How to DJ with Turntables
How to DJ with Turntables
I’m Jerry Frempong, a UK-based DJ who’s been rocking turntables for over twenty five years, and I can tell you this straight from the heart: learning how to DJ with turntables is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take in music. Vinyl teaches you discipline, patience, musical understanding and true confidence behind the decks. If you can DJ on turntables, you can DJ on anything. This guide is written to encourage you, not intimidate you, and to give you a clear, honest path into the world of turntable DJing.
Why learning to DJ with turntables still matters
In a digital world, turntables remain the foundation of DJ culture. When you learn how to DJ with turntables, you’re learning the original skills of beatmatching, tempo control, phrasing and crowd reading. Vinyl DJing sharpens your ears in ways software never can. You physically touch the music, feel the groove, and develop muscle memory that stays with you for life. Many top club DJs, radio DJs and battle DJs still credit turntables for their musical education and longevity.
Understanding the basic DJ turntable setup
Before you mix a single record, it’s important to understand your DJ setup. A classic turntable DJ setup consists of two turntables and a DJ mixer. Direct drive turntables are essential for DJing because they provide fast start up torque and consistent speed. Your DJ mixer is the control centre, allowing you to blend tracks using volume faders, EQ and the crossfader. Headphones are just as important as your speakers, as they allow you to cue records accurately and beatmatch by ear.
Your turntables should be placed on a stable surface to avoid vibration. Always ensure your needles and cartridges are correctly fitted and your tonearms are balanced. These details may sound small, but they directly affect sound quality and tracking, which is crucial when learning how to DJ with vinyl.
Choosing the right vinyl records to practice with
When starting out, record choice can make or break your progress. For beginners learning how to DJ with turntables, house, hip hop and techno records with steady beats and long intros are ideal. Avoid tracks with live drummers or heavy tempo changes at first. You want records with clear kick drums so you can hear the beat clearly while beatmatching.
Practising with records you genuinely love is just as important. DJing is emotional, and your passion for the music keeps you motivated during the challenging stages of learning. Over time, you’ll naturally build a vinyl collection that reflects your sound and identity as a DJ.
How to cue records correctly on turntables
Cueing is one of the first essential skills in turntable DJing. Place the needle at the start of the beat, usually on the first kick drum. Gently hold the record still while the platter spins underneath. In your headphones, release the record in time with the playing track to test the alignment of the beats.
Good cueing develops touch and control. You learn how much pressure to apply with your fingers and how to release the record smoothly. This physical connection to the music is one of the biggest differences between vinyl DJing and digital DJing.
Learning how to beatmatch by ear
Beatmatching is the heart of learning how to DJ with turntables. This is where patience pays off. Start by matching the tempos using the pitch fader on the turntable. Use your ears, not your eyes. Listen to the kick drums and adjust the pitch slowly until both records play at the same speed.
Once the tempos are close, nudge the record forward or slow it down slightly using your fingers. This fine control takes practice, but over time it becomes second nature. Beatmatching by ear trains your musical instinct and gives you confidence in any DJ booth, anywhere in the world.
Using pitch control like a professional DJ
The pitch fader is your best friend when DJing with turntables. Learn to make small adjustments rather than big movements. Professional DJs rarely slam the pitch fader from one extreme to another. Smooth, controlled movements keep your mixes sounding clean and natural.
Understanding how pitch affects key and energy will also improve your DJ sets. Slight pitch changes can lift or deepen the mood of a track, giving your mixes a more musical feel. This is something only experienced turntable DJs truly appreciate.
Mixing records smoothly on a DJ mixer
Once your records are beatmatched, mixing is all about balance. Use the channel faders and EQ to blend tracks gradually. Lower the bass on the incoming track to avoid clashing kick drums, then swap basslines smoothly as the mix progresses.
Every DJ mixer responds differently, so spend time learning yours. Understanding how the EQ curves behave helps you control energy on the dancefloor. Smooth transitions are a sign of a confident DJ who understands their equipment.
Understanding phrasing and musical structure
Great DJs don’t just mix beats, they mix phrases. Most dance music is structured in predictable patterns, usually in blocks of sixteen or thirty two bars. Learning how to DJ with turntables means learning when to bring tracks in and out at the right musical moments.
Phrasing creates mixes that feel natural and exciting. When tracks are aligned musically, the crowd feels it, even if they can’t explain why. This skill separates average DJs from memorable ones.
Developing timing and rhythm confidence
Turntable DJing improves your internal sense of timing. You begin to feel when a track is drifting out of sync before you even hear it. This instinct comes from hours of focused practice and active listening.
Practise regularly, even if it’s just thirty minutes a day. Consistency builds confidence. Over time, your hands and ears work together without conscious effort, allowing you to focus on creativity and crowd connection.
Learning scratching on turntables
Scratching is a powerful expressive tool in DJ culture. While not essential for every DJ, learning basic scratch techniques improves record control and confidence. Start with simple baby scratches and focus on clean, rhythmic movements.
Scratching teaches you how records respond to touch, which improves your overall mixing skills. Even DJs who don’t scratch in their sets benefit from the control it develops.
Caring for your turntables and vinyl records
Respect your equipment and it will reward you. Keep your records clean, store them upright and handle them carefully. Dirty vinyl and worn needles can damage sound quality and make mixing harder than it needs to be.
Regular maintenance of your turntables ensures consistent performance. Check your needles, clean your mixer and keep your setup tidy. A professional DJ treats their gear like an instrument.
Building confidence performing live on turntables
The first time you DJ live with turntables can be nerve-wracking, and that’s normal. Preparation is the key to confidence. Know your records, practise your transitions and trust your training.
Mistakes happen to every DJ, even after decades behind the decks. The crowd cares more about energy and music selection than technical perfection. Stay calm, stay musical and keep moving forward.
Developing your own DJ style and sound
Learning how to DJ with turntables isn’t about copying others forever. It’s about finding your own voice. Over time, your music choices, mixing style and performance approach will naturally evolve.
Listen widely, practise creatively and trust your instincts. Your individuality is your strength as a DJ. Vinyl encourages personal expression because every mix is manual and unique.
Staying motivated during the learning process
There will be moments when beatmatching feels impossible or progress seems slow. Every great DJ has been there, including me. Push through those moments and remember why you started.
Celebrate small wins, whether it’s a clean mix or a smooth transition. Progress in DJing is gradual but incredibly rewarding. The skills you build with turntables stay with you for life.
Why turntables make you a better DJ overall
Turntables teach respect for music, timing and audience connection. They demand attention and reward dedication. DJs who master vinyl often find digital systems easier later on, because the fundamentals are already solid.
Learning how to DJ with turntables builds confidence that no software update can replace. It connects you to the roots of DJ culture and gives you a deep understanding of rhythm and flow.
Final words from a DJ who’s lived it
After more than twenty five years DJing across the UK, I can honestly say that learning how to DJ with turntables shaped my career and my character. Vinyl taught me patience, discipline and creativity. It gave me confidence in any booth, anywhere.
If you’re willing to practise, listen deeply and trust the process, turntables will reward you beyond expectation. Stick with it, enjoy the journey, and remember that every great DJ started exactly where you are now.