Rekordbox rewards DJs who take responsibility for preparation. Treat it like a professional tool, not a shortcut.
Mistakes are part of learning. What matters is recognising them early and improving steadily.
Developing Your DJ Style Using Rekordbox
Rekordbox does not define your style. You do. The software simply gives you tools to express your musical identity more clearly.
Experiment with different genres. Try longer blends. Explore creative cue usage. Over time, you’ll develop a sound that feels authentic.
I’ve watched DJs evolve dramatically just by using Rekordbox more intentionally. The growth is real when the mindset is right.
Final Thoughts From a DJ With 25 Years Experience
Learning how to DJ with Rekordbox is not about pressing the right buttons. It’s about understanding music, preparation and performance.
Rekordbox is powerful, reliable and trusted by DJs across the world for a reason. When you take the time to learn it properly, it becomes an ally rather than a distraction.
Stay patient. Practise often. Trust your ears. If you do that, Rekordbox will help you become the DJ you aspire to be.
If I can leave you with one final piece of advice from decades behind the decks, it’s this: preparation builds freedom. Rekordbox gives you the structure. Your passion brings it to life.