Forwards Scratch Tutorial

This article features a video of Short-e teaching you how to do the Forward scratch and a notation diagram. The beat is also included as an mp3 download that you can loop up to practice to.

This tutorial is aimed more for the beginner just starting out but we hope you seasoned pro scratchers enjoy the beat and QnA at the end.

This scratch involves opening the crossfader and moving the record “forwards” (hence the name), then closing the crossfader whilst you move the record back to the starting position. You do not hear the backward sound. try these slowly, then faster. This was one of the very first scratches I learnt. The co-ordination might seem a bit strange at first, but stick with it and you will soon get the hang of it. It is a bit like patting your head whilst rubbing your tummy type vibe.

Here is a notation for this scratch:

You can also reverse this to get the Backwards scratch / reverse cutting

This is the exact mirror opposite of the forwards scratch. Start with the end of your sample. Open the cross fader and move the record back to the beginning of the sample. Close the crossfader then move the record forwards. Repeat.

You also get to download this beat, taken from the #8546 taken from the 85 BPM Hip Hop Instrumental Beats series.

Download Beat 8546

If you are a beginner, post a video response and I will critique it and advise you.

Happy Scratching! 😀

Short-E