Turntablism, a unique and expressive form of DJing, treats the turntable as a musical instrument. By combining rhythm, timing, and a deep knowledge of sound, this art form has gained immense appeal. Let’s now dive into some fundamental Turntablism Technique with Audio Works Academy to discover what truly sets this craft apart.
Scratching: The Heart of Turntablism Technique
To begin with, scratching is arguably the oldest and most iconic turntablism technique. First developed in the early days of hip-hop, it emerged as Grandmaster Flash and DJ Kool Herc transformed turntables into instruments of innovation. Scratching remains a central aspect of turntablism, influencing genres from hip-hop to electronic music.
Moreover, several popular Turntablism Technique give DJs a distinct range of sounds to explore:
Baby Scratch: This is often one of the first scratch techniques any DJ learns. Here, the DJ moves the record back and forth without using the crossfader. Although it’s basic, it’s quite effective, providing new DJs with a foundational skill in handling vinyl.
Turntable Scratch: Here, DJs scratch the record while cutting the sound in and out using the crossfader. By quickly turning the crossfader on and off, DJs add sharp, rhythmic patterns, creating a more layered sound.
Chirp Scratch: This combines the baby scratch with rapid crossfader movement to produce crisp, short sounds. Because it requires precise timing, DJs can introduce quick, rhythmic elements into their performances.
Each type of scratch contributes unique sonic textures, showcasing the DJ’s ingenuity. As DJs master these scratches, they can craft even more complex and intricate routines, keeping scratching at the heart of turntablism.
Beat Juggling: Creating New Beats from Existing Tracks
Another important turntablism technique is beat juggling. In this method, DJs manipulate two copies of the same record to create new beats or rhythms. This technique not only layers beats and extends hooks but also enables DJs to compose fresh sounds in real time.
Several notable techniques enhance beat juggling:
Looping: By looping a segment on two turntables, DJs can build anticipation or maintain high energy with repeated beats.
Strobing: This technique involves moving the crossfader rapidly between two turntables, resulting in a pulsating effect that captures the listener’s attention.
Furthermore, backspinning allows DJs to rewind a record to a specific point, replaying short sections of a song to create explosive moments. As DJs command the track’s structure, they can make dramatic, spontaneous changes, adding excitement to their performance.
Altogether, beat juggling requires a deep understanding of musical timing, which makes it both challenging and rewarding. Consequently, DJs can keep the audience engaged by creating new rhythms and extending song sections dynamically.
Drumming: Turntables as Percussion Turntablism Technique
Drumming in turntablism involves treating the turntable like a drum machine. By combining taps, scratches, and crossfader maneuvers, DJs create sound effects that resemble an improvised rhythm section. This technique enables DJs to introduce hi-hats, snares, and bass kicks into a track, giving them additional control over beats that traditional drumming might not allow.
By building rhythmic patterns and cutting sounds precisely, DJs can play alongside other track elements or fill gaps between phrases. This aspect of turntablism requires timing and skill, adding a layer of sophistication and enabling DJs to demonstrate their rhythm uniquely.
Needle Dropping: Precision with Vinyl
Needle dropping is another advanced technique that requires pinpoint accuracy. It involves a DJ dropping the needle onto a specific point on the vinyl to cue a desired segment without missing a beat. Not only does this allow DJs to jump to any part of a song, but it also lets them emphasize particular lyrics, hooks, or beats, thus creating a spontaneous and adaptable flow.
Additionally, needle dropping often combines with other techniques like scratching and beat juggling, enabling DJs to showcase their control and creativity. For DJs aiming to demonstrate vinyl mastery, needle-dropping is both impactful and highly functional.
Crab Scratch: Adding Speed and Complexity
Finally, the crab scratch is an advanced technique where a DJ rapidly cuts the sound by flicking each finger across the crossfader. This technique produces fast, complex staccato patterns that are both high-energy and engaging. Because it demands dexterity and control, only seasoned DJs often incorporate crab scratching to spice up their sets.
This technique can electrify a crowd, as the speed and intricacy of the crab scratch showcase the DJ’s agility and skill. In the right context, crab scratching can add an incredible dynamic quality, transforming the entire performance.
Conclusion
In sum, turntablism elevates DJing into a rhythmic and technical art, blending creativity and precision. Turntablism Technique like scratching, beat juggling, drumming, needle dropping, and crab scratching enable DJs to transform music in real-time. Though these techniques require dedication, they offer unlimited possibilities for creative expression.
At Audio Works Academy, we’re passionate about nurturing turntablism, offering DJs new ways to innovate and redefine their profession. By incorporating both long-standing skills and modern elements, today’s DJs are setting ever-higher standards and exciting audiences everywhere. If you’re looking for a professional DJ academy to guide you on a clear path to becoming a skilled DJ, Audio Works Academy is the perfect place to learn and grow.
