.:Turntablism: Beat Juggling & Scratching v2.0

Check out this interesting video about the art of turntablism, it covers the history of turntablism as an artform and some nice pointers to boot. It is actually a preview to the full length instructional/informational video released by DMC, featuring some of the worlds best turntablists - Babu, Noize and Cutmaster Swift. This DVD is definately worth a look for all those with the needle on the record and hand on the crossfader.

For more info check out the DMC World Merchandise store.

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This is another fader-less scratch that, as Q describes, kind of mimics a one click flare. To be honest I haven’t tried this scratch much in the form Q-Bert demonstrates it here, but will be fine tuning it for the next time I am on an alien scratch planet that don’t have mixers…

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This is an excellent scratch to practice timing and speed without necessarily bringing the fader into the equation. Once mastered one can introduce the cross fader to bring the tips in and out at the desired times. Alternatively you can use the channel fader to gradually fade the tip scratch in and out (or out and in).

Recently I have realised the importance of repetition in practicing to help build speed and accuracy of scratches. Keep scratching until it hurts then take a break and then scratch some more. Its like a workout or body building and must be done regularly to see any improvement. Push yourself to the limit every day and you will see results in a matter of weeks (I did). Speed, accuracy and sound can greatly benefit from this. More on this technique soon.

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This one is a little simpler than the flares I posted last week. Marches are a logical progression of baby scratches and is an excellent way to practice hand-fader timing. QBert explains it well and breaks the motions required for the scratch. Is a nice simple scratch to lead into a combo of scratches.

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I used to have a program that you could create random scratch combos if you input all the scratches your are cabaple of. I can’t seem to find it now (I think it was from asisphonics along with ‘the ever’). In searching for it I have found an online combo generator that has an embedded player and plays random instrumentals, some of which are quite nice beats to cut to. It also generates progressive ’stages’ of random scratch combos. You can also upload your own beats to cut to, hours of fun!

Check out the scratch combo generator at manicmayhem.co.uk

Trying new combos can be an excellent way to broaden styles and sometimes push you to learn a new scratch or stumble across a nice new combo of your own!

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Qbert demonstrates how to lube your cross fader. I have used WD-40 in the past, that might be bad - I dunno - it did the job on my Technics SH-EX 1200 and Rane TTM-56! It is definately worth doing to get that extra bit of speed and smoothness.

For Rane TTM-56/57 users there is a nice little tutorial on skratchworx about maintaining (and modding) a Rane TTM 56 fader which you should be able to gain something from even if you dont have the Rane. For Vestax users there is a thread on djforums with a detailed tutorial as well.

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2 click flares, also known as orbits are a valuable fundamental to practice as much as possible. Qbert makes them look too easy here. When done well this scratch is smoooooozzz.

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This is a good scratch to start practicing early because they can be hard to master and there are many variations. So get flaring!

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