Here's something for thought guys, it's a way of mixing I've been playing around with for the past while, it takes basic musical theory, which I'll be blunt, I'm useless with.
Seen this wheel? It's the Camelot wheel, it's the center point of Harmonic Mixing.
On the Camelot wheel, each key is assigned a keycode number from one to twelve, like hours around a clock.
Now from here on it's just gonna be copy paste from http://www.harmonic-mixing.com/
VirtualDJ, Traktor, Cue and so on so forth should give you the Camelot Number of any songs you've played at least once, so the Piano isn't necessary, unless you're a vinyl DJ, then just use an online thing or DAW.
Now, you may be thinking moving just one up the scale every time is a little boring, and you're right, there are certain techniques you can use to add some spice to your mix.
Now this may make the melodies clash so you should mix quickly, but the result is great, it produces a very uplifting sound about it, you can apply the same idea by going down the Camelot Scale to chill out your mix.
Seen this wheel? It's the Camelot wheel, it's the center point of Harmonic Mixing.
On the Camelot wheel, each key is assigned a keycode number from one to twelve, like hours around a clock.
Now from here on it's just gonna be copy paste from http://www.harmonic-mixing.com/
Harmonic mixing consists of two elements: knowing the key of every song that you play and knowing which keys are compatible.
To get started, find the keys of your songs. You can detect keys with a piano, a good ear, and a background in music theory. To save time, you can use professional DJ software such as Mixed In Key. Mixed In Key scans your MP3 and WAV files, and shows you the key of every song.
VirtualDJ, Traktor, Cue and so on so forth should give you the Camelot Number of any songs you've played at least once, so the Piano isn't necessary, unless you're a vinyl DJ, then just use an online thing or DAW.
The Professional DJ Approach
Many professional DJs move around the Camelot wheel with every mix.
To select a compatible song, choose a keycode within one "hour" of your current keycode. If you are in 8A, you can play 7A, 8A or 9A next. If you are in 12A, you can play 11A, 12A or 1A. This mix will be smooth every time.
You can also mix between inner and outer wheels if you stay in the same "hour." For example, try mixing from 8A to 8B, and notice the change in melody as you go from Minor to Major.
Harmonic mixing is a simple technique, but it opens up a world of creativity. You will play creative DJ sets and discover interesting song combinations. It's easy to get started with any music genre.
Now, you may be thinking moving just one up the scale every time is a little boring, and you're right, there are certain techniques you can use to add some spice to your mix.
To go up one semitone, add 7 to your current Camelot number. If you're in E-flat Minor (2A), add 7 and you'll be in E Minor (9A).
To go up two semitones, just add 2 to your current Camelot number. If you're in C Minor (5A), add 2 and you'll get D Minor (7A). Play your next tune in 7A, and you'll experience an energy boost mix.
Now this may make the melodies clash so you should mix quickly, but the result is great, it produces a very uplifting sound about it, you can apply the same idea by going down the Camelot Scale to chill out your mix.
