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What is Phrasing in DJing (DJ Phrasing 101)

You’re slowly mastering your DJ controller and now you’re starting to hear noises about weird DJ things, such as Phrasing!  So, what is Phrasing in Djing?
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So you’ve made a start, you’re slowly mastering your DJ controller and now you’re starting to hear noises about weird and wonderful DJ things, such as Phrasing! 

So, what is Phrasing in Djing?

You’ve heard your friends talk about phrasing but you have no idea what it actually means.

So instead of nodding your head vaguely in agreement with your pals, it’s time to understand phrasing fully. 

What is Phrasing in Djing? (in short)

In DJing, phrasing, also referred to as stage matching, refers to the alignment of phrases (or sections) of two tracks in a mix. This allows the transition between two tracks to be done without breaking the musical structure. Phrasing in Djing usually consists of 32 beats. However, this can vary dependent on the genre of electronic music. DJ phrasing helps you perform smooth and varied transitions throughout DJ mixes.

how to phrase mix
A song has a beginning, middle, and ending.

Read this next: Essential DJing Transitions (Made Simple!)

DJ Phrasing: Basics

In musical theory, a piece of music is very much the same as a story with a beginning, middle, and ending.

Each section plays its own independent part and then interacts with the other segments.

A segment has its own place, focus, and function within the journey of the track. Just like that, DJ phrasing has a similar function.

Each phrase provides pauses and helps you navigate the journey of the track. Simply put, phrasing can be as simple as ending on a different note than the previous phrase. This allows a different sort of musical expression.

Phrase Mixing: In the Mix

Using phrasing in mixes is a lot more simple than you think. You don’t have to have a degree in music theory to understand how to apply phrasing in electronic music.

You don’t need to know the intricacies of the theoretical terms, such as cadence or forte but having a basic understanding of things will certainly benefit you as a DJ.

A DJ’s core goal is to blend two tracks together. Phrasing means aligning two different phrases from two different tracks together. This is done in such a way that the two songs mix well, harmonically, and with no clashing of the two sounds. 

To do this properly and cleanly, the tracks must be aligned in such a way that the frequencies (bass, mid, treble) are adjusted so that the songs flow and blend well together. No clashing.

To do this smoothly, you will need to fully understand and know the tracks so you are aware of when and how each Phrase kicks in.

Each phrase is usually around eight beats in electronic music. 

phrase mixing
In phrase mixing it is critical you learn and understand your tunes.

So next time you listen to some of your tracks’ count along and listen to how and when each phrase changes.

Most genres usually change on the 16th beat, this accounts for two phrases.

You will soon notice that on the 16th beat a track will change phrase – a synth will come in, a prominent high hat or snare will kick in, a vocal will start, or the track changes in some other way.

A significant ‘drop’ will more commonly happen in the 4th phrase. That’s 32 beats in.

A track ‘drop’ is a frequent term within dance music and generally refers to when the main bassline comes in.

It can also be considered as the climax of the track. 

DJ Phrasing: Understanding Your Tunes

As a DJ it is critical to thoroughly listen to and learn your tunes. A DJ must know how their tracks behave and when phrasing occurs, in each of their tracks! 

This track knowledge then allows you to mix tunes together seamlessly as you will know when the bass comes in, a vocal section switches up, or any other significant track changes. 

So, understanding your tunes is a huge part of phrasing.

An important aspect of DJ phrasing and understanding your music is that you will also know exactly when to start introducing another track into a mix. 

Once you have mastered the phrasing of each song in your collection, you can then start to play around with how the tracks mix together.

Phrasing means that you can do all sorts of clever things such as layering one build-up over another or getting two songs to drop simultaneously together.

Phrasing really can add another dimension to your DJ repertoire but it does take practice and you must spend time learning your tracks. It is only then will you discover what phrasing sections will work together. 

A lot of the time you will find tracks that gel well by total accident! 

dj phrasing
Every track tells its own musical story.

Read this next: Using a Camelot Wheel as a DJ (Does it Really Work?)

What is Phrasing in DJing: Takeaway

What is phrasing in Djing? Our takeaway.

If you are new to DJing then do NOT try and run before you can walk. 

Definitely focus on the fundamentals of Djing, such as beatmatching and basic transitioning, as phrasing is a little more advanced.

But once you are at home with the basics do delve into the world of phrasing. It will elevate the standard of your DJ transitions and will certainly add another “phrase” to your DJ skills! 

Written by
Dexter has worked in the music business since the early 1990s. He has been a keen tech writer for many years and is still regularly involved in promoting prominent electronic music events in Ibiza and the UK. Dexter also specializes in managing and growing digital marketing platforms for leading international DJs, event brands, and venues. He relocated to Croatia from Ibiza six years ago but has continued his industry involvement whilst living on the electronic music party Island of Pag. Alongside music, Dexter is a cat nut and a through-and-through family man!

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