How to Create Chirps on a Turntable

A chirp is an advanced type of turntable scratch used by DJs. To perform the chirp scratch, you essentially cut the reversing sound with your cross fader while doing a baby scratch, but you must perform it rapidly to create the chirp sound. To create chirps on a turntable, follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Begin by playing your selected sample from a record album on the turntable. At this point, leave your cross fader open.

2. Find the tip of your selected sample, at either the beginning or the end of your record.

3. Move your record forward just past the tip you located and then quickly close the cross fader to end the first sound.

4. Slide your record backward quickly to the beginning of your tip as you open up your cross fader again.

5. Repeat these forward and backward movements, along with the changes in your cross fader, in quick succession to the beat to produce your chirping noise.

6. Practice your chirp scratch until it sounds like a bird chirping. It's a difficult move to master, but once you have it down, it adds another great sound effect to your DJ skills.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you perform the chirp scratch as fast as possible; otherwise, you won't get your desired effect. Be sure you maintain control of your moves.