DJ Guide

Camelot notation: a guide for DJs

Camelot notation offers a simple way to visualize keys and plan smooth harmonic transitions. Here’s what you need to program tandas without clashes.

Why use Camelot notation?

Traditional key names (C major, A minor, etc.) aren’t practical when you musicalise a milonga. Camelot notation makes spotting compatible keys immediate with two ideas:

  • A clock system: keys are numbered from 1 to 12.
  • Two letters: A for minor keys, B for major keys.

Minor side example

A minor becomes 8A.

Major side example

C major becomes 8B.

Rules for harmonic compatibility

Follow these transitions to stay in a comfortable harmonic zone:

  1. Same box: sequence two tracks with exactly the same key (e.g., 8A with 8A).
  2. Change only the letter: move from the minor to the corresponding major (e.g., 8A with 8B).
  3. Go one number up or down: keep the same letter and move on the clock (e.g., 8A with 7A or 9A).

Think of a clock: the number is the hour, the letter is the mode (A minor, B major). Moving one ‘hour’ keeps the harmony.

The Camelot wheel

The Camelot Wheel visually represents these compatibilities. Place your tracks on this wheel to see possible transitions at a glance.

Cercle Camelot montrant les 12 clés avec les modes A et B
Complete visualization of the Camelot wheel to instantly spot neighboring keys and their major (B) and minor (A) equivalents.
Schéma des transitions Camelot avec flèches 8A↔8B et +1/-1
Recommended transitions highlighted: same box, A/B switch, and one-hour moves to stay harmonic.

Aligning tempo and harmony

Use Camelot notation to plan tandas by vibe and BPM. Here are a few reference points to prepare your selection:

BPM Mood Camelot keys to explore
92 - 98 Soft tanda / elegant waltz 7A, 8A, 8B
99 - 103 Classic salón 4B, 5A, 5B
104 - 108 Dynamic milonga 2A, 3A, 3B
109 - 112 Energetic finale 10A, 10B, 11A

Adjust these ranges to your library: the goal is to keep a coherent harmonic color while building up (or releasing) energy.

Complete correspondence table

Major keys (B)

  • 1B = B♭ Maj
  • 2B = F Maj
  • 3B = C Maj
  • 4B = G Maj
  • 5B = D Maj
  • 6B = A Maj
  • 7B = E Maj
  • 8B = B Maj
  • 9B = F♯ Maj
  • 10B = D♭ Maj
  • 11B = A♭ Maj
  • 12B = E♭ Maj

Minor keys (A)

  • 1A = G♯ min
  • 2A = D♯ min
  • 3A = B♭ min
  • 4A = F min
  • 5A = C min
  • 6A = G min
  • 7A = D min
  • 8A = A min
  • 9A = E min
  • 10A = B min
  • 11A = F♯ min
  • 12A = C♯ min

In practice

Let’s start from a track in 8A (A minor):

  • Chain with another track in 8A to keep the same color.
  • Move to 8B (C major) to brighten the vibe while staying harmonic.
  • Explore 7A (D minor) or 9A (E minor) for a gentle move on the wheel.

Conclusion

Camelot notation complements BPM: you program not only by tempo but also by harmony. Result: smooth transitions, coherent tandas, and a floor that stays connected.

Want to go further?

Identify your tracks’ keys, place them on the Camelot Wheel, and prepare your next tandas with a head start.

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