Scratching

Definition

Scratching is a turntable technique used in hip hop and DJing that involves manually moving a vinyl record back and forth on the turntable while simultaneously manipulating the crossfader on a mixer. This creates rhythmic sounds and vocal-like effects, adding to the musical composition and providing a unique form of expression. It became a foundational element of early hip hop music, showcasing the creativity and skills of DJs in live performances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Scratching originated in the late 1970s as DJs sought to extend and enhance the rhythmic aspects of hip hop music during parties.
2. The technique was popularized by influential DJs like Grandmaster Flash and Kool Herc, who utilized it to energize crowds and showcase their skills.
3. Different styles of scratching, such as the chirp, transformer, and crab scratch, emerged as DJs experimented with techniques to create unique sounds.
4. Scratching not only served as an entertainment element but also allowed DJs to assert their creativity, establishing themselves as vital contributors to hip hop culture.
5. As technology evolved, scratching techniques adapted to digital mediums with software programs allowing for similar effects, broadening its accessibility.

Review Questions

• How did scratching contribute to the overall performance style of early hip hop artists?
  • Scratching played a crucial role in early hip hop performances by allowing DJs to add dynamic sounds and rhythms that enhanced the energy of live shows. DJs like Grandmaster Flash utilized scratching to engage the audience, create excitement, and showcase their technical skills. This interactive element transformed the DJ from just a music provider into a central figure in the performance, influencing how artists approached live music.
• In what ways did scratching influence the development of turntablism as an art form within hip hop culture?
  • Scratching significantly influenced turntablism by establishing turntables as instruments rather than mere playback devices. As DJs began to explore different scratching techniques, they expanded the sonic possibilities of hip hop music. This evolution encouraged competition among DJs, leading to battles that showcased their creative skills and ultimately solidifying turntablism as an essential component of hip hop culture.
• Evaluate how the emergence of digital technology has changed the practice of scratching in contemporary music.
  • The emergence of digital technology has transformed scratching by making it more accessible to aspiring DJs through software that mimics traditional techniques. While traditional vinyl scratching required skillful manipulation of physical records, digital platforms allow users to experiment with sounds without needing extensive resources. However, this shift has sparked debate within the community about authenticity versus innovation, as some purists argue that digital methods lack the tactile connection that defines traditional scratching.

Related terms

Turntablism: A style of DJing that emphasizes the turntable as an instrument, allowing DJs to manipulate sound in innovative ways through techniques like scratching and beat juggling.

Beat Juggling: A technique where DJs rearrange and layer different sections of a song to create new rhythms and sounds, often used in conjunction with scratching.

Breakbeat: A musical genre characterized by its use of sampled drum breaks from funk, jazz, and soul records, serving as the foundation for many hip hop tracks and providing opportunities for scratching.