How to Choose a Transformer for Scratching

Learning to be a DJ isn't the easiest if you want to be good, but if you love music and entertaining people, it's the best way to earn money. You need to learn all the tricks with the turntable that you can to entertain the audience. One disc jockey scratch that should be in your bank of knowledge is the transformer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Remember that two disc jockeys, DJ Cash Money and DJ Jazzy Jeff, were famous for starting the transformer scratch. It requires a fast wiggle of the fader. It's called the transformer because it sounds like the noise made by the robots in the cartoon "The Transformers."

2. Put your hand on the fader and push it rapidly back and forth. Don't go all the way to the middle, but use a narrow band between the edge and a quarter of the way in. This aids you in making the move rapid.

3. Find the downbeat on the loop and mark it on the record. Pull it back and release with one hand. The fader starts in the off position, and movement doesn't begin until you're ready for the loop.

4. Coordinate the rapid movement of the fader with the playing of the loop. As soon as the loop finishes, pull it back and continue with the jiggling of the fader.

5. Focus on the fader. The selection that you play isn't as important as keeping the sound of the fader with the beat and rhythm. Keep the clicks paced with the beat, and use the rhythm of the fader to add interest to the beat.