So you decided to take the plunge and drop a bunch of money and get all the gear you need to be a Pro DJ. You’ve got the plans, the motivation, the number of the local venues, and a friend-of-a-friend wants to promote you when you make it. It’s all looking up for you.

Except, you lack those pesky skills. For one, your mixing sounds awful, the fades are whack, and your scratches actually sounds like you are scratching the record to pieces. You need some DJ Instruction. And you need it yesterday.

We’ve all been there. But don’t worry, because once you get your equipment, it’s only practice that stands between you and a wad of cash and a bit of fame (in the right circles at least).

This isn’t meant to be a full-on lesson in how to DJ, if you want a full DJ lesson you’re going to have to look here. But, what I am trying to do is give you 3 Huge Tips that are going to help you learn to be a Pro DJ.

DJ Instruction: Learn Three Huge DJ Tricks:

DJ Trick 1. Get the right equipment: I know this first one sounds bogus, but even if you think you got the right stuff, you might be kidding yourself. If your decks are bad, then your tempo is going to be as reliable as the lottery. You are going to be as frustrated as a Victoria’s secret photographer. Get some good stuff and then move on to number 2.

DJ Trick 2. Add your own drums on a record: Another trick you can do is have a record playing on one deck and set the tonal arm on the beginning or the end of the record where no music is written now have the record stopped and tap on the record with your finger. The vibration from you tapping will sound like a base beat. Tap in beat with the other record to fatten up the base or add your own percussive touch.

DJ Trick 3. Get some good DJ Instruction: Please don’t waste your time with books. They can take you only so far. Would you use a book to learn to make love? I hope not. The only good way to learn is from a mentor or from a video series where you can see and hear what’s going on. You can see some reviews of DJ video series here.

So now that you know some of the tricks, hit the decks and see what you can make happen.

By: Bradley Spencer