A Taxonomy of DJs - Scratching

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Scratching

Scratching a piece of music is one of the main unique musical actions performed by a DJ. The process of scratching is usually done with a turntable and vinyl record although certain CD manufacturers have developed methods of "scratching" or scrubbing digital music on a CD. A DJ that scratches records and performs tricks that involve scratching is called a turntablist or scratch DJ. The good ones perform the art of turntablism.

Scratching a record involves moving the vinyl record back and forth with one hand while moving the crossfader (on the mixer) back and forth with the other. Different sound patterns can be acheived by cutting the sound of the scratch in and out at certain times. The following diagram shows 8 different scratch patterns that can be acheived by moving the record once forward, one backward and cutting the sound on and off with a crossfader.

Diagram by Kjetil Hansen

The sound sample used to create the scratch also has a profound effect on the outcome of the sound. Also, the type of needle and the condition of the vinyl effect the scratch sound as well. There are many different types of scratches that can be performed and more are being developed as this artform grows. The following is a list of some of the more familiar scratches.

Types of Scratches

DJ Q-Bert, one of the world's best turntablists, has outlined at least 25 different scratch patterns in his video "Do it Yourself". New scratch patterns are being created all the time and so this section will outline only some of the main scratch tricks.
The content of this section was sourced from Scratch DJ

Baby Scratch

The simplest of scratches as the baby scratch is performed without using the crossfader. The record is simply moved forwards and backwards (or vice versa) once.

Bubble Scratch

The record is moved back and forth while one of the EQ settings is altered from maximum to minimum, creating a wah-wah pedal sound effect. DJ Noize is credited in finding this technique.

Chirp Scratch

The record is pushed forwards while the sound is faded out with the crossfader. Then the record is pushed backwards while the sound is faded in again. When done quickly a chirp sound is created. This is one of the hardest tricks to perfect but DJ Jazzy Jeff is known for demonstrating this scratch quite well.

Crab Scratch

As the record is being pushed back and forth, the DJ quickly taps the crossfader knob with 2 to 4 different fingers in a sequence starting with the pinkie (when doing 4 taps) ring finger (3 taps) or middle finger (2 taps) while using the thumb as a spring to bounce the fader back out after each tap. The result is much like a very rapid transformer scratch. It is possible to perform a crab in a cyclical motion, producing a “never ending” type of sound.

Flare Scratch

Flares are much like transformer scratches but the DJ starts with the sound on and cut it off rapidly. Each time the DJ bounces the crossfader off the side, it produces a ‘click’ sound. Thus flares are named according to clicks. A one-click flare would involve a sound being played forwards or backwards while the crossfader briefly cuts the sound off in the middle of the playback sequence. This creates two distinct sounds. A two-click flare cuts the sound off twice in the same fashion. This trick was invented by DJ Flare and developed further by DJ Qbert.

Forward and Backward Scratches

Forward and backward scratches are fairly simple scratches. A sound is played either completely forwards or completely backwards. The crossfader is used to cut the sound off when the playback portion has finished. Commonly DJs will perform 2 or more forward scratches in a sequence (thus cutting the sound off when they rewind the audio to the beginning of the sample for the second forward scratch). This scratch is also known as a stab scratch.

Hydroplane

As the DJ scratches with one hand, one or more fingers from the second hand are used to apply pressure to the record without stopping its movement. When done properly, the finger bounces slightly off the record and a bassy friction sound is the result.

Orbit Scratch

Technically an orbit is any scratch move performed both forward then backward or backward then forward in a sequence. Generally flares are done using an orbit technique. For example, a one-click forward flare and a one-click backward flare in quick succession (altogether creating 4 distinct sounds), would be a one-click orbit. Likewise, a two-click forward flare and a two-click backward flare in quick succession (6 distinct sounds), would be a two-click orbit. DJ Disk is usually credited as the inventor of this technique.

Scribble Scratch

A scribble scratch is done by tensing the forearm of the record hand, causing the record to jerk back and forth creating the shaky scribble sound.

Strobing

Strobing is a mixing trick usually done with two copies of the same record. The records are beatmatched so that they are playing the exact same beats at the same time. Then one record’s speed is adjusted to play slightly behind the other. Once setup, the DJ shifts the output (using the crossfader) back and forth, creating a stutter or strobing sound as the beats repeat). DJs Shortkut and Yoshi are credited with this trick.

Tear Scratch

The tear is much like the baby scratch but a short manual pause is inserted halfway through either the forward or backward motion (or both).

Transform Scratch

The transform scratch involves moving the record very slowly forwards and/or backwards, while cutting the sound (via the crossfader) on and off very quickly. The result is a stuttered tremolo effect. DJ Cash Money and Jazzy Jeff are credited with inventing this scratch.

Tweak Scratch

The tweak scratch is performed with the motor of the turntable turned off. You can manipulate the record back and forth in any manner and cut the sound on/off with the crossfader. The result is best achieved with long tone samples and usually provides jerky sounds as your hand hits the record in a different direction. DJ Mix Master Mike is known for performing this scratch.

Zig-Zag Scratch

A zig zag scratch is a move where the DJ uses one hand to push the record, while the other hand briefly taps the record and adjusts the volume fader. If scratching with the right hand on the record the technique would be as follows:

the right hand pulls back sound and lets the record go to play the sound forward.
the left hand taps the record as it is playing forward, making a quick pause and creating two distinct forward sounds instead of one.
then the left hand quickly moves and taps down the volume fader (up or down in a sequence) a small amount
repeat the pattern until the volume is all the way down or all the way up.

The effect you get is a 1,2,3 1,2,3 1,2,3... scratch of the sound while the 1,2,3 fades out a little more each time the volume fader is tapped a little lower (the sound can be faded completely out or you can start fading the sound in and out).