Scratching for Beginners (part 1)

This lesson is an introduction to scratching. It caters towards complete beginners or mix DJs that would like to add variation to their sets with some scratching.

Scratching is where you manipulate sounds on a record by moving the record backwards and forwards in your own rhythm.

It is the area of DJing where you really start to treat the turntable as a musical instrument. It is a fun way to develop your own individual style….and show off!

There are numerous scratches to learn (DJs are inventing more each year!) and some of them are incredibly complex but it is really easy to start.

THE LESSON

The scratches I will cover:

• Baby
• Tear
• Scribble
• Drags
• Zig zags

If you're confident with those and we have time then we can move on to some more advanced scratches!

I will provide you with a handout at the end of the lesson to summarise everything that you've learnt.

EQUIPMENT

• We will be using turntables.
• I will provide the 'scratch material' and good quality needles for the lesson. You’re welcome to bring your own records to scratch to (preferably no vocals).
• If you have your own decks I can travel to you or you can travel to me, whichever you’d prefer.