Your first clean DJ transition

The beginner transition formula

Choose two tracks within about 5 BPM of each other. Start Track B at the beginning of a phrase while Track A still has a steady groove. Bring Track B in quietly. Let both songs play together for 16 or 32 bars. Move the crossfader slowly. Keep the mix boring on purpose until it sounds controlled.

Step by step

1. Load Track A and let it play.
2. Set Track B to a clear intro or first downbeat.
3. Match the BPM roughly.
4. Start Track B on a phrase boundary.
5. Keep Track B lower in volume at first.
6. Move the crossfader slowly toward Track B.
7. End with only Track B playing.

Common mistakes

1. Starting Track B too loud.
2. Moving the fader quickly because you feel nervous.
3. Choosing two songs with totally different grooves for your first attempt.
4. Adding effects before the plain mix works.