Spin Now!

The DJ Starter Handbook

Paul Nichols headshot
  • By Paul Nichols
  • 11 May 2012
  • min read
DJ Shortee is described by the Grammy Foundation as the ‘World’s Premier Female DJ and in this book, with accompanying CD-ROM, she helps put you on the fast track to DJing. Whether it’s digital or vinyl, the LA DJ, producer, turntablist and classroom instructor teaches you all you need to know to start mixing tunes like a pro.

The book covers:

  • The best tools for you – CDJs, turntables, mixers and software, controllers and more.

  • How to set up different gear and operate it

  • Where to get music and how to select the tunes to create your own unique sound

  • How to identify beats, count music, sync tempos and match keys

  • Mastering the basics of cueing, scratching and droppin’ on the “one”.

  • Create seamless mixes through beatmatching, blending and EQing.

  • Practice techniques and advice on promoting and surviving your first gig.


The accompanying CD-ROM contains specific exercises and material that lets you play along in realtime. No matter what equipment you use, the lessons learnt here from DJ Times’ ‘Queen of the Scratch World’ can be easily applied to any DJ software and controllers.

Hal Leonard Books

www.hallleonardbooks.com