The camelot wheel explained
If you’re learning how to DJ (at the Denver DJ School), you’ve probably heard our amazing vets (DJ LRG) talk about mixing songs “in key” or you will when you reach the 303 course. One of the easiest ways for DJs to understand this is by using the camelot wheel.
Every song has a musical key. When you mix two songs with compatible keys, the melodies, vocals, and other musical elements are more likely to sound natural together. When the keys clash, you might notice that the transition sounds strange even when the beats are perfectly matched. To an untrained ear that difference may not be noticed but to really step up your DJ game mixing in key is the way to go!
This satisfying mash while mixing in key is typically more seen in EDM music because of the heavy melodics but it can still be noticed in all BPM’s of all genres.
Instead of having to remember names like C Major, A minor, F Sharp minor, or E Flat major, DJs can work with labels such as 8A, 8B, 9A, 9B and so on.
The A after the number stands for minor keys and the B stands for major. The easiest way to use this wheel is to either move numbers while keeping the same letter for example if you're playing a song that has the key of 7A your next song should be 6A or 8A key. Or, you can stay at the same number and move letters for example 8B - 8A.
Serato makes this tremendously easy with having the key as an organizational tool that you can use as you would organize songs by BPM, and shoutout DJ Spexx for reminding me about this as im writing, you can press CTRL then click two organizational tools like BPM and key in Serato so you can for the most part DJ in key as you gradually go up in BPM in a set.
Remember, don't avoid a great song just because the Camelot Wheel says it isn't the perfect next key. Your ears, the energy of the room, and your song selection still matter more than a number and letter on your screen. DJing in key is a tool not in any way a rule, try some in-key mashups and let us know at the Denver DJ School what you think!