DJing Discussion

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SCRATCH - PATTERNS

Celphoner 4:28 AM - 27 November, 2007
So i've been practicing my scratches non stop for almost 6 months now. I can pretty much do most of the major scratches to some extent (Chirps,transforms, baby's, cuts, flares, crabs etc) However i find my scratch routines sound very repetetive and lack the groove i hear when i listen to other scratch djs.

I was wondering what is a good way to learn some classic / useful and basic patterns. Ive searched online (google, youtube...etc) for tutorials on SCRATCH PATTERNS but only come up with tutorials on how to do each individual scratch by itself. Again i want to learn some scratch patterns which i can use to get a nice flow to my scratching and tie the tricks i know together.

If someone could perhaps type out some basic patterns for me it would be a great help! Or even better if someone had the time to make a video on you tube which breaks down the pattern that would help me and im sure a LOT of others trying to scratch.

THANKS ANY HELP APPRECIATED
DJ Overpour 4:30 AM - 27 November, 2007
listen to your favorite djs and mixtapes and try to imitate the patterns that they do, thats what i do when I get stuck in a rut and hit the same combos all the time.
Celphoner 4:39 AM - 27 November, 2007
I've tried that but its all to fast and i really cant break down what they are doing. I'm looking to learn just the REALLY basic patterns that pretty much every DJ can do. Like the necessaties that any DJ should be able to do.
DJ Overpour 4:43 AM - 27 November, 2007
I know its redundant, but its practice homey. As your hands get faster and your record control improves, you will start to hear other peoples cuts differently, and you will be able to replicate them. Look up Marches on Youtube. They are basically a combo of different scratches. Thats going to be a majority of it for a while.
Celphoner 4:47 AM - 27 November, 2007
thanks will check youtube right now. Thanks again man for all the helo!
Dirty Digits 4:48 AM - 27 November, 2007
Celphoner 4:55 AM - 27 November, 2007
umm..whats in the zip file dirty?
Dirty Digits 5:03 AM - 27 November, 2007
it's the ever.
It's a complete scratch tutorial made by Ricci Ruccer that he posted on his site asisphonics back in the day.
The majority of the zip file is audio samples of the actutal scratches.
The one titled theever.html has the breakdowns and the "how to"' listed out for every scratch for you to learn.

enjoy it homie!
Celphoner 5:08 AM - 27 November, 2007
cool sounds dope thanks man!
dj shadow from detroit 5:29 AM - 27 November, 2007
ok im gonna break this down simple.

i feel alot of djs worry about learning every scratch.lol
this is wrong!
you learn rhythm first then practice different scratches.and everything falls in place.
i know alot of djs who can rip me a new one with differnet scratches but i rather know how to rhtythm scratch into a beat rather all on top of a beat.

rule number 1
scratch for a reason.
rule number 2
you want to have your scratches sound like they where produced in the track your cutting over.
rule number 3
watch this
Watchwww.youtube.com
this is the best rhythm scratcher in the world.
this is what every scratch dj should watch.
to be honest 3 out of 1000 scratch djs can scratch with rhythm.
everyone is way to worried about everything but being on beat and inside of the music.

( just stating my opinion )
brady176 5:43 AM - 27 November, 2007
how do you use that file with a mac? what format should it be or what program do you use to play it?
Thundercat 5:50 AM - 27 November, 2007
+1 shadow. Without rhythm you are just making a fancy noise. Watch this interview, specifically from around the 4:00 mark forward: Watchwww.youtube.com

There is some good advice and perspective in there...
dj shadow from detroit 6:12 AM - 27 November, 2007
yea i watched that a while back.its a great interview.also that is why i thank dj z trip is the best dj in the world.he is the most underrated dj i know.using sould when scratching is way important then knowing a 4 click orbit.lol!

another thing that is very important.please dont scratch 2db louder then the track your scratching over in a club.make sure when your scratching 90% of the people didnt even notice.i know so many djs that scratch with there levels way off.

when you listen to a track that is produced very well do you hear the scratching louder then everything else? if you do its not mastered good. lol.

scratching is a art form just like a drummer drumming always look at it this way.

it took me years to learn this.i figured i would pass it on to the kids.
bandoma 8:54 AM - 27 November, 2007
nice vid thundercat.

ztrip:

Quote:
you can't teach soul to somebody, you either have it or you don't.

that pretty much sums it up right there.

for the og poster...just keep on practicing and find some skratch djs to practice with.
T.Digital 4:35 PM - 27 November, 2007
Quote:
it's the ever.
It's a complete scratch tutorial made by Ricci Ruccer that he posted on his site asisphonics back in the day.
The majority of the zip file is audio samples of the actutal scratches.
The one titled theever.html has the breakdowns and the "how to"' listed out for every scratch for you to learn.

enjoy it homie!


When I downloaded it, the links were all messed up for the files.. I fixed it and can upload an updated .zip file if anyone wants. The files are .rm now instead of .ram and are in the realaudio/ directory, as they're set in the html. I also fixed the html to look for the files in the appropriate location..
Dirty Digits 5:59 PM - 27 November, 2007
boom. post it up!
T.Digital 6:29 PM - 27 November, 2007
T.Digital 6:32 PM - 27 November, 2007
I'm assuming that because the links in the file don't work that the file is no longer maintained, but as always the owner maintains all rights to the information and files. I simply made an update to the directory structure and html so that the links worked. Hope they don't mind me hosting it. I'm assuming they won't because of the huge bandwidth its taking (from the message they put in the file).

If there's a problem with hosting this per forum guidelines/any other reason, i'll remove it immediately.

Hope I could help.
DjPriMO25 6:35 PM - 27 November, 2007
change the beats up a little. practicing to straight drums or raw dirtstyle beats can get kinda repetitive. find beats with more rhythm or funk that are fun to scratch to. Also listen to some Rakim or Eminem listen to how they flow over beats and try to mimmick what they're doing but with scratching. Kinda like Q and his Rappers Delight routine. You'll learn more flow and you can play with other techniques and stuff.
T.Digital 7:16 PM - 27 November, 2007
try scratching the words that the rappers say, as if you're speaking through scratch.. then start jazzing it up slowly but surely..
T.Digital 7:17 PM - 27 November, 2007
(I just said the same thing a different way.. gotta start reading those previous posts)
dj shadow from detroit 7:18 PM - 27 November, 2007
lol.


yea phrase scratching will help with flow.
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pauleezy 12:21 PM - 2 December, 2024
Hey Celphoner, it's great that you're dedicated to improving your scratching! To build better patterns and add groove to your routines, focus on practicing rhythm-based scratching rather than just individual techniques. As DJ Shadow mentioned, rhythm is key—your scratches should blend seamlessly into the track, almost like they’re part of the music itself.

For practical resources, I recommend exploring tools like asisphonics for detailed breakdowns of scratches, or trying rhythm-focused tracks for practice. Another great tip is to switch up your practice beats. Tracks with more rhythm and funk can inspire fresh flows and help you avoid repetition. You might also find it helpful to experiment with phrase scratching—matching your scratches to the rhythm or phrasing of vocals, as suggested by T.Digital.

By the way, if you're looking for more inspiration or alternative apps to organize your DJ routines, check out watsapp. It has some excellent tools for DJs to streamline their workflows. Keep scratching and let the groove guide you!"

Let me know if you need more tips!
pauleezy 12:57 PM - 2 December, 2024
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somoolyzy 5:51 AM - 9 December, 2024
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freeny 6:02 AM - 15 January, 2025
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freeny 6:02 AM - 15 January, 2025
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freeny 6:05 AM - 15 January, 2025
Quote:
To build a groove in your scratching and tie patterns seamlessly into a track, think of it like playing a game of rhythm and flow. Start by practicing rhythm-focused patterns, as DJ Shadow from Detroit suggested. A great way to enhance this is to scratch over tracks with diverse beats—funk, jazz, or even vocal loops. Try using call-and-response techniques: scratch a short vocal phrase and mimic its rhythm with another scratch.

Additionally, focus on 'phrase scratching,' where your cuts complement the phrases in the music, almost like you're speaking through the record. This makes your scratches feel like a natural extension of the track. You can even experiment with flows, as DjPriMO25 mentioned, to add more dynamics to your patterns.

For tutorials, the Ricci Ruccer resource from asisphonics.net is an excellent starting point to understand the foundational patterns. Also, study routines by DJs like Qbert or Z-Trip for inspiration on how to integrate soul and rhythm into your game. Remember, rhythm is king. Without it, scratching is just noise. Happy scratching!
hasheer 6:58 AM - 25 February, 2025
One of the most overlooked aspects of scratching is rhythm and phrasing, rather than just mastering individual techniques. To break out of repetitive patterns, try practicing with different BPMs and musical styles—not just drum loops but full instrumentals that challenge your timing. A great method is phrase scratching, where you mimic vocal flows from artists like Rakim or Eminem, translating syllabic patterns into scratch sequences.

Also, structured practice with classic scratch patterns can help refine your groove. A useful reference is the Ever tutorial mentioned earlier, which provides breakdowns of essential scratches. For a more mindful approach to learning, consistency and structured repetition are key. Just like with daily habits, whether in music or spirituality, having a routine matters. Speaking of routines, is a great example of structured daily recitations that bring discipline—similar to how sticking to a scratch practice plan can improve your flow over time.

Hope this helps, and happy scratching!
hasheer 6:58 AM - 25 February, 2025
One of the most overlooked aspects of scratching is rhythm and phrasing, rather than just mastering individual techniques. To break out of repetitive patterns, try practicing with different BPMs and musical styles—not just drum loops but full instrumentals that challenge your timing. A great method is phrase scratching, where you mimic vocal flows from artists like Rakim or Eminem, translating syllabic patterns into scratch sequences.

Also, structured practice with classic scratch patterns can help refine your groove. A useful reference is the Ever tutorial mentioned earlier, which provides breakdowns of essential scratches. For a more mindful approach to learning, consistency and structured repetition are key. Just like with daily habits, whether in music or spirituality, having a routine matters. Speaking of routines, is a great example of structured daily recitations that bring discipline—similar to how sticking to a scratch practice plan can improve your flow over time.

Hope this helps, and happy scratching!
hasheer 6:59 AM - 25 February, 2025
One of the most overlooked aspects of scratching is rhythm and phrasing, rather than just mastering individual techniques. To break out of repetitive patterns, try practicing with different BPMs and musical styles—not just drum loops but full instrumentals that challenge your timing. A great method is phrase scratching, where you mimic vocal flows from artists like Rakim or Eminem, translating syllabic patterns into scratch sequences.

Also, structured practice with classic scratch patterns can help refine your groove. A useful reference is the Ever tutorial mentioned earlier, which provides breakdowns of essential scratches. For a more mindful approach to learning, consistency and structured repetition are key. Just like with daily habits, whether in music or spirituality, having a routine matters. Speaking of routines, اذكارالصباح.com is a great example of structured daily recitations that bring discipline—similar to how sticking to a scratch practice plan can improve your flow over time.

Hope this helps, and happy scratching!
Hannah Grace 10:45 AM - 28 February, 2025
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blifemod 7:40 AM - 12 April, 2025
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blifemod 7:43 AM - 12 April, 2025
You're doing great by mastering the core scratches like chirps, flares, and crabs — that’s the toughest part. To make your routines less repetitive, start combining them into short patterns or flows. For example, try a simple loop like Baby → Chirp → Transform → Flare, and practice it over different beats to develop your groove.
blifemod 7:44 AM - 12 April, 2025
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pojavlauncher 11:53 AM - 7 August, 2025
data-start="0" data-end="327">To build groove in your scratching and blend patterns seamlessly into a track, think of it like mastering rhythm and flow. Begin by practicing rhythm-heavy scratch patterns, just like DJ Shadow from Detroit recommends. A great way to sharpen this skill is by scratching over tracks with varied beats&mdash;funk, jazz, or vocal loops.</p>
<p data-start="329" data-end="596">Try using call-and-response techniques: scratch a short vocal phrase, then echo its rhythm with another cut. Dive into 'phrase scratching' too&mdash;this is where your scratches interact with the musical phrases, making it feel like the record is talking back to the track.
data-start="598" data-end="755">For a creative twist, experiment with the dynamic flows found on <a href="pojavlaunchersapk.com, as DjPriMO25 suggested, to add movement and flavor to your style.
data-start="757" data-end="1127" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Looking for guidance? The <strong data-start="783" data-end="809">Ricci Ruccer tutorials</strong> on asisphonics.net are a fantastic resource for learning scratch foundations. And if you need more inspiration, watch routines from legends like Qbert and Z-Trip to see how they infuse soul and rhythm into every cut. Remember: rhythm is everything. Without it, scratching becomes just chaotic noise. Happy scratching
pojavlauncher 11:55 AM - 7 August, 2025
data-start="0" data-end="327">To build groove in your scratching and blend patterns seamlessly into a track, think of it like mastering rhythm and flow. Begin by practicing rhythm-heavy scratch patterns, just like DJ Shadow from Detroit recommends. A great way to sharpen this skill is by scratching over tracks with varied beats—funk, jazz, or vocal loops.

Try using call-and-response techniques: scratch a short vocal phrase, then echo its rhythm with another cut. Dive into 'phrase scratching' too—this is where your scratches interact with the musical phrases, making it feel like the record is talking back to the track. data-start="598" data-end="755">For a creative twist, experiment with the dynamic flows found on pojavlaunchersapk.com, as DjPriMO25 suggested, to add movement and flavor to your style. data-start="757" data-end="1127" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Looking for guidance? The Ricci Ruccer tutorials on asisphonics.net are a fantastic resource for learning scratch foundations. And if you need more inspiration, watch routines from legends like Qbert and Z-Trip to see how they infuse soul and rhythm into every cut. Remember: rhythm is everything. Without it, scratching becomes just chaotic noise. Happy scratching
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cocguidehub 10:55 AM - 28 April, 2026
That’s a really good question, I had a similar issue when I was learning. Knowing individual scratches is one thing, but connecting them smoothly is a completely different skill.

What helped me was practicing short combinations and repeating them slowly until they felt natural, then gradually increasing speed. Also, listening closely to experienced DJs and trying to copy their flow can make a big difference.

Would love to see if anyone here has some written patterns or simple routines to practice as well.
Johnson Charles 10:53 AM - 19 May, 2026
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