How to Do a Forward Scratch on a Turntable

If you dream about entertaining others with music, but can't sing or play a musical instrument, there is good news--you can be a disc jockey. As long as you have good rhythm, a desire and a sense of musical combinations you can achieve your dream. You need to practice the basics first. The basic forward scratch should be one of the first that you learn.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Put your left hand on the record, lightly touching the top with your finger tips. The other hand should be on the fader.

2. Push the record forward to get the scratch sound. You don't to do this with a lot of power; just a short scratch is good.

3. Turn the fader down as you release the record by lifting your hand so that the noise of the record going back to normal position isn't heard. The basic forward scratch requires that you coordinate the two moves. First you make the scratch and then you release it as you fade.

4. Practice several in a row. The key to the basic forward scratch it the coordination and timing. Once you have the two comfortably, you can move on to the next step. This scratch can be used alone or in a composite with other scratches.

5. Add a beat to the scratch. Once you practice the scratch enough you should be proficient and ready to put the scratch to a beat. Now learn a few more scratches before you round up the crowds.

Tips & Warnings

• If you feel a tingling or pain in your wrist, adjust the height of your turntable so it is more ergonomic. Your posture plays an important part also.