I recently read this quote and have been reflecting on how true it is for being taught how to scratch.
Techniques and skill and even a point of view are often handed down, formally or not. It’s easier to get started if you’re taught, of course.
But art, the new, the ability to connect the dots and to make an impact–sooner or later, that can only come from one who creates, not from a teacher and not from a book.
– Seth Godin
I am very happy if I can help get you started with scratching and point you in the right (hopefully funky) direction. BUT… I will be even happier if you then go off and create your own scratch combos, new scratches and style. Then you can inspire and teach myself and others!
How did you learn how to scratch? Did you reach a point where you went off and experimented by yourself? I would love to hear your stories in the comments below.
Happy Scratching! 😀
– Short-E
hello, first off thank you short-e for your information packed youtube tuts they have helped me enormously. i am a 14 year old dj based in tampa dj j.l.m i started with a midi controller sadly and saved up the money to buy my first set of 1200’s. pretty beat up to be honest but they work perfectly. once i learned the basics of scratching up to the one click flare i ventured into trying new things. still cant get that 2 click down. thankyou for everything.. i plan on making a account on here in a few mins (:
Hey John, thanks for commenting.
Glad that you are into scratching and that what I have done has helped. 1200s second hand are usually really good.
Keep practicing!
Happy Scratching! 😀
I’m 31 and my turntables are my main hobby. I’ve had my 1200’s since around ’99. Sadly enough, they’ve spent most of that time tucked away in a closet, under the bed or collecting dust in the garage. But I’ve recently set them up in my house and I have a new enthusiasm to really learn how to scratch well. I see some of the originals who are now close to my age and they still have it, so it presses me to learn more. I think without the teachers such as yourself, many of us would drift away from it (like I have so many times). But you guys that have put in the time and become true artists inspire people like me to get better. Thanks for keeping the art alive! Now, if I could just get that boomerang down…
Hey Josh, great to know that you have got back on the decks and what I do helps. Keep practicing! Bit by bit with the boomerang!
Just started scratching this year. I’ve been into music for years. Played guitar in metal and punk bands. Got into beat making recently and met a guy with 1200s. He showed me a few things and I’ve been practicing off and on for a bit now. He’s going on a trip soon and leaving me his 1200s, for about 1 year. Gonna get my scratch up to snuff hopefully.
Welcome and thanks for stopping by the site. Have fun scratching, there are plenty of tutorials here. Ask if you need anything.