DJ Terminology: The Ultimate DJ Dictionary & Glossary of DJ Terms

DJing is a broad topic that covers everything from essential hardware and software to the music industry and production terminology.

New DJs, in particular, can find these terms confusing, whether learning the ropes of mixing or figuring out the features on their DJ controllers and software.

This complete guide to DJ terminology clarifies the meaning of common words used to describe all aspects of DJing for newcomers and professionals.

DJ Terminology: The Ultimate Dictionary Of DJ Terms

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your vocabulary, a resource for DJ terms can be invaluable for helping DJs evolve their skills.

We’ve covered the full spectrum of DJ terms, breaking them into general, equipment, software, mixing, industry, and production categories.

General DJ Terms

Before we discuss specific terminology related to the hardware, software, and other aspects of DJing, let’s begin with some general terms.

These terms provide a strong foundation on which the basics of music theory can be related to the art of DJing.

Back-To-Back (B2B)

Back-to-back DJing is the process of two or more DJs performing together, allowing DJs to fuse styles and increase promotional opportunities.

Acapella

A vocal track without instrumentals used by DJs for remixes and created through stem separation tools.

Bar

A bar is a measure of time in music that consists of a certain number of beats, with the 4/4 time signature being the most common in dance music.

Bass

Bass refers to sounds in the low end of the frequency range, such as the kick drum, typically between 20 and 250 Hz.

Bass Line

A bass line is an arrangement of notes within bass frequencies that provide a low-end melody for a track.

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Beat

A beat measures a unit of rhythmic time and is marked by a percussive sound, such as a kick drum, that provides the pulse of a track.

Blockchain Music

Blockchain music draws on emerging technology to provide a decentralized platform for artists to share productions and retain intellectual property rights.

BPM (Beats Per Minute)

Beats per minute (BPM) indicate a track’s tempo, with the BPM range of EDM extending from around 115 BPM to up to 160 BPM.

Break

The portion of a track where DJs often use instruments and rhythm changes, a break enhances creative mixes between songs.

Breakdown

A breakdown is a section of a track where intensity levels drop, allowing DJs to incorporate dramatic build-ups in their transitions.

Buildup

The point before a drop is the buildup, in which beats and other elements accelerate to intensify the music.

CD

An abbreviation of “compact disc,” this music format remains popular among some DJs, with CD sales rising in recent years.

Chorus

Part of a song’s arrangement, the chorus represents its centerpiece and usually features the catchy lyrics and a song’s hook.

Circle Of Fifths

The Circle of fifths in music theory allows DJs to match different songs by key for harmonic mixing using the modified version, the Camelot Wheel.

Controllerist

A controllerist is a type of DJ who primarily uses a USB-based controller to perform scratching techniques typically associated with traditional turntablism.

Disc Jockey (DJ)

A disc jockey, abbreviated to DJ, selects and mixes music for an audience. The art of DJing originated in radio broadcasting in the 1930s.

DJ Drop

DJ drop combines a voice-over with samples and is used by DJs as a branding tool to drop the audio clip into a set.

Drop

The drop is a point in a track where the main elements, such as bass lines and drums, return to the music, typically following a break.

Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

EDM is an abbreviation for electronic dance music, a broad genre of music created with electronic hardware and software featuring repetitive beats.

Genre

Genre refers to a style or category of music, such as house, techno, and dubstep, which DJs use to reference their preferred type of music.

High

In DJing, high refers to the frequency range between 3 and 30 MHz and incorporates bright elements such as cymbals and high-register instruments like flutes.

Hook

The hook is a catchy and memorable element of a song, typically repeated, that forms the dominant component of the piece.

House Party

House parties are informal gatherings for celebrating special occasions with family and friends, such as Christmas and Halloween parties.

Intro

The intro represents the opening section of a track, typically featuring drums and percussion to allow DJs to mix into the previous track.

Low

In DJing, low represents the low frequency ranges similar to bass, sometimes represented as “LO” on a mixer’s EQ controls.

Middle-8

Also known as a bridge, the middle-8 is an eight-bar portion of a track that commonly veers away from the chorus-verse structure of the rest of the piece.

Mid-Range

Mid-range refers to the audio elements between the bass and high frequency range, encompassing the 250 Hz to 2 KHz range.

Mixing

DJing revolves primarily around the process of mixing, which refers to blending and transitioning between two or more tracks in a DJ set.

Outro

Like the intro, the outro represents the closing section of a track. However, unlike the intro, the outro typically only features drums and percussion to allow DJs to perform transitions.

Phrase

A phrase is a musical segment consisting of several bars, and it is used in the advanced DJ mixing technique, phrase mixing.

Pulse

Another term for beat, pulse represents the rhythm in music which DJs use for synchronization and beat matching.

Riff

The riff is a section of a song that forms the catchy and memorable combination of melodies and beats, similar to the hook.

Set

In DJing, a set refers to an extended selection of songs performed consecutively for an audience, using mixing techniques to transition between tracks.

Song

A song is a complete piece of music, also called a tune, track, or number, usually featuring vocals.

Stab

A stab is a short sampled sound, such as a keyboard chord or brass instrument note, typically used by DJs for scratching techniques.

Tempo

Tempo refers to the pace or speed of musical compositions, which is measured in beats per minute (BPM) by DJs and on relevant hardware and software.

Time Signature

A music theory concept, a song’s time signature refers to the number of beats within a bar or measure, sometimes referred to as a meter signature.

Top

Another term for high, top in DJing refers to the high-frequency range sounds, also called treble.

Track

The term track in music is another expression for song or individual piece of music, such as a song.

Trainspotting

Within the DJing community, trainspotting refers to hanging around the DJ booth to learn the artists’ names or music titles.

Treble

Treble refers to a song’s high-end frequencies, such as hi-hats, ride cymbals, and soprano or falsetto-style vocals.

Tune

Tune is another word for track or song, often used informally to refer to music played in a set.

Verse

The verse is a portion of a song that follows the chorus, with greater variation in the lyrics and instrumentation from one verse to the next.

Vinyl

Vinyl records are an older analog format used by DJs to mix music on turntables. They are constructed from 7″ or 12″ wax discs using polyvinyl chloride.

Vinyl Groove

The vinyl groove is the indentation on vinyl records, in which the music’s waveform information is stored and read by a turntable’s stylus.

VR DJ

An abbreviation of virtual reality disc jockey, VR DJs use digital music formats and VR headsets to perform mixes to an online audience.

Zoning

An expression used by some DJs when mentally preparing for a set that relates to “getting into the zone.”

Further reading: The ultimate DJ checklist.

DJ Equipment Terms

The history of DJ equipment covers an extensive range of hardware that has evolved over the decades in line with technological advances.

These DJ terms cover everything from classic turntable setups for playing vinyl records to the latest tools powered by artificial intelligence.

AI Lights

AI lighting enhances visuals by using artificial intelligence to control lighting rigs that respond to music or audience behaviors.

Amplifier

An amplifier, sometimes shortened to amp, is a device used to amplify sound through speakers in professional or home DJ setups.

Anti-Skating

Anti-skating is a turntable feature that counteracts the tonearm’s pull toward the center and prevents the stylus from skating across the record.

Balance Control

Balance control is a feature on DJ equipment that allows DJs to set the audio output between the left and right speaker channels.

Belt Drive

A belt drive is a type of turntable mechanism that moves the platter, which is more accurate than a direct drive but takes longer to change speeds.

Booth

The booth, or DJ booth, is the area of a club or venue where the DJ equipment is set up and the performance takes place.

BPM Counter

Many DJ controllers include BPM counters to indicate the tempo of incoming and outgoing tracks and assist with beat matching.

Cans

A slang expression for headphones.

Cartridge

The portion of a turntable that houses the needle used to read information in a vinyl record’s grooves.

CDJ

An abbreviation for compact disc jockey, CDJs are hardware-based digital music players that can be mixed with CDs.

Channel

A channel is a feature on a mixer related to an individual audio path, which allows DJs to mix between multiple sources.

Controllers

Also known as DJ controllers, a controller is an all-in-one system that allows DJs to mix complete sets using digital music formats.

Counterbalance

Sometimes referred to as a counterweight, the counterbalance is a turntable feature on the tonearm that applies force to correct tracking.

Crossfader

The crossfade is a feature of DJ mixers represented by a slider mechanism that allows DJs to transition between two channels.

Cue

Cue is a control feature on DJ decks and other hardware that initiates the start position on a track when the user activates a cue point.

Deck

Deck is an interchangeable term DJs use to refer to controllers, CDJs, or turntables.

Direct Drive

A vinyl turntable mechanism format, direct drive provides greater stability and torque needed to manipulate the speed and responsiveness of vinyl records.

Effects Unit

An effects unit is hardware that DJs use to apply sound effects, such as echo and reverb. It is sometimes built into dedicated controllers and mixers.

EQ (Equalizer)

The equalizer (EQ) is the portion of a mixer or controller that manipulates the bass, mid, and treble frequency ranges when performing mixes.

Read also: A complete guide to beginner DJ equipment.

Flight Case

A protective case DJs use to transport hardware and other equipment to gigs, designed to withstand lengthy journeys and rough handling.

Gain

Sometimes referred to as volume, gain describes the loudness of an audio signal or channel’s sound, which DJs balance when mixing tracks.

Gain Staging

Also known as gain structure, gain staging refers to managing gain across amps, channels, master, and loudspeakers.

Hamster Switch

A hardware feature on some mixers, the hamster switch is used by scratch DJs to reverse the crossfader’s direction and alter the sensation of cuts.

Headphones

Headphones are essential DJ tools to monitor the incoming or outgoing track before introducing the music to the main speakers.

Headphone Monitor

Featured on DJ controllers and mixers, the headphone monitor allows DJs to listen to a specific channel’s sound before playing it for the audience.

Headphone Selector

DJs use the headphone selector to choose a specific audio signal for the headphones.

Headshell

A headshell is part of the turntable, located at the end of the tonearm. It houses the removable cartridge and stylus.

Jog Wheel

A jog wheel, also known as a shuttle wheel and jog dial, is the control knob on DJ equipment used to manipulate tracks for cueing, beat matching, and scratching.

Kill Switch

The kill switch is a DJ hardware button that instantly cuts out specific frequency ranges when pressed.

Lights

Lights, including disco and strobe lights, enhance DJ visuals in professional venues or mobile DJing events.

Line

Line inputs and outputs refer to audio signals passing between hardware, such as CDJs, turntables, and controllers, to amplifiers.

Master

The master is the primary output on a mixer, which sends all channels to the sound system and is controlled by the master gain.

MIDI

MIDI is an abbreviation for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, which communicates music information between computers and electronic instruments.

Mixer

A mixer, sometimes called a DJ mixer, is hardware used to alter audio signals from multiple sources, which DJ software also simulates.

Monitor

A monitor is a type of speaker that DJs use to hear music in the booth without experiencing delay from the primary speakers.

Needle

A feature of a turntable’s tonearm, the needle, also known as the stylus, contacts the groove of vinyl records to reproduce the sound.

P.A. (Public Address System)

An abbreviation of public address system, the P.A. is the combination of equipment used to amplify music through speakers for the audience.

‘Phones

An abbreviation for headphones, DJs use it to monitor and cue tracks when mixing.

Phono/Phono Cable

Phono is a type of audio signal, and phono cables connect inputs and outputs between different hardware.

Platter/Plate

The platter or plate is the rotating turntable surface where vinyl records are placed and spun.

Pitch Control

A feature of turntables and DJ controllers, pitch control is performed with a slider or knob to adjust the speed of a song when beat matching.

Pitch Lock

The pitch lock allows DJs to lock a track’s pitch and maintain the original key while adjusting the tempo, which is used for harmonic mixing.

Pitch Fader

Another term for the sliding control system used to control pitch.

Record Player

A record player is another term for a turntable, often used to distinguish between belt-drive record players and direct-drive turntables for DJing.

Sampler

Applicable to hardware or software, a sampler is used to record, manipulate, and trigger audio samples when performing DJ sets.

Slipmat

Slipmats are circular pads measuring 12″ in diameter placed on turntable platters to protect vinyl records and reduce friction when scratching.

Sound System

A sound system is a collective term for equipment used to perform DJ sets at events, including amplifiers and speaker systems.

Stylus

Also known as the needle, a stylus is located on a turntable’s cartridge and tracks the grooves of vinyl records.

Tone Arm

A tone arm is the pivoting arm of a turntable, housing the cartridge and stylus. When playing, it tracks from the edge to the center of a record.

Turntable

Turntables, also known as record players, are devices used for playing vinyl records. They consist of a platter, tone arm, and cartridge.

USB

USB, an abbreviation of Universal Serial Bus, is a standard interface for connecting equipment and flash drives containing digital music files.

Vinyl Adapter

A vinyl adapter is an accessory that alters the size of the center pin on turntables, allowing them to play records with larger center holes.

Vinyl Cleaning Kit

A common accessory for cleaning DJ gear, a vinyl cleaning kit includes a soft, non-abrasive cloth and spray for removing dirt from records.

DJ Software Terms

Like physical DJing equipment, DJ software has undergone many transformations, with new features that streamline DJing.

These DJ software terms include all the core tools in basic applications and other high-end features professionals use.

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AI DJ Software

Shorthand for artificial intelligence DJ software, AI DJ software uses powerful algorithms to help DJs perform complex transitions.

Beatgrid

A common feature of DJ software, the beatgrid presents a grid of beats for tracks to help DJs sync beats when creating transitions.

DVS (Digital Vinyl System)

A digital vinyl system (DVS) is a type of DJ technology that allows DJs to control digital files through tactile vinyl on decks.

Filter

A filter is an effect that removes specific sections of the audio spectrum on a mixer. Low-pass and high-pass filters are used to remove bass or high-frequency sounds.

FLAC

FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec, a format of digital audio files known for CD-quality sound using smaller storage space.

Library Management System

An aspect of DJ software used to organize a music library with categories like artist, genre, key, and tempo.

MP3

MP3 stands for MPEG Audio Layer 3, a widely used audio file format known for its small file size.

OGG

A free and open-source multimedia container format for digital music files, sometimes used by DJs.

Phase Meter

The phase meter is a feature of DJ software that displays the phase relationship between tracks, speeding up the process of beat matching.

Quantize

Quantization is when music is adjusted to ensure the beats fall in time on a BPM grid. It is also used in digital audio workstations through automation.

Stem Separation

Stem separation is when individual track elements, such as vocals, percussion, and instruments, are isolated.

This split allows DJs to use stems when performing sets, producing mashups, or remixes of original tracks.

Time-Coded Vinyl

Time-coded vinyl records work with a digital vinyl system, allowing people to DJ with vinyl while using digital audio files in software.

WAV

WAV is a high-quality format for digital audio files. WAV quality sound is equivalent to compact discs, and the files are larger than MP3 or FLAC.

Find out how ZIPDJ helps DJs discover exclusive tracks.

DJ Mixing Terms

With various types of DJs, the range of options for blending tracks and performing impressive transitions is extensive.

Here’s an overview of DJs’ mixing techniques, from basic transitions and EQ functionality to the advanced scratching techniques turntablists use.

Backspin

A DJing technique that involves quickly spinning a record in reverse to create a rewinding sound effect.

Balancing Levels

Balancing levels ensures the volume of tracks is similar to prevent jarring transitions from quiet to loud.

Beat Matching

One of the foundational mixing techniques, learning beat matching involves synching the tempo of two tracks at exactly the same speed when blending them.

Camelot Wheel

The Camelot Wheel is a visual tool that describes the relationship between song keys, assisting DJs with harmonic mixing.

Clipping

Clipping is an undesirable distortion that occurs when audio signals exceed the maximum level.

Crab

The crab technique is used in scratching DJing, with the DJ rapidly moving their fingers across the crossfader to create a sequence of distinct sounds.

Cut

Another common technique professional DJs use when scratching is a cut, which represents a sharp transition through precise movement of the crossfader.

Delay

Delay is an audio effect used to repeat musical samples, creating an echo-like effect to add texture to mixes.

Related reading: Discover the best DJ software for Mac.

Echo

Similar to the delay effect, echo also creates a repeat of a short bit of a song, which can be used as part of a transition.

EQing

EQing is using the equalizer to alter the different frequencies of a song playing, such as mid, bass, and treble, and for creative DJ transitions.

Fade

Fade refers to the gradual change in the volume and intensity of two songs, typically fading out the outgoing track while fading in the incoming track.

Filter

A popular type of audio effect, filters are used to remove or introduce frequencies, with some DJ mixers including high-pass and low-pass filter knobs.

FX

FX is an abbreviation for effects, which covers a range of tools for manipulating sound quality and is used for advanced mixing techniques.

Hard Swap

A simple transition technique, the hard swap involves instantly cutting one track while simultaneously beginning the next track.

Harmonic Mixing

The process of harmonic mixing is when DJs match the key of different songs to ensure melodies and chord progressions don’t clash.

Juggle

The juggle technique, also called beat juggling, involves the DJ bouncing between two records using the crossfader while returning each record to the starting point.

Looping

Looping is the practice of repeating a section of a song over a pre-determined number of beats, and is featured as a tool on some DJ mixers.

Nudge

One of the basic DJ techniques is nudging, which is when DJs manually adjust a song’s timing to align beats between two tracks.

Peaking

Peaking is the point in a mix where a track reaches its most energetic level. It is used to manage the audience’s energy level.

Phaser

The phaser effect modulates the phase of a signal through an effects unit to create a whooshing and swirling sound effect.

Phrase Mixing

DJ phrasing is a more complex mixing technique in which a selection of bars, such as the verse or breakdown, is used as part of a transition.

Pitch

Pitch refers to a track’s speed and how this impacts the perceived highness or lowness of notes, with faster speeds increasing the pitch.

Pitch Ride

A DJing technique used to manipulate pitch control, resulting in dynamic changes in the speed of tracks being played.

Reverb

Reverb is an effect used by DJs to simulate the depth and space of a room, creating a sense of atmosphere during mixes.

Rewind

Rewind is another term used for spinbacks or backspin, when the DJ quickly reverses the direction of the record playing.

Sample

DJ samples are short audio snippets that can include drums, instruments, and vocals. They are used to enhance mixes and transitions.

Scratch

A general term for the art of scratching, in which the record is manipulated on the platter to create a scratch sound.

Scribbling

Scribbling is a scratching technique in which the DJ rapidly moves the vinyl record back and forth to create a stuttering, percussive sound.

Spinback

Spinback is another term for backspin and rewind, a simple scratching technique DJs use.

Stutter

The stutter mixing technique involves repeatedly playing a short portion of a track to create a rhythmic effect.

Tears

Another turntablism technique is tears, in which a record is slid forward and backward with distinct pauses between each movement.

Throwing

The throwing technique occurs when the crossfader is quickly moved from one side to the other to introduce a new track.

Tracking

Tracking is the process of a turntable’s tonearm and stylus accurately following the groove of vinyl records.

Trainwreck

A trainwreck occurs when a poorly executed mix results in clashing beats or melodies, something most DJs in clubs strive to avoid.

Transform

A scratching technique that involves moving the record by hand while simultaneously manipulating the crossfader.

Turntablism

A general term for scratch DJing, in which records are manipulated through techniques such as jogging and beat juggling.

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DJ Industry Terms

A grasp of the relevant terminology is essential to enter the DJ industry and deepen your knowledge of its operations.

These DJ industry-based terms will help you connect with venues and market your services like a professional.

Battle

A battle is a competitive DJ performance showcasing turntablism skills such as scratching, popularized at underground events during the 1980s.

Booking Agent

A booking agent is a professional who often works for a booking agency and helps DJs secure venue gigs.

Bootleg

An unauthorized recording or remix of a song that has been circulated without the copyright holder’s permission.

Club DJ

A club DJ performs DJ mixes in dedicated nightclubs using the in-house DJ equipment and sound system.

Contract

Professional DJs use DJ contracts to outline the terms and conditions associated with their live performances.

Copyright

Copyright refers to the legal protection of songs and can be used to help EDM DJs get more gigs.

Corporate DJ

A corporate event DJ is a subcategory of mobile DJ, performing live mixes at events for businesses and other organizations.

DJ Pool

A DJ pool provides access to a music library through a subscription. It offers a range of edits and music for club and radio DJs.

DJ Proposal

Professional DJs looking for new gigs often use a DJ proposal to showcase their skills and experience while bidding for prospective events.

DJ Rate

A DJ rate is the required payment for an event, either billed for the entire event or through an hourly rate.

Dubplate

A dubplate is a specially cut, exclusive vinyl record, often associated with the UK’s dubplate culture.

Edit

An edit refers to a version of a song, such as a radio-friendly edit for hip-hop music that removes inappropriate language.

Festival

Festivals are gatherings of multiple artists and DJs that typically last for days. They have a main stage complemented by other zones.

Lineup

A lineup refers to the DJs set to perform at an event, including support and resident DJs as well as the main guests.

Main Stage

The main stage is a section of a music festival where headline artists perform, and the highlight of many DJs’ careers.

Mashup

A mashup is a simplified version of a remix, with mashup makers allowing for quick results on desktop and mobile devices.

Tip: 10 facts about DJing we guarantee you won’t believe.

MC (Master Of Ceremonies)

The master of ceremonies (MC) is someone who makes announcements or performs rap-style vocals over the DJ’s mixing.

Mixtape

DJ mixtapes are used for promotion and designed to showcase original tracks or DJ performances.

Mobile DJ

A mobile DJ performs at events such as birthday parties, with a mobile DJ setup often including lights and DJ equipment.

Music Conference

Music conferences, hosted by DJ equipment manufacturers and record labels,showcase new products and allow DJs to network with other professionals.

Nightclub

A nightclub, also known as a discotheque, is a dedicated venue for dance music. The best clubs in the world attract thousands of attendees.

Original Mix

An original mix is the first version of a track produced by an artist, which other artists use as the foundation for remixes.

Podcast

Podcasts are online shows that air music and discussions. Popular DJ podcasts inform other DJs about new releases.

Promo

A promo is a limited pressing of a track that record labels send to professional DJs for them to perform in their DJ sets.

Radio DJ

A radio DJ broadcasts DJ mixes over the airwaves, discussing new music and interviewing guests.

Radio Edit

Radio edits are altered versions of music that remove vulgar and inappropriate language to make them suitable for all listeners.

Record Pool

A record pool is a broad term that encompasses DJ pools, which provide access to large music libraries for a monthly fee.

Remix

The art of remixing is when an original track is re-edited by another producer and released for DJs to use in performances.

Remaster

A remaster is when older songs are processed through music production tools to improve the audio quality before rereleasing them.

Requests

Requests are when audience members ask the DJ to play a specific song, like a closing song.

Resident DJ

A resident DJ performs consistently at a venue, with DJ residencies highly sought after at high-end venues.

Rider

A DJ rider is a document that stipulates certain conditions for performance, such as the availability of food and drinks in the venue’s green room (backstage area).

Royalties

Royalties represent money music producers earn for sales and streaming their tracks, for which they own intellectual property rights.

Sound Engineer

A sound engineer is an audio professional who calibrates sound systems, allowing DJs to mix songs accurately.

Streaming Service

Streaming services are online platforms where artists host music for subscribers, such as Spotify and TIDAL.

Related reading: Check out the best Boiler Room DJ sets.

Wedding DJ

A type of professional DJ, wedding DJs perform gigs at weddings, making announcements and assisting with other aspects of entertainment.

White Label

A white label release is when vinyl records are pressed in limited numbers without the involvement of an established record label.

Recommended: The 10 best DJ forums and online communities.

DJ Production Terms

With the rise of free and affordable software, becoming a DJ producer is increasingly common for those interested in flexing their creative muscles.

Here are some common DJ production terms to help you start creating mashups, remixes, and original tracks.

Auto-Warp

The auto-warp featuring music production software adjusts the timing of audio clips automatically, ensuring they match the project’s tempo.

Chorus

Chorus is an effect that modulates a sample’s subtle pitch and timing differences to simulate a layered sound effect similar to multiple musicians.

Compression

Compression is used when making beats and other track elements to reduce dynamic range and attenuate the loudest parts.

DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)

A digital audio workstation (DAW) is software for DJ production methods, featuring samplers, sequencers, and other production tools.

Mastering

Mastering is an essential part of music production that balances the levels between different elements to create a polished sound.

Pan

Panning refers to moving sounds across the right and left channels to enhance the stereo field and create a sense of depth.

Plugin

A plugin is a tool that can be added to music production software to increase the range of available effects or convert audio to MIDI.

Quantize

Quantizing in music production involves altering a sample or other sound element so that it snaps into position aligned with the project’s tempo.

Sample

A sample is a recorded snippet of audio used when making mashups or original tracks, and can include percussion, instruments, and vocals.

Sequencer

A sequencer is a tool for programming and playing back various sequences of notes, rhythms, and effects. It is fundamental to composing music.

Stem

A stem is a separated element used when remixing a song, such as a drum pattern or vocals, isolated from another track.

Synthezizer

A synthesizer is a dedicated piece of hardware used to create melodies, basslines, and other elements of an original track.

Track

Also referred to as a channel, a track in music production is a dedicated section of the DAW’s production interface where individual instruments are arranged.

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Summary

Learning the terms surrounding any hobby takes time, and DJing is packed with technical language and cultural expressions to discover.

Referencing this guide to DJ terminology will help you build your knowledge and provide a springboard for additional research.

You can also use these terms as a resource for skills development and find online tutorials and guides that provide more detailed explanations.