Harmonic mixing happens when a DJ successfully mixes between two tracks that are either in the same key, or their keys are compatible with each other. Harmonic mixing helps to create a smooth transition between songs by ensuring the tracks play together in harmony. DJs who fail to account for the compatibility of a track’s key can often play mixes that sound ‘out of tune’ to a musical ear.

Not unlike beat-matching, good harmonic mixing is a technique that requires practice. Once mastered however, as top professional DJs demonstrate, it can be used to supplement beat-matching with stunning results.

How do I know which songs are harmonically compatible?

Put simply, a song is harmonically compatible with any song that is in:

• The same key (Tonic)
• A Relative Major/Minor key
• A Sub-Dominant key (Perfect fourth)
• A Dominant key (Perfect fifth)

Try not to worry if you find talk of ‘relative major keys’ and ‘dominant keys’ just as confusing. For those untrained in music we have included the following key compatibility reference table. The keys listed in the left hand column (blue) are compatible with each of the keys (black) in that row. Simple!

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