Top 10 Harmonic Mixes
Hello and Welcome to DJs In Reno where I cover all things DJ related. Today, I am going to be ranking the top 10 Harmonic Mixes. This is based on my Ultimate Harmonic Mixing Tier List, where I cover all 20 harmonic Mixes. So, if you haven't seen that, go check it out!
1.) -3 (Pay Attention Mix)
First up, I have the -3, or pay attention mix.
This mix creates an AMAZING harmonic Cascade effect that cuts through the dancefloor. This is a personal favorite of mine. I often refer to it as a secret weapon. This harmonic mix simply sounds amazing. Since you are only moving 3 spaces on the harmonic wheel, it is very easy to calculate what your destination key will be. For example, if you start in the key of 12A, your destination key will simply be 3 keys below, or 9A. When you're standing over the decks, it can be daunting to do mental math while you are also DJing in front of a crowd of dancing people! That's why the Simplest harmonic Mixes are usually the best.
One exception to this rule is the +0, or Power Block Mix. This is because if you over do this transition, you can wear it out quickly. All of the other transitions on this list will either increase or decrease the energy of the mix and the dancefloor. With the +0, I am staying in the same key from song to song. While this sounds ok if you only do about 4 songs in the same key before transitioning, I generally wouldn't recommend doing more than that. Part of having a fantastic DJ Set means that the songs, vibe, and speed are constantly changing. This skill is referred to as Narrative, and you can read more about it here.
Another important point to consider with the -3 or Pay attention Mix is that even though I am technically moving down the Camelot Wheel, the Pay attention mix is going to significantly boost the energy of the mix, the crowd, and the dancefloor.
Despite being such a fantastic transition, the -3 or pay attention Mix is often overlooked.
2.) +2 (High Energy Boost Mix)
Next on my list of the top 10 Harmonic Mixes is the +2 or High Energy Boost Mix. The high energy boost mix is a fantastic way to significantly boost the energy of your mix in a very short period of time. In my experience, this transition sounds great. It sounds great because there is a high amount of harmonic compatibility between the two keys.
Keep in mind that when you're djing, you want the energy to be going up. All the time. You want the crowd to constantly be more and more excited. If you take your foot off the gas pedal, expect some of your crowd to leave the dancefloor. Sometimes, it does make sense to play a slow song, to give your crowd a break, and it also makes sense to slow things down a bit as you approach the end of your set. But generally speaking, once you have your crowd's attention, you want to keep it as long as possible.
3.) +1 (Energy Boost Mix)
Number 3 on my List of the top 10 Harmonic Mixes, I have the +1, or Energy boost mix. This Harmonic Transition is going to keep things moving gently in an upwards direction. 6/7 notes are still shared with the original key, so this Mix is Extremely harmonically compatible. It's going to boost the energy of the mix by a perfect Fifth. Important note: Each key on the Camelot Wheel is separated from its neighbors by a single perfect 5th. The energy boost mix is steady, consistent, and it also changes the harmonics of your mix in a pleasant and gentle way. It's a great way to keep things fresh, interesting, new, and exciting.
4.) +0 (Power Block Mix)
The +0 Or the Power Block Mix is the most fundamental Harmonic Mix there is. Actually, it's technically not even a harmonic "mix", because the destination key is the same as the original key. Despite this, it is a fantastic way to build energy on the dance floor. Just don't overdo it! It's called the power block mix because DJs will often play about 4 songs of the same key in a row, before switching to a different key. This consistency builds energy exponentially on the dancefloor.
If you find two songs with the same key, and align them properly, you can even get the vocals from each track singing with each other. Just make sure that they don't overlap!
5.) +3C (Mood Shift Mix)
#5 on my list of the Top 10 Harmonic Transitions is the +3C, or Mood Shift MIx. C stands for Scale Change, and a Capital C means that I am moving from the minor Scale to the Major Scale. I created this notation because I thought it was a great way to illustrate moving around the Camelot Wheel.
I explained my notation in more detail in the ultimate harmonic mixing cheat sheet PDF that I offer as a free download. So again, if you haven't checked that out. Be sure to go download it right now!
This mix received very positive feedback online.
I created a mashup using this harmonic mix, and it's probably the best one I've ever discovered. It's called one more milkshake, and it utilizes the song One More Time by daft punk, and milkshake by kellis.
6.) +7 (Jaws Mix)
Number six on my list of top 10 harmonic transitions is going to be the Jaws mix. This will definitely boost the energy of the mix. It will take us up one semitone. Even though there's a low amount Of keys shared between the original key and the destination key, this is still very harmonically compatible.
It's called the Jaws mix in reference to the movie Jaws. It sounds like an extreme plot twist, waiting to strike, lurking just below the surface..
7.) +0C
Number seven on my list of the top 10 Harmonic transitions is going to be the plus 0C. Again, this notation Is a notation that you're not going to see anywhere else. So if it's confusing, make sure you check out my harmonic mixing cheat sheet where explain my custom notation in depth.
This is the classic scale change transition that will take us from the relative Miner to the relative major.
8.) -4C
Now I am getting into some advanced territory.
The -4C or slide relation mix is a very advanced harmonic mix, yet when executed skillfully it's absolutely a secret weapon.
Since I am transitioning from a minor key to a major key, this transition is going to boost the energy of the mix.
9.) +4c
The plus 4c is the reverse slide relation mix. It's exactly like the last transition that I covered, except you're going in the opposite direction.
Even though I'm going from a major key to a minor key this time, it still sounds really good!
10.) +1c
Number 10 on my list of the top 10 harmonic transitions is going to be the +1c, or the reverse diagonal mix.
I refer to it as the reverse diagonal mix because I am going from a minor to a major.
Now keep in mind this transition is cheesy. I definitely wouldn't overdo it.
Conclusion
There are many fantastic harmonic Mixes. These are the Top 10!
Want more instruction in mixing / DJing? Check out my DJ lessons!