Scratching is the process of manipulating a particular sound or effect on a record. It is performed by the DJ using one hand to variate the pitch or speed of a record as it is moved back and forth against the needle.
This is done either in conjunction with the cross fader for a fader scratch, with the other hand cutting the sound into segments with the fader, or without, resulting in what is known as a faderless scratch.
Scratching is usually performed with an isolated vocal sample which is free from any musical accompaniment, but scratch DJs are known to use anything from single drum beats to entire melodies during their sets.
For the beginner, scratching can appear something of a dark art, and unfortunatly some DJs simply never go there. One problem is that it is quite rare to find a professional DJ who can give a tutorial in a way that makes scratching accessible to the beginner.
Most video tutorials are more about DJs exhibiting their talents rather than transferring their skills, which is like trying to learn the basics of the guitar from a video of Jimmy Page doing Stairway to Heaven.
For a beginner DJ who is interested in learning some basic scratch techniques, it is important to know how to correctly cue records in for mixing and be more or less proficient at using the pitch. These skills give a good grounding in how to handle records and will develop the dexterity needed for scratching.
Scratch Tools
It is also impotant to have the right equipment. There are many different scratch tools available for the DJ to buy. These are records specifically made for the scratching and rather than tracks, they are predominantly made up of samples, and pressed from a much tougher form of vinyl making them better suited to withstand the increased wear and tear.
Some are also skipless. This means that they contain sections where the same samples are looped in a way that if the needle skips from one sample, it simply falls onto a repeat, and gives the impression of never having moved.
Most hip hop records also contain an acapella. This is a track with only the lyrics of a particular tune and is used to remix the lyrics of one record into a different beat. These are also perfect for scratching.
The Basics of Scratching
One question which many beginners ask when they start practising to scratch is which hand they should use on the cross fader and which one on the record? To answer this, there is an argument that using the preferred writing hand on the record allows the DJ to be more expressive, while using it for the fader will yield sharper, more precise cuts, but this is ultimately down to personal preference. Simply go for whatever feels most comfortable.
One thing that it is very important to remember however, is to turn off the curve setting on the mixer - keep in mind that more basic mixers do not have this setting as it is built in and cannot be changed. The curve is basically the setting for the fader level, and when it is turned up, the cross fader must be in the middle of the mixer for both records to play at the same audio level.This is of course more suited for mixing as it allows you to gradually fade a record in.
When it is turned off, there is absolutely no fade in at all, and even if the cross fader is 99% over to one side, the two channels will still play at the same audio level. This is perfect for scratching, as it means that the DJ has to move the fader much less distance, and allows for shorter, quicker cuts.
DJ Scratching Tips
When the beginner has grasped all of these minor technicalities, they are ready to start learning a few basic techniques. Do remember that the aim of scratching is to compliment the beat being scratched over, not to completely drown it out. However it is important to have fun, and even though it takes time and practice to get good at scratching, the great thing is that every individual can evolve their own, very unique style.
Scratching is probably one of the most expressive forms turntablism, and learning the basic techniques will allow any aspiring DJ to develop their own scratching style. The trick is keep practising and evolving this style gradually. Don't expect dramatic results over night and don't get put off by the professionals. Always keep in mind that even the greatest DJs had to start somewhere and this was usually from their bedrooms. For tutorials on beginner scratching techniques see: Basic Scratching Techniques
Marius Goubert - My name is Marius , i am 22 and live in the United Kingdom. I have just graduated from the university of Kent with a degree in comparative ...
