Mix Your First DJ Set in GarageBand

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90 minutes

5 steps

·Beginner

After 90 min: You can mix 3-4 songs together with beatmatching and smooth transitions using a DJ app.

What you need

GarageBand or Pacemaker appHeadphones3-4 songs at similar tempos

The 90-Minute Plan

Understand beatmatching basics0–12 min

Beatmatching means playing two songs at the same tempo. BPM (beats per minute) is the speed. If song A is 120 BPM and song B is 124 BPM, you adjust song B down to 120. This is the core of DJing.

Set up your songs in GarageBand12–32 min

Open GarageBand. Import 4 songs into separate tracks. Use the tempo matcher to identify each song's BPM. Write these down. Line up the beats so they sync visually on the timeline.

Practice the crossfade transition32–52 min

Fade out song 1 while fading in song 2. Do this 8 times. The crossfade should last 10-15 seconds. Songs should blend seamlessly. This is the basic DJ transition. Master it.

Add effects and EQ tweaks52–72 min

Use GarageBand's EQ tool to adjust bass/mids/treble as you transition. Remove bass from the outgoing song while bringing bass into the incoming song. This creates a more professional sound.

Record your full set72–90 min

Line up all 4 songs with proper beatmatching and crossfades. Hit record. Play the entire set from start to finish without stopping. Listen back. That's your first DJ set. Share it.

Pro Tip

Professional DJs spend more time on beatmatching than anything else—tight beat alignment makes or breaks a set.