Scratching: A DJ Technique That's Easier Than It Looks!
Scratching is often seen as the hardest DJ technique because it takes so much time to practise and to use with confidence. But is scratching really that difficult? Let's find out with MUSE INC.
A DJ scratching is a lot like a singer raising their voice in song. It can be used to talk to the audience, get the crowd going and, most importantly, show off a DJ's skill and creativity. With scratching, even a single word can become a melody.
In terms of equipment, learning to scratch doesn't demand much compared with other DJ techniques. You can scratch on a controller, CDJs, a vinyl turntable… There are just two simple equipment requirements to keep in mind. The first is that the crossfader curve needs to be set so that moving it just 1 mm brings the track on the other side in at full volume.
Most DJ software and standalone DJ gear on the market today let you adjust the crossfader for scratching, so that's not a problem at all. The second is a scratch sample – which you can download very easily and completely free. So equipment is no obstacle at all when it comes to scratching.
With the gear sorted, start with the simplest techniques. First comes the baby scratch, where you move the start of the sound forward and back, right in time with the beat.
Once you're comfortable with the tempo, try doubling or tripling the speed and bringing in the crossfader. Once you've nailed the basics, taking things further and getting creative becomes much easier.
So what's the biggest challenge in learning to scratch? Patience. Mastering scratching is a long process that takes regular practice.
As the Vietnamese proverb goes, “grind an iron bar long enough and it becomes a needle” – so spend a little time practising every day and try not to give up before you reach the finish line. Nothing beats the amazed “wow” from the crowd when you pull off a slick scratch routine.
Scratching isn't a difficult technique, but it takes a lot of time and patience to master. Keep at it and don't get discouraged – you'll have it down before long.
Source: VNSOUND
Want to practise this with a teacher? The beginner DJ course (Level 1) takes you from the gear to your first set in three weeks, on the school's CDJs and controllers.
Got the basics and want to scratch on turntables? The Advanced DJ course (Level 3) teaches scratching (baby, drops, chirps, stab, transformer) and beat juggling on turntables and CDJs; between lessons you can practise in a turntable practice room (PLX-1000, Technics, Denon VL12) by the hour.
