No Confidence in Your Mixes? Try the "Upwards Mixing" Technique | Beginner Mixing Tips
- Guy Britton
- Sep 3
- 2 min read
Why Do So Many Producers Struggle With Mixing Confidence?
If you’ve ever found yourself tweaking endlessly, second-guessing EQ and compression moves, or feeling like you’re just going in circles, you’re not alone. Many beginner mix engineers and even experienced music producers fall into this trap. The result? Hours of work, but no finished mix.
What Is the Upwards Mixing Technique?
The Upwards Mixing Technique is a practice method designed to boost confidence and decision-making when mixing music. The principle is simple:
Once you make a change, you don’t undo it
You build your mix upwards, one element at a time
Every new sound has to fit into the decisions you’ve already made
For example:
Get your kick drum sounding good.
Add the snare, hi-hats, and percussion.
Bring in the bass to fit with your drums.
Layer guitars, synths, and keys.
Finish with vocals and effects.
At no point do you go back and adjust the earlier elements — you only move upwards.
Why Does Upwards Mixing Work For Beginners?
This isn’t a forever technique — it’s a mixing practice routine. Like running scales on guitar or playing paradiddles on drums, it’s designed to sharpen your instincts. By committing to decisions, you’ll:
Make faster mixing choices
Build trust in your ears
Avoid decision paralysis
Learn to finish mixes more consistently
Next Steps to Improve Your Mixing
If you’re struggling with confidence in your mixes, try the Upwards Mixing Technique on your next few projects. You’ll be surprised at how much quicker you make decisions and how much better your workflow feels.
Want more structured training? Check out my Fundamentals of Mixing Course, where I mix a track from start to finish in Logic Pro using only stock plugins. You’ll get access to multitracks, preset chains, and a full video walkthrough to help you develop rock-solid mixing confidence.
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