When you’re mixing 2 tracks together one of the most important things to keep in mind is pitch. The secret behind pitch perfect mixing is using songs that are either in the same key or keys that are compatible with each other.
Mixing in key creates smooth transitions between songs. If you try to mix songs in different, unrelated keys the tracks will clash with each other and create a dissonant tone. This is something you want to avoid at all costs because it will interrupt the flow of your set.
Back in the day harmonic mixing meant using a piano to determine the root note of every track in your DJ collection. The root note that perfectly fit a specific song could then be used to mix in a different track in the same key.
Mixed In Key is a type of harmonic mixing DJ software that makes harmonic mixing much easier than it was in the past. The program can automatically determine the key of every single song in your DJ collection. Once you know what key each track is in it is much easier to figure out what songs go well together.
Another feature of Mixed In Key is the Camelot Wheel, which was invented by Mark Davis. It is a color-coded system that makes it simple to know which keys are compatible with each other. If you follow the wheel you’ll never hear any jarring notes when transitioning between songs.
With DJ libraries constantly expanding it is becoming more and more important to properly label the songs in your collection. Including the BPM and key of a track in the title will take a lot of the pressure off you when you’re mixing live.
Harmonic mixing opens the door to a whole new world of opportunities. It lets you create constant mashups using any genre of music. Start practicing pitch perfect mixing and you’ll be sure to see the results in no time.
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