One of the very first skills we learn as DJs is to beat-match. Everything we do hinders on the ability of being able to beat-match but sometimes beat matching isn’t enough. Even if two tracks have the same exact BPM, it's very possible that a DJ will find that two tracks don’t mix well together. Why is this? Both of the tracks are playing at the same BPM. Well, that is because both of the tracks are most likely in different keys and by learning to mix in key, a DJ can take their sets to the next level.
What is Harmonic Mixing?
DJs come into the game in a variety of ways and it is probably safe to assume that not all DJs came in from a traditional musical background. Music theory may seem like a daunting subject to learn however knowing the basics will make a DJ’s set sound even better to the audience while giving a DJ more creative ways to mix.
Awesome Sidenote: Tracks that are uploaded to the Digital DJ Pool now include the key of the track along with a beat-grid, BPM, and cue-points.
Harmonic mixing is the act of mixing by the key of tracks instead of just the BPM. Each song is produced within a key which corresponds to a specific scale of notes that the producer uses for everything from the bassline to the vocals. This is why some crazy DJs can get away with mixing Journey with Skrillex. Mixing in key opens up a new realm for DJs to get creative, once beat-matching becomes second nature, and it will save a DJ from clashing tracks that will kill the mood on the dance floor.
Finding the Keys of a Library
Now, just because a DJ wants to mix in key doesn’t mean he has to know music theory and know what A minor sounds like. There are excellent tools on the market for DJs to learn how to mix in key and a DJ may already have some of them on his laptop.
Disclaimer: The software mentioned hereafter uses algorithms that can detect the keys of most songs, but can still fall short. For our purposes, the following pieces of software are the most accurate for DJs.
Internal Software
Traktor users will be happy to know that the key of their tracks are already analyzed by Traktor upon being imported and analyzed in the software. The built in key detection software has been a part of Traktor’s ecosystem since 2013 and it is comparable to the industry's standard external software that is out on the market right now.
When reading Traktor’s detected key, you simply want to move numerically and by whether the number is minor (m) or major (d). You can also perform a key change (minor to major or vice-versa) by moving from minor to major within the same number. The number is the key and the letter is the scale. If you look at the Camelot wheel above, you can see which key corresponds with which number.
The rule of thumb is to move by adding 1 or subtracting 1 from the number, thus moving around the Camelot wheel either clockwise or counter-clockwise.
For example, in the playlist above, I can mix together the "Flashing Lights" Remix (3m) with the "Find Your Love" Remix (2m) (with beat-matching of course) and I know those two tracks will mix together harmonically.
To change scales, I would jump from "Senses Overload" (7m) to the "Don’t Tell Em’" Remix (7d) or vice-versa. (Again, with heavy beat-matching and tempo changing.)
External Software
There is also external software available to DJs looking for a way to get into harmonic mixing. Each one scans a DJ’s library and analyzes each track for the key. Below is a quick rundown of each piece of software.
- Mixed in Key
This is a simple key and tempo analysis software that also edits the ID3-tags of tracks.
Available for $58 on Mac or Windows.
- BeaTunes
When it comes to key detection, BeaTunes is a powerhouse. BeaTunes detects the song information of a library and edits the ID3 tags based on key, tempo, color, segments, similarities, loudness, and acoustical fingerprints. The data is also transferred to iTunes which then can be shared with your choice DJ software.
Available for $34.95 on Mac or Windows.
- Rapid Evolution
Rapid Evolution, the way I see it, is like a less polished BeaTunes. The software is powerful and works to detect BPM, key, beat intensity, and replay gain. Also, if any tracks have missing meta-data, the software scrubs multiple music sites for the missing information. It may not be as pretty as BeaTunes or Mixed In Key, but it gets the job done very well.
Available for free on Mac or Windows. (Donations are encouraged!)
Should Every Mix be in Key?
Harmonic mixing is great for DJs who are bored with just beat-matching or who are looking for more creative ways to mix. However, mixing in key is not always necessary and should not be seen as a superior method to old school beat-matching.
If a DJ were to mix in key religiously, then I guarantee the system wouldn’t always work out the way he planned. Think of the scenario where the crowd is primed and you are ready to drop a track that you know is going to make the crowd go wild. Oh wait, you can’t because it is not in key with the track you are currently playing.
Mixing in key is good to practice, but a DJ should judge when it is needed. For example, I host a radio show and there, I like to mix in key most of the time because my show is more relaxed than a club event. Then in the club, I will mix in key if I can, but I am willing to break outside of the key I am in. (I usually do this with vocals where the key change is less noticeable.)
During the mix ask yourself:
Am I mixing in key just for the sake of it or am I mixing in a way that is important for the crowd?
At the end of the night, there is no magic formula to mixing so, as a DJ, use your best judgement and skills when it comes to rocking the crowd!
Dean William can be found gallivanting about the clubs of San Francisco. He's on Twitter: @deanithon.