How To DJ On The DDJ-400! Absolute Beginners Guide

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  • Опубліковано 1 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 599

  • @DJPhilHarris
    @DJPhilHarris  3 роки тому +112

    Enjoyed the video? 🎧🎶 Take your DJ skills to the next level by clicking here: philharrismusic.com/upgrade!

    • @h3941
      @h3941 3 роки тому +1

      Dear Phil I’m so lost on what you meant with aligning the tracks !!!

    • @geraldfer
      @geraldfer 2 роки тому

      Still cant get my mic to be heard on the stream...help please

    • @sierraconner175
      @sierraconner175 2 роки тому

      This tutorial was super helpful, thank you!! Definitely subscribing

    • @raheemjames447
      @raheemjames447 2 роки тому +1

      How you doing, DJ Phil Harris.

    • @djgnocchi4743
      @djgnocchi4743 2 роки тому

      #downtownfvmilyy

  • @thomaspym8645
    @thomaspym8645 3 роки тому +583

    I have just got the DDJ-400 great video Phil. I am 54 and just starting to learn to dj as a hobby for something to do as I had a heart attack and stroke. I have subscribed to Beatsource Link also to get music. Keep up the good work top tutor and top man

    • @aser_001
      @aser_001 3 роки тому +14

      this is so cool ❤️

    • @Onlymskeisha
      @Onlymskeisha 3 роки тому +4

      Good luck

    • @MichaelKline
      @MichaelKline 3 роки тому +7

      DJ'ing is so fun! I started as a hobby as well and learned so much from this video! I use Beatport Link. I love the charts and curated playlists there. always learning, getting better.

    • @terrywatson4133
      @terrywatson4133 3 роки тому +13

      I just decided to get into the DJ scene myself. I'm almost 51 and want to set up something that I can work towards when I can't do back-breaking labor anymore. How are you coming along after nine months of learning? I'm not sure how long to expect it to take to learn enough to start djing for family and friends.

    • @mophemewapitori3747
      @mophemewapitori3747 2 роки тому +16

      @thomas pym, I am also 50 from South Africa doing the same as you as a hobby. Let's treasure life mate

  • @bsuli76
    @bsuli76 2 роки тому +13

    "There's four beats to a bar - this is ALWAYS the case"
    This made my day :)
    That said, this video is one of the bests out there to explain DJ'ing - well done!

  • @JcDenton86
    @JcDenton86 3 роки тому +110

    I'm a beginner DJ with a brand new DDJ-400 and still learning the curves, and to tell you the truth your tutorial is the best so far by far. I feel like that I've learned like 10x times more over the course of 36mins than in 10 different videos added together. Really appreciate your work!

  • @charlietreefrog8020
    @charlietreefrog8020 3 роки тому +53

    Your style of teaching is so good - the perfect amount of information and easy for absolute noobs like me to follow along without it being condescending or too much detail :) love your work thank you so much keep it up!

  • @Jlind28
    @Jlind28 2 роки тому +16

    This video was perfect for me. I’m a beginner but have somewhat of an understanding of everything on the board. The rabbit holes you went down to explain everything in more detail was so helpful for understanding how and when to use certain features. Feel like I just made a huge leap from where I was at just from watching this video!

  • @aether_fae
    @aether_fae 11 місяців тому +1

    THANK you for this video and thank you for explaining all the little bits so eloquently.

  • @midnighttrucker19
    @midnighttrucker19 3 роки тому +17

    I'm picking up my DDJ 400 tomorrow.
    I'm soaking all this good info in

    • @jamescoplen9309
      @jamescoplen9309 3 роки тому

      How is it now that you’ve had a day to play with it???? I have mine sitting in my passenger seat on my way back from Guitar Center right now🤣

    • @midnighttrucker19
      @midnighttrucker19 3 роки тому

      @@jamescoplen9309 got mine from guitar center late last night. Didn't get a chance to play with it.
      Headed home now.
      Got all weekend

    • @midnighttrucker19
      @midnighttrucker19 3 роки тому +1

      @@jamescoplen9309 I'm about a week into it. I'm learning how to mix a little. Starting to get my timing and learning some of the side effects

  • @yannleguerroue2883
    @yannleguerroue2883 3 роки тому +76

    Best tutorial, I've only watched this video a few times and I was able to mix at my friend's party for 2 hours straight ! Had so much fun and I can't wait to our more to do better mixes !

  • @zachjones7031
    @zachjones7031 2 роки тому +2

    Just ordered a DDJ-400. Watching this video on repeat while I wait for it to arrive. Awesome video.

  • @iamallanfig
    @iamallanfig 3 роки тому +1

    The DDJ400 is a great bit of kit. I use it for all my mixes.

  • @djcrystar
    @djcrystar 3 роки тому

    i've been dj'ing since 1981...it's so easy to dj now, not having to carry 500lbs of records around, you just put your whole library on an usb stick...not having to buy $600 turntables, $150 needles, slipmats... but it's fun and everyone should enjoy it...

  • @jwold11
    @jwold11 2 роки тому +6

    I was a early 2000s vinyl dj and left the craft behind because digital started taking over and it was very overwhelming thinking of having to put in the amount of time learning all over again. Your videos really make it easier and way less overwhelming!

    • @jakobalbrecht7
      @jakobalbrecht7 2 роки тому +3

      Damn that’s a shame. Many great vinyl DJs are still around and rocking the clubs…

  • @p0wertiger
    @p0wertiger 3 роки тому +5

    I got a DDJ-SB3 a year ago and I've spent most of my time listening to music and learning it :D I guess that's the part which takes most of your time - know your music and prepare it beforehand

  • @zzestty
    @zzestty 10 місяців тому

    Hands down the best beginner tutorial out there. Really appreciate the simplicity and theory behind mixing. Also the rabbit hole discussions were awesome. Instant sub.

  • @clemens2002
    @clemens2002 Рік тому +3

    Got the FLX4 last week and couldn’t find a good free tutorial, this one really helped me. Thank you for making this video really helped me out and i like the way of teaching. The mumbling to explain the equalizer had me laughing. The video is still really useful after a year also for beginner with the new DDJ FLX4!

  • @glen.s9860
    @glen.s9860 11 місяців тому

    Phill , I have watch a lot of tutorial video on here and I have got to give it to you. YOU ARE THE BEST OF THEM ALL

  • @nazarnykoliak4987
    @nazarnykoliak4987 5 місяців тому

    I was able to play my first set for my friend birthday party just in a first week after I bought my controller, all because of your tutorial, thank you so much for your work and explanation !!!!

  • @meshachrozario3925
    @meshachrozario3925 2 роки тому +1

    This have never watched an entire UA-cam video without fast forwarding... but this video made me watch the entire thing.. and I totally understand this whole video. I'm going to get me a DDJ 400 and try this out, i want to be a DJ.. Thank you so much.

  • @FOTTONI
    @FOTTONI 3 роки тому +3

    I watched several videos in my language (Brazilian Portuguese) until find your channel and really understand in a simple and objective way how to create the first effects with my DDJ-400. Very good teaching, thanks and success, your effort is noble.

  • @shaaaggy100
    @shaaaggy100 3 роки тому +10

    If been djing for 30plus years Phil.....but I still found myself watching this ALL the way through......obviously I didn't learn anything but your learning technique for noobs is fantastic. Well done mate.......not sure we have the same view on memory ques though. 👍✌🙌🙌🙌🙌

  • @ashkanrmp7442
    @ashkanrmp7442 2 роки тому

    Got my dj400 set , couple month ago andohil have been the only youtuber i kept following because he knows how to keep it sinple and nice!i i even bought hos dj course and I had no regret!! I learnt alot from this guy

  • @consumervouchers
    @consumervouchers 2 роки тому

    What an awesome group of guys.......I've been dj'ing off and on for more than 35 years. I feel comfortable saying my age here.....lol 61 and counting .......fortunately.....more about that later. I still have most of my equipment from all the years of technology changes with hardware and software. Still got a pair of Pioneer 1200 turntables and stacks of records in the basement. When cd's hit around 1986 or so I bought a unit to plug in to my setup just for the slow jams and jazz sets as you could not beat match because there was no speed control and no pro dj cd players until years later. My first mixable dj players were Pioneer CDJ 100's. A few years later I returned the turntables and went full time cd's as I started to not on purchase more cd's but started burning my own compilation cd's......that was an awesome time in a boys life LOL. Sold the cdj 100's when I purchase Pioneer DMP 555's around 2002. Pioneer priced them at $1300 each....heck no I didn't pay that. I was on a Pioneer forum way back then and there was a conversation about them being liquidated by a local music store chain here in the Atlanta area Guitar Center for the tune of $300 each. I contacted the 3 stores and bought what they had. So I had 10 before the word got out. I sat on them a few months and then started putting them on Ebay and kept a pair for myself which I still have today in pristine condition like most of my equipment.....now that controllers have been the rage a few years now and I have back issues from hauling crates of records over the years.....I'm just starting to get a little itch in my scratch to do some mixing.....after a major vehicel accident and then a blood clot a month or so afterwards, I'm lucky to be alive........I ran across this channel and am glad I did because a lot of you guys are mature like me 🙂. I didn't mean to get long winded but.....am wising all you guys new to dj'ing and the vets much success. Music gives me life. #carryon

  • @KhanAbyss
    @KhanAbyss 3 роки тому +39

    That's my new baby! I absolutely love my DDJ 400!

    • @frankiespankie86
      @frankiespankie86 3 роки тому +1

      Yoooooo!!!!! I’ve had mine for 4-5 months, and it is absolutely awesome!!!!!!! It’s great for beginners like me, I’m hoping to upgrade to a bigger controller or deck

    • @djjcentertainment5083
      @djjcentertainment5083 3 роки тому

      Mine too

    • @napalm.bopper
      @napalm.bopper 3 роки тому

      Me three ☺️

    • @nxs6musique140
      @nxs6musique140 3 роки тому

      Im about to get the 200. Should i just get the 400? Im a beginner.

    • @neilcoleman3062
      @neilcoleman3062 3 роки тому +4

      @@nxs6musique140 get the 400 if you can..

  • @sw1ftyrange1
    @sw1ftyrange1 2 роки тому +1

    Phil: “there are four beats to a bar, this is ALWAYS the case”
    Every other time signature: 🧐🤨

  • @jakecan68
    @jakecan68 3 роки тому +12

    bro, you're an amazing instructor! thank you.. all the best from Istanbul.

  • @laynee7630
    @laynee7630 2 роки тому +4

    This has to be the best beginners tutorial on UA-cam. I've learned so much. Thanks

  • @letlaka8812
    @letlaka8812 2 місяці тому

    i just bought the DDJ 400 today, Thank you for this Video.

  • @jeanmosquea9539
    @jeanmosquea9539 3 роки тому +1

    You are far better than the course I paid for on crossfader!

  • @davefromcave8202
    @davefromcave8202 5 місяців тому

    Thanks man, I am looking at getting the DDJ 400 and will definitely sign up for your course. I just went from knowing absolutely nothing to knowing a little bit in this one video

  • @illegalLettuce
    @illegalLettuce 2 роки тому +4

    Total beginner here and I just bought the ddj flx4! The blending part at the end of your video was exactly what I needed to learn. Thank you!!!

    • @stuey1987ify
      @stuey1987ify 2 роки тому

      I've just bought the FLX4 too, can't wait to get onto that because it has more stuff for me to play with than the Party mix I started on

  • @nervmichnich
    @nervmichnich Рік тому

    6:15 interesting example. You chose Cm and Am that go very well together as they share exactly the same notes.

  • @mikewagner7041
    @mikewagner7041 3 роки тому +26

    This would probably be my first set of decks. Have a friend who's willing to teach me the ways of the force. Glad I found this video, this is what I needed more in depth stuff when learning. Lots of other channels just ramble through it. You're great at what you do, DJ and teaching. I'm doing my best to follow along.

    • @smokecloud73
      @smokecloud73 Рік тому

      Do you get the leads from laptop to decks with the decks. Or do u have to buy them

    • @steveharrison9780
      @steveharrison9780 Рік тому +1

      ​@@smokecloud73 they come with them

  • @n8mogan
    @n8mogan 6 місяців тому

    Sir, this video helped me seal my decision on buying a DDJ-400. Thank you for an enlightening lesson on basics. I’m super excited to experiment. Much appreciated Phil! ❤

  • @BennyVibes
    @BennyVibes 2 роки тому

    Just got myself a DDJ400 to DJ at weddings after I finish singing and this is by far the best and most helpful video I've found so far. You got a new sub, thanks man.

  • @ryanbarker3729
    @ryanbarker3729 11 місяців тому

    Brilliant tutorial. Watched a few and this is by far the best one. Can’t wait to get started now

  • @sdot3358
    @sdot3358 3 роки тому +6

    Your videos are so informative and easy to understand compared to alot of other videos on youtube. Thank you sir! 👏🏾

  • @OmarMonroe-vx8lu
    @OmarMonroe-vx8lu Рік тому

    thank you Phil, i'm still learning to use the controllers, I have the RANE4 and many moons ago, we just use to mix with turntables, I'm basically a beginner again

  • @viper-sh9ys
    @viper-sh9ys 3 роки тому +35

    This video pushed me over the edge... Bought this Deck. It arrives in two days. Thanks Phil.

    • @x0ltrix
      @x0ltrix 3 роки тому +1

      How's your learning journey so far?

    • @viper-sh9ys
      @viper-sh9ys 3 роки тому

      @@x0ltrix Slowly... work/family life have been busy lately. This video and the built in Tutorials are great though. Enough to get me feeling like can do something.

    • @zeerzakelijk2535
      @zeerzakelijk2535 3 роки тому

      Same

    • @donnycollins1797
      @donnycollins1797 3 роки тому

      My SB3 arrives tomorrow. Woohoo!

  • @myjachisable
    @myjachisable 3 роки тому +22

    I'm a beginner and this tutorial helped me a lot. thanks for guiding me at the start of my journey as a DJ.

  • @klintthornburg3396
    @klintthornburg3396 3 роки тому +2

    So excited to be able to find you so quickly. I sure appreciate the free DJ trainning. It not only helps an intermediate DJ like myself little tricks that are often very useful.

  • @halukanlar
    @halukanlar 2 місяці тому

    Thanks, Phil! My ddj is on its way yet but I already feel like I have learned a lot thanks to you :)

  • @gjcenten
    @gjcenten 3 роки тому +5

    Wow, nice tutorial. I'm amazed what the software can do for you now a days like providing key and BPM.
    When I was DJing in the 80s/90s I had to figure out those things by myself.
    After buying a new record (Vinyl) I determined the key and BPM and put it on a small sticker in the upper right corner of the 12'' cover :)
    Want to go back into DJing. Tutorials like this help a lot.
    Had a Hercules RMX for a couple of years but I think the DDJ-400 in combination with RecordBox is probably a better option.
    Thanks for the Video, Greetings from the Netherlands.

  • @scorp888
    @scorp888 2 роки тому

    Interesting comment on one folder - however one folder with your tracks with the right genre, year etc works just as well as folders but you have to trust it and key,it's much easier to reduce duplicates down

  • @hiphophippi2646
    @hiphophippi2646 2 роки тому

    Ive watched this video at least 8 or 9 times.... and still learn something new each time... Thank you.

  • @sakky29
    @sakky29 3 роки тому +3

    Fantastic video, complete beginner and this makes a lot of sense, waiting for my DDJ 400 to arrive and will give this a go!

  • @mathewwinter1662
    @mathewwinter1662 11 місяців тому

    Best video i have found on youtube. Thank you

  • @loughy934
    @loughy934 10 місяців тому

    My first cd dex been on vinyl for over 20 years looking forward to playing with them

  • @lTSAPANDA
    @lTSAPANDA 2 роки тому

    got me the ddj400 a month ago. This video helped me so much!! Gretts from Germany!

  • @מתניהגזי-ג7ק
    @מתניהגזי-ג7ק Рік тому

    its the best beginners Guide !!!! thank you my freind !!!

  • @jas3.3.3
    @jas3.3.3 Рік тому +1

    This was absolutely fantastic. You're such a good teacher. 11/10

  • @joey.b5478
    @joey.b5478 3 роки тому +4

    Best dj channel on UA-cam i swear🤘🏻🤘🏻

  • @lewisgarrison860
    @lewisgarrison860 3 роки тому

    Holy shit. best intro vid I've seen so far thank you for this. I plan on watching more from you.

  • @jasonmcbain15
    @jasonmcbain15 Рік тому

    Have to say, this matby a Billy basic tutorial, but it's a bloody Godsend to a novice DJ..Nice one Phil.👍

  • @emmashaye
    @emmashaye 8 місяців тому

    this is the BEST video i have seen on this! thank you so much!

  • @melmac4129
    @melmac4129 3 роки тому +2

    This is such a helpful video, packed with all the right info I was confused on, and explained clearly, but not dumbed down to a demeaning sort of way. Definitely saving this vid and subscribing. Thank you for all of this and keep up the great work! :)

  • @Jamminn555
    @Jamminn555 3 роки тому +11

    Man, such a great teaching style, Phil. Easy to follow and entertaining. Thanks so much for all of your videos!!

  • @AaronMcNany
    @AaronMcNany Рік тому

    PERFECT level of detail.

  • @Z7W_Official
    @Z7W_Official 2 роки тому +1

    I was considering on buying a new DDj-400 as a beginner and just want to know what else should I need?

  • @dogwalk3
    @dogwalk3 2 роки тому

    picked up a couple hints and i wouldn't have figured out on my own. thanks for this!

  • @dermolado3351
    @dermolado3351 3 роки тому

    Teaching skills top notch...video editing skills even better

  • @namiraofthehunt2606
    @namiraofthehunt2606 2 роки тому +1

    I just picked up my own DDJ400 and this video was wicked helpful!!

  • @pablogarcia2019
    @pablogarcia2019 2 роки тому

    Thank you so much, the headphone and cueing part was so helpful. You rock sir

  • @ninja4O5
    @ninja4O5 Рік тому +1

    Legend 🛐

  • @marcmaillet7449
    @marcmaillet7449 3 роки тому

    I just bought a DDJ-400, Phil. Your intro was extremely useful to me. Thank you very much !

  • @djengiznevzat7471
    @djengiznevzat7471 4 місяці тому

    Best explanations i have ever watched Thank you very much ❤

  • @Vengapat
    @Vengapat 2 роки тому +1

    this video was so helpful i cannot thank you enough

  • @ryanperrault8174
    @ryanperrault8174 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for making this...I make music but have been thinking of starting to DJ as well..I think it will help my production. Awesome video.

  • @mistym00n.
    @mistym00n. 3 роки тому +4

    This video helped me so much! Everything I need to start in one place! Thanks for putting this together.

  • @stevenbrown6997
    @stevenbrown6997 Рік тому

    I really enjoyed this video. I have a ddj 400 and I can't wait until I play with my DJ mixer. First thing I got to get me a laptop 💻

  • @sebzeyt2327
    @sebzeyt2327 Рік тому

    Best tutorial i've ever seen!!

  • @scootaboygazza8214
    @scootaboygazza8214 2 роки тому

    I dj with cd's, or i did, my equipment has just had a fire so i was thing about going digital. You make this look easy, but the music i play all in the same evening is Northern Soul, 2-tone, Ska, Mod, Punk & Indie. You do make it look easy, but i'm 55 and probably too old as it still looks like the cockpit of the space shuttle compared to my old CD decks.

  • @christiangafner1200
    @christiangafner1200 2 роки тому

    Dear Phil, today my ddj 400 arrived at my office. Day one on this. Looking into the future of making sound.

  • @aridorfman2822
    @aridorfman2822 2 роки тому

    Loved the video. So helpful. All the little in-depth side topics you went off on really helped to put a better understanding to the main topic you were talking about. So don't feel sorry for them! Thanks so much.

  • @terrydennis22
    @terrydennis22 2 роки тому +1

    I know you posted this last year but this was great. Thanks Phil!

  • @jaksasevo1
    @jaksasevo1 3 місяці тому

    WOOOOW TNX A LOT, now I understand much more details

  • @matthewjernigan8041
    @matthewjernigan8041 8 місяців тому

    Super helpful - great coaching style!

  • @ewanenkumberamsey1711
    @ewanenkumberamsey1711 Рік тому

    I follow your beginner DJ lesson, and i really enjoy it, thank u so much

  • @huey8431
    @huey8431 3 роки тому +10

    Great tutorial! It’s a little more challenging at weddings where you have to cater more to the client requests than a club setting

  • @traumaticzz_gaming
    @traumaticzz_gaming Рік тому

    I like it im looking forward to getting my equipment thanks for the help I'll be sure to check out the rest 👍

  • @saumgames874
    @saumgames874 10 місяців тому

    thank you very much for this info it's amazing, just got my DDJ 400 :-)

  • @karban1200000
    @karban1200000 3 роки тому +9

    you should've simplified it even more with rekordbox phrase analysis function and phrase mixing

  • @JoshuaFriend-v2z
    @JoshuaFriend-v2z 18 днів тому

    6 years later and this video finds me. Any tips on where to get music from?? My library is empty and don’t know where to start.

  • @DJDoolie
    @DJDoolie 2 роки тому +3

    After a 2 year Covid break I finally have my first gig again in a couple of weeks on my new DDJ-400 and I'm a bit rusty and turned more into an Ableton studio DJ than a real-live one but your tutorial was a good fresh start to discover what I can do with the 400. You're a great tutor! Thanks a million :)

  • @fuzzoner
    @fuzzoner 2 роки тому

    Incredible! Thank you! Maybe it the tone of your voice but man I got it all in one sitting! Amazing thank you

  • @candeezymarie9827
    @candeezymarie9827 3 роки тому

    I started watching tutorials on this DDJ because I want to start making mixes. Not going to lie this made me realize I can do this! Thank you!

  • @bestdeath9995
    @bestdeath9995 2 роки тому

    Best beginner video ive seen after watching loads!

  • @rasulkhan4926
    @rasulkhan4926 3 роки тому

    BEST TUTORIAL..WAY OF TEACHING IS GOOD

  • @jibbyjabby7499
    @jibbyjabby7499 2 роки тому

    Fantastic. Had mine a few weeks and didn't understand what some of the buttons did. Very clear thanks. 👍

  • @patanjaffakhan5731
    @patanjaffakhan5731 Рік тому

    Very straight forward with lots of new tricks❤

  • @hollyannefinucane8880
    @hollyannefinucane8880 3 роки тому +6

    Thanks Phil, you make everything super clear and easy to understand, thank youuu! I learnt loads from this video :)

  • @attilapalko2072
    @attilapalko2072 2 роки тому

    This is the best... THE BEST!!! tutorial video i've ever seen.

  • @luqueymartinez5260
    @luqueymartinez5260 3 роки тому +2

    My god, you're an excellent teacher!

  • @mikeblackx7072
    @mikeblackx7072 2 роки тому

    And a phrase includes melodic notes. a drum beat consist of percussive notes. yes there are drums which do produce notes like the 808 or some tuned drums but most are percussive

  • @carljoggerst9443
    @carljoggerst9443 2 роки тому

    Best overview tutorial of the ddj-400. Thanks!

  • @newwave6404
    @newwave6404 2 роки тому

    This is the best tutorial I've seen on UA-cam 💯

  • @ilhanozgur5974
    @ilhanozgur5974 3 роки тому

    best dj instructer on youtube

  • @sreevinvinod500
    @sreevinvinod500 Рік тому

    Hi Phil, your teaching is simple and the best 🎉❤
    Thank you 🙏

  • @rmcginnis616
    @rmcginnis616 2 роки тому +1

    Great job, I have this deck and know the basics, but good info for sure. Thanks!

  • @nehaltibrewal
    @nehaltibrewal Рік тому

    Love the video!! Super informative