How To Create A DJ Set For Beginners In 2025

The art of DJing continues to evolve, with new technologies allowing for precise control and dynamic mixing.

Beginners looking to create a DJ set have many options for building a digital setup and delivering professional-quality mixes.

This guide to DJ sets for beginners explains the essential equipment, resources, and learning strategies for getting started.

What Is A DJ Set?

A DJ set is a curated collection of tracks played and mixed to create a continuous flow for the audience.

It is performed by a disc jockey (DJ) and involves equipment that DJs use to blend tracks by applying transitions.

This equipment includes DJ controllers, headphones, and other accessories for a DJ setup to mix songs.

DJ sets can be part of a live performance or pre-recorded and uploaded to streaming platforms such as Soundcloud.

Live DJ sets are performed at various venues, including bars and restaurants, nightclubs, festivals, and private events.

A DJ set can also include other processes, such as VR and VDJing, in which lighting and other visual elements are introduced.

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How To Create A DJ Set For Beginners In 2025 (Step-By-Step)

Creating a beginner DJ set can be challenging, with endless options for hardware, software, and music acquisition sources.

Here’s a beginner-friendly DJ checklist to help you get the best DJ setup and workflow for your style.

Step 1: Research Entry-Level DJ Controllers

You can create a DJ set without breaking the bank, as many affordable controllers are available.

While the best DJ controllers use high-end components and features, budget-friendly alternatives cover the basics.

The Numark Party Mix is a popular option for new bedroom DJs looking for a straightforward introduction to mixing.

Alternatively, Pioneer offers several entry-level controllers, such as the feature-rich two-channel DJ DDJ-FLX4.

There’s also the Alpha Theta SSJ-FX2 with DAW compatibility, allowing DJs to record and review live performances.

New DJs often choose the Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3 from Native Instruments, which offers powerful AI stem separation on a budget.

Once you’ve settled on the controller that matches your needs, it’s time to build up the rest of your hardware and software.

Step 2: Include Turntables For Mixing With Vinyl Records

While some DJs opt for digital-only equipment, many still incorporate traditional vinyl records into their workflow.

Whether you have a record collection or want to expand your horizons, vinyl provides access to rare and unique music.

Turntables are available at various prices, from beginner-friendly models to the iconic Technics SL-1210s used in clubs.

You can weigh the pros and cons of new and old DJ equipment and consider buying turntables second-hand.

If you’re considering scratch DJing with vinyl on turntables, dedicated turntablists often use the Reloop RP-7000 model.

Bear in mind that beginners with no experience using turntables can expect a steeper learning curve than digital DJs.

This approach lacks the tools and displays to help with cue points and beat matching, requiring mixing by ear.

That said, mastering DJing on turntables is rewarding and allows for discovering obscure tracks unavailable elsewhere.

Step 3: Purchase A DJ Mixer

Whether you need a dedicated mixer depends on your other gear. Most DJ controllers have the same features.

This optional step depends on the setup configuration, but DJs using turntables typically use a mixer for their sets.

Likewise, if you’re considering using CDJs, a dedicated mixer will be needed unless you’re running it through a controller.

One advantage of using a mixer is the ability to customize multiple inputs, particularly when mixing across numerous channels.

Some high-end mixers, such as models from Allen and Heath, offer exceptional filters and other tools that cheaper controllers lack.

Mixers include dedicated audio interfaces for recording and streaming, and features for integrating live instruments and vocals.

They’re also commonly installed in professional venues, due to their flexibility compared to all-in-one controllers.

Step 4: Choose Your DJ Software

Newcomers to DJing have many options for DJ software for beginners, delivering intuitive mixing and plenty of features.

When choosing DJ software, bear in mind the following factors before investing your money:

• Hardware compatibility: Different DJ controllers require specific software to function, which will impact your decision. For example, Pioneer’s DJ controllers are compatible with Rekordbox, while Native Instruments’ controllers work with Traktor Pro, Maschine, and Komplete.
• User-friendly design: New DJs can be put off if overwhelmed by tools and other information. Opting for user-friendly DJ software will allow you to focus on the basics before tackling advanced techniques.
• Required basic features: Most software covers the core basics for mixing, such as beatmatching, EQs, and effects. If you need advanced mixing or library management tools, check the software specs before buying.
• Online community and support: Customer support and online communities can streamline learning how to get the most out of software. Check out user reviews and find relevant forums to see how well the software is supported.

If your budget is tight, you can explore the best free DJ software and use it to explore the basics of DJing.

Alternatively, investing in professional DJ software will allow you to experiment early with advanced tools and features.

Club-ready DJ software is a must if you want to use stem separation and other complex mixing techniques.

Step 5: Invest In DJ Headphones

DJ headphones are another core tool, allowing DJs to hear incoming and outgoing tracks before adding to the mix.

The best DJ headphones are over-the-ear with pivoting cups, allowing DJs to listen with one ear and monitor the booth speakers.

Affordable headphones are available from big-name brands, such as Pioneer’s DJ HDJ-CUE1 and the Numark HF125.

If you can afford higher-end headphones, you’ll get improved noise cancellation, better audio quality, and a more durable build quality.

Like other DJ tools, headphones will experience heavy use, so keeping a spare pair on hand is important for gigs.

Related reading: A beginner’s guide to harmonic mixing.

Step 6: Acquire Cables & Accessories

Once you’ve invested in a DJ controller and other hardware, you must pick up the relevant cables and accessories.

Standard cables used by DJs include XLR and RCA cables, while USB drives are essential for storing digital music collections.

If you’re considering making money as a DJ, investing in backup cables and accessories for professional gigs is advisable.

Likewise, mobile DJing requires additional accessories, so include lights and a microphone in your list of essential equipment.

Step 7: Build A Music Library

A great DJ counts for little if their selection of tracks is lacking, and building a music library is essential for beginners.

To begin with, stick within a genre you love and focus on learning the ropes by mixing familiar tracks.

This will make it easier to master transitions early on, before experimenting with more daring track combinations.

You should also aim for quality over quantity and avoid being overwhelmed with many musical options.

Some of the resources DJs frequently turn to when building a solid music library include:

• Online digital music stores: There are many online digital music stores, with Boomkat and Bleep perfect for dance music fans. A broad selection of music is also available through iTunes, Bandcamp, and the Amazon Music Digital Store.
• DJ pools: Professional DJs have been using DJ pools for music acquisition for decades, accessing exclusive releases for mixes. They provide handy tags for key and BPM to assist with DJing through monthly subscription services.
• Brick-and-mortar stores: If you’re spinning vinyl records or using CDJs, traditional physical stores are there for crate digging. You can also find bargains in thrift stores and yard sales, as well as websites like eBay and Discogs.

There are also excellent resources to discover new releases and remixes from the leading DJs and music producers.

YouTube and Soundcloud host official channels for top DJs where they upload tracks and mixes for their fans.

DJs can also access advice on playlists on websites like 1001 Tracklist and discover the best closing songs.

As your collection expands, organize your music library and refine your tags and categories to streamline your workflow.

This will ensure you can find songs at a moment’s notice, whether reacting to the audience or taking requests.

Step 8: Check Out DJing Tutorials

There are online tutorials for every hobby, and DJing is equally well represented with in-depth video tutorials.

You can start by checking out the many YouTube channels and videos breaking down the basic techniques you’ll need.

Many of these are hardware or software-specific, so search for tutorials that match your equipment setup.

There are also dedicated DJing tutorials from famous DJs, such as Hardwell’s live-streamed tutorials with Q&A.

If you’re looking for specific information and don’t want to wade through videos, there are dedicated DJ forums you can use.

These are great places to engage with the DJing community by asking experienced DJs for their insights.

Trickier concepts, such as the role of the circle of fifths in DJing, can be explained with clarity and expand your knowledge.

Step 9: Practice Basic Mixing Techniques

Once you’ve set up your DJing equipment and prepared with research, you’re ready to learn the basic mixing techniques.

First, prepare a playlist of songs you love and are highly familiar with, since this will make it easier to blend with transitions.

Tracks with percussion-heavy intros and outros are also excellent for newcomers to master beatmatching.

Since the opening and closing sections focus on drums and basslines, you won’t have to worry about clashing melodies.

Some of the basic mixing techniques you’ll learn as a new DJ include:

• Matching the tempo of both tracks so they’re aligned when you blend them together.
• Using the EQ controls to mix elements of each song in and out across low, mid, and high frequency ranges.
• Altering the gain control to ensure each track’s volume is matched.

These techniques provide the foundation for implementing transitions, ensuring your mixes sound impressive.

Step 10: Record & Learn From Your Sets

The final step when learning beginner DJing is recording and reviewing your performance to identify any issues.

It can be easy to overlook mistakes during a set; these recordings will help iron out any mixing issues.

Jot down notes to help you improve, and share the recordings with other DJs to gather feedback and advice.

If you’re hoping to perform live, recording video of your sets can help you master on-stage presence and showcase your charisma.

You can also upload DJ sets to Soundcloud and similar platforms, reviewing the comments for constructive feedback.

While Soundcloud users have reported issues with copyright takedowns, Mixcloud and Dropify offer similar services.

These platforms can also help you build your online presence, attracting potential fans eager to hear more.

Essential Tips For Creating A Beginner DJ Set

If you’re struggling with the basics of DJing, seasoned DJs can teach you a great deal about the art form.

Here are some essential tips to help beginners create a fun and creative DJ set:

• Watch your favorite DJs performing: Many beginners turn to their favorite DJs to learn how to structure and mix tracks. There are plenty of performance videos on YouTube that you can reference when honing your skills.
• Assess your budget: Acquiring the gear to perform DJ sets doesn’t have to be expensive. You can save money by assessing your budget and weighing up your options on the second-hand market.
• Network with other DJs: Watching professional DJs perform can be helpful, but hands-on experience is more valuable. If you know other DJs in your area, ask them for advice and in-person lessons.
• Experiment with different genres: Exploring new music genres outside your chosen niche is an effective way to fine-tune your skills. It can also open up creative opportunities you might otherwise overlook.

Your DJing skills will improve by exploring DJ mixing tips from established DJs and practicing with patience.

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Summary

Becoming a DJ requires investing in the best DJ gear for your budget and mastering the basic mixing techniques.

This guide to DJ sets for beginners provides everything you need to build a setup that meets your requirements.

As your skills improve, you can upgrade your gear to access professional features and venture into music production.