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Hamster (Reverse) vs Regular Scratching

February 12, 2012

One of the things I get asked all of the time is:

“What is the difference between hamster (reverse) and regular scratching, and which one, if any, is better?”

Here is a video to take you through it:

To summarise:

I do think some scratches are easier hamster and some are easier regular.

  • “Open” fader scratches are easier hamster – e.g. flares
  • “Closed” fader scratches are easier regular – e.g. stabs and transforms

Note that if you wish to beat juggle, regular style can be easier.

I feel it is best to choose one style and stick with it.

2 examples of opposite styles but equal skill are DJ Qbert (Hamster / Reverse) vs D-Styles (Regular).

It is possible to do almost every scratch either way. I find it helps to think in terms of open and closed fader.

I have learnt many techniques from regular scratchers by breaking it down into an understanding of open and closed fader motions and then working out how this translates to hamster.

So over to you in the comments – which do you prefer and why? What are your thoughts?

Which Beat?

Christmas Looper Beat from Stay Cool – Beats for Scratch Practice Volume 4

Happy hamster / regular scratching! 😀

– Short-E

P.S. The term “hamster” comes from DJ Quest of the Bullet Proof Scratch Hamsters, often credited for inventing the technique.

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