Perfect for quickly identifying the key of minimal techno, drum & bass, or any track with a prominent bassline. Focus on the sub bass or main synth line — that's often your key. When beatmatching, try mixing tracks where this root note is the same or adjacent on the wheel for smooth transitions.

The workhorse for harmonic mixing. Listen to the main chord progression in breakdowns or melodic sections. Major triads create uplifting energy, while minor triads build tension or emotion. For energy-building transitions, try mixing from minor to its relative major (same position on opposite rings) during a build-up.

Power chords are made of just two notes: the root and the fifth — no major or minor third. That means they sound bold, clean, and neutral (neither happy nor sad). This simplicity lets them cut through dense mixes without clashing with vocals or synth layers.

Because they don’t define a key as major or minor, they're flexible for DJ transitions and work well in genres like rock, EDM, dubstep, and bass-heavy music. If you hear a track with a gritty, heavy tone — especially around drops — it’s often using power chords.

Sus2 chords replace the third in a triad with a second, creating an open, suspended feel. They're neither major nor minor — just wide and ambiguous — which makes them perfect for atmospheric and spacious sounds.

These chords are common in ambient, trance, and progressive house. If you hear a track that feels “floaty” or unresolved, it’s likely built around sus2 chords. Great for intros, transitions, and blend-friendly sections that don’t lock you into a strong emotional direction.

Sus4 chords also remove the third from a triad, but instead of a second, they add a fourth. This creates a tense, suspended feeling that sounds like it’s about to resolve — which is exactly what makes it powerful in builds.

You’ll hear sus4s in pre-drop sections, intros, and breakdowns. They signal a shift in energy and give you a clear cue to begin transitioning into the next track. Unlike a resolved major/minor chord, sus4s leave the door open for where things go next.

The secret weapon for mixing house, disco, and funk tracks. Seventh chords add sophistication and movement by extending a triad with an extra note that creates tension and soul. They’re smooth, jazzy, and often heard in grooves that have swing or groove to them.

In a DJ set, seventh chords can bridge the vibe between club tracks and more soulful or live-instrument-heavy music. Great for genre-blending or transitions into deeper sounds.

An add9 chord starts with a standard major or minor triad and adds the ninth note above the root. This extra note creates a lush, emotional color that feels dreamy and uplifting without sounding dissonant or too jazzy.

These chords show up in melodic dubstep, future bass, and emotional breakdowns. If you’re building a set with high-impact moments or want to end on an emotional high, look for tracks with add9s to bring out that extra depth.