First Mixes: DJing with Rekordbox and the DDJ-400 — PickAClass
★ 3.0 (3) ⏱ 3h 6m 📚 30 lessons 🎧 Audio version

First Mixes: DJing with Rekordbox and the DDJ-400

Go from absolute beginner to confidently mixing your favorite tracks with this hands-on guide to a popular DJ setup.

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About this course

Ever wanted to mix your favorite songs and create seamless DJ sets? This course provides the foundational knowledge you need to start your journey into the world of digital DJing, using one of the most common setups for new DJs. By following the written lessons and exercises, you will gain the practical skills to connect your DDJ-400 controller, manage your music library in Rekordbox, and perform smooth transitions between tracks. You'll move beyond just pressing play and learn the core principles of mixing that will allow you to practice and develop your own unique style. What you'll learn: - Understand the essential functions of the DDJ-400 controller and the Rekordbox software interface. - Learn the fundamentals of beatmatching by ear and using tempo sliders effectively. - Master phrasing and song structure to know exactly when to mix tracks for seamless transitions. - Build and organize a digital music library for efficient track selection during a set. - Apply basic EQs and filters to blend songs together and manage energy on the dancefloor. - Practice core mixing techniques through step-by-step written exercises. The course begins with equipment setup and software basics before moving into core techniques like beatmatching, phrasing, and EQing. Each concept is explained clearly, allowing you to build your skills progressively. This course is designed for absolute beginners. No prior DJing experience or music theory knowledge is required to get started. Begin learning the art of DJing today.

Course contents

6 modules · 30 lessons · 3h 6m

1 Start: Hardware and Software
Set up your workspace and get to know the tools.
6 lessons · 36 min
  1. Welcome to DJing
    An overview of the course and inspiration for your first steps.
    5 min
  2. Connecting the DDJ-400
    How to properly connect your controller, computer, and speakers.
    6 min
  3. Installing Rekordbox
    Downloading, installing, and basic configuration of audio drivers.
    7 min
  4. A Tour of Rekordbox
    Getting to know the main areas of the software interface.
    6 min
  5. Controller Anatomy
    Understanding the functions of the main buttons, jog wheels, and faders on the DDJ-400.
    7 min
  6. Headphone Setup
    How the Cue system works for pre-listening to tracks.
    5 min
2 Music Library
Learn how to organize your tracks professionally.
5 lessons · 30 min
  1. Where to Get Music
    The difference between file formats and the importance of high quality (320kbps/WAV).
    6 min
  2. Import and Analysis
    How to add tracks to Rekordbox and why BPM analysis is necessary.
    6 min
  3. Fixing the Grid
    What to do if the software incorrectly detects the rhythm.
    7 min
  4. Playlists and Tags
    Creating a library structure for quick searching during a set.
    6 min
  5. Intelligent Playlists
    Automating track selection by genre or tempo.
    5 min
3 Rhythm and Speed
Master the art of synchronizing two songs.
5 lessons · 32 min
  1. What is BPM?
    Understanding tempo and its role in dance music.
    5 min
  2. Pitch Faders in Action
    How to change track speed using the tempo sliders.
    6 min
  3. Beatmatching by Ear
    The technique of aligning kick drums without using the Sync button.
    8 min
  4. Exercise: Manual Beatmatching
    A practical task to align two tracks with different BPMs.
    8 min
  5. The Magic of the Sync Button
    When it is appropriate to use auto-sync and when it is not.
    5 min
4 Structure and Phrasing
Understand track architecture to find the perfect mixing moment.
5 lessons · 33 min
  1. Track Anatomy
    Breaking down the parts: Intro, Verse, Chorus, Drop, Outro.
    7 min
  2. The Musical Phrase
    The 16 and 32-bar rule in electronic music.
    7 min
  3. Cue and Hot Cue Points
    Marking important moments in a track for quick navigation.
    6 min
  4. Entry and Exit Points
    How to determine the ideal moment to start mixing.
    6 min
  5. Exercise: Dropping on the Phrase
    Practicing hitting the first beat of a new phrase.
    7 min
5 Mixing Techniques
Master the tools for creating a seamless mix.
5 lessons · 32 min
  1. Working with EQ
    How to blend frequencies (Low, Mid, High) to avoid a muddy sound.
    7 min
  2. Filters (LPF/HPF)
    Using the Filter knob to create drama and smoothness.
    6 min
  3. Faders vs. Crossfader
    Why professionals more often use vertical channel faders.
    5 min
  4. Your First Transition
    A step-by-step algorithm for basic mixing of two tracks.
    8 min
  5. Energy Management
    How to raise and lower the intensity of a set through track selection.
    6 min
6 Final Mix
Record and analyze your first DJ set.
4 lessons · 23 min
  1. Preparing a Mini-Set
    Selecting 5 tracks that sound good together.
    6 min
  2. Recording in Rekordbox
    The technical procedure for recording your performance.
    5 min
  3. Critical Listening
    How to analyze your mix and identify areas for growth.
    7 min
  4. What's Next?
    Paths for development: effects, scratching, and finding your own style.
    5 min
Final project

My First 15-Minute Mix

Assemble a set of 5–7 tracks using all the techniques learned: proper importing, setting Cue points, beatmatching, and mixing with EQ.

What you'll get

  • 📜 Certificate of completion
    Add it to your LinkedIn profile
  • 💬 Personal AI tutor
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  • 🎧 Audio version included
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  • ♾️ Lifetime access
    Come back anytime, no expiry
  • 📱 Phone or computer
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  • 💸 14-day refund
    No questions asked
  • ⚡ Short & focused
    3h 6m of practical content

Certificate of completion

Every course you complete on PickAClass issues a credential like this — original, with its own code, verifiable by URL, and detailed about what was actually demonstrated.

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First Mixes: DJing with Rekordbox and the DDJ-400
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Performance detail
Coursework summary
Lessons completed 14 / 14
Practice questions 26 / 28
Assignments submitted 4 (avg 4.5 / 5)
Capstone project Reviewed — 4.6 / 5
Total practice 6.2 hrs
Performance benchmark
Cohort rank Top 12% of 1,625
Time to completion 11 days (median: 22)
Mastery score 91 / 100
Practice-question score 94%
Skill verification Verified Skill Path
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Issued under the academic standards of PickAClass. Skill levels reflect assessed performance against the course's competency rubric. This is an original credential of this platform.

Reviews (3)

Niels Larsen DK Verified learner
★ 3 · October 28, 2026

Hmm, I'm not sure this is for absolute beginners. It assumes a bit of prior knowledge that wasn't explicitly taught. Some examples were confusing.

石川 桃花 JP Verified learner
★ 3 · July 16, 2026

Hmm, I'm not sure this is ideal for beginners. Some concepts were glossed over, and the examples weren't always clear.

Ximena Orozco CR
★ 3 · June 26, 2026

The content is good, but the pace might be a bit fast for absolute beginners. I found myself rewinding quite a bit. Still valuable info.

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