Harmonic mixing or key mixing (also referred to as mixing in key) is a
DJ technique of matching the
musical key of tracks in a
DJ mix
A DJ mix or DJ mixset is a sequence of musical tracks typically beatmixing, mixed together by a Disc jockey, DJ to appear as one continuous track. DJ mixes are usually performed using a DJ mixer and multiple sounds sources, such as Phonograph, tur ...
to avoid
dissonance and create harmonious mixes or
mashups. Tracks may be matched if they are in the same
key, if their keys are
relative, or if their keys are in a
subdominant
In music, the subdominant is the fourth tonal degree () of the diatonic scale. It is so called because it is the same distance ''below'' the tonic as the dominant is ''above'' the tonicin other words, the tonic is the dominant of the subdomina ...
or
dominant relationship with one another.
The Camelot wheel is based on the
circle of fifths
In music theory, the circle of fifths (sometimes also cycle of fifths) is a way of organizing pitches as a sequence of perfect fifths. Starting on a C, and using the standard system of tuning for Western music (12-tone equal temperament), the se ...
and can be used for harmonic mixing.
Modern DJ software (such as
VirtualDJ,
Serato, and Rekordbox) can use algorithms to determine a track's key.
Mixed In Key is specialized software designed for more accurate key detection and is compatible with some other DJ software. Other methods to determine key include the use of AI or looking up tracks in an online database.
[https://www.musicradar.com/news/getsongkeycom-gives-you-essential-music-theory-information-about-more-than-6-million-songs]
Some DJ software and hardware can also
pitch shift
Pitch shifting is a sound recording technique in which the original pitch of a sound is raised or lowered. Effects units that raise or lower pitch by a pre-designated musical interval ( transposition) are known as pitch shifters.
Pitch and ...
a track to change its key to one that is compatible with the currently playing track.
See also
*
Beatmatching
Beatmatching or pitch cue is a DJ technique of pitch shifting or time stretching an upcoming track to match its tempo to that of the currently playing track, and to adjust them such that the beats (and, usually, the bars) are synchronized� ...
*
Segue
A segue ( , ; ) is a transition from one topic or section to the next.
In music
In music, ''segue'' is a direction to the performer. It means ''continue (the next section) without a pause''. The term ''attacca'' is used synonymously. For writ ...
in music
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Harmonic Mixing
DJing
Audio mixing