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Forum: General Discussion

Topic: Does every Dj have to know how to scratch ?? - Page: 1

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Hi there

To be a dj , do you have to learn how to scratch ???
I've been djing for almost 4 years and i never learned to scratch. The thing is, scratching has never been my passion and i actually find myself more into mixing and making mashup than into scratching. so should i consider myself a Dj or !!! ???

thanks
 
Posted Thu 28 Apr 11 @ 2:15 am
Ive been djing bout 12 yrs and cant scratch...well not good anyway..lol...i consider myself a dj and play out alot...i can mix well..so yes your a dj.. I play pubs..clubs and mobile and have never really had the need to scratch..

Good luck
 
I would say it depends what you put in front of the name " DJ " if your a Hip Hop DJ I guess scratching is needed. If your a House DJ or Metal DJ scratching wont be an important part of your job. I started DJ'ing more then 25 years ago but haven't been a DJ the whole time and never felt the need to scratch but I'm as much a DJ as any other DJ that do scratch at every gig they play.
 
You don't need to know how to scratch to be a DJ, but it helps.
 
Plain and simple, NO!
 
You dont have to but after a while youll find yourself getting bored just mixing and thats when it'll happen, lol! You wont be good but youll try it and things will start to sound good. So I would say DONT be afriad to try........

Huey
 
Not at all. But I agree, you might want to after a while. Some of the newer controllers don't really have adequate crossfaders for scratching though, not like real analog mixers.
 
coach k wrote :
Plain and simple, NO!


^ + 1000
 
I do know how to scratch since I grew up listening to Jazzy Jeff, Mix Master Ice & the like, that is what made me want to dj. Seems like now, not many so called DJs do that anymore. Even me, I don't make much of an effort. Everyone seems to be club DJs nowadays, no real art in that.
 
The art is in programing. I know guys that can make excellent scratches, but can't put together a decent set. So no, you do not have to scratch. As a matter of fact, if you try to scratch in some places, they will show you the door. I know some DJs that can't even mix, yet they have a packed dance floor, and work every week.
 
A Man and His Music wrote :
The art is in programing. I know guys that can make excellent scratches, but can't put together a decent set. So no, you do not have to scratch. As a matter of fact, if you try to scratch in some places, they will show you the door. I know some DJs that can't even mix, yet they have a packed dance floor, and work every week.


So true! Simply, some DJ's who does know how to scratch or think they know how to scratch, basically scratch too damn much!!!
 
I learned to scratch 18 years ago and have only used the skill a handful of times in my career. It's nice to throw a baby scratch in every once in a while but the gigs I usually do don't warrant any hardcore scratching. I generally leave the serious scratching to the hip hop guys that are using vinyl.

Song selection and timing will always prevail over the mix or the scratch. Most people just want to hear their song!
 
Only if they have dry skin...try some lotion or moisturizing soap.....
 
lol @ TEARemUP and hells yea @ coach k


i also felt that way at some point but truth is specially the hip ho djs! for the most part scratch to much in clubs and honetly i could caresless if you are the nastiest scratch dj or not just don't ruin a song with over scratching it and for sure DO NOT!!!! scratch every song in makes me feel like thats all you know how to do. but also a scratch here and there is nice. 1000%% true is that song selection is more crucial. thats what makes a dj a dj! song selection!!!
 
....its helps...if u need to do a quick drop..basically a slip que... also depends on ya crowd..time and usage are important...dont do overkill it..but its really up to u..
 
I agree with you all… i have been DJing for two years now and i don't do any of the hip hop stuff, its never been my thing. I have a friend who is also a DJ and he does that hip hop scratch stuff.. it would be a neat technique to learn just to add a little kick to your music… all i do is maybe get a song by Dj hard well or a song by Knife party and i would just try stuff.. and what ever i like.. i will try and master that mix…. i just recently got my own Numark controller. through the past year i have been just using the VD program… but now i'm taking my skills to a new level ;)… but to follow all your comments.. no u don't need to know how to scratch..
 
Good to hear your taking things to next level!! In future though, find a more up-to-date thread or start your own rather than plucking one from the archives ;-)

Did your Numark Controller come with LE or do you have a copy of Virtual DJ to register to your account? It means you'll never be without the software as the your license is stores online and you can download the software again should something go wrong.

If you have Pro, then be sure to register as you'll then be able to get your hands on Version 8 when it is released.
 
I was just gonna say that "Dan" lol.....this thread its from the ice age..
 
I don't think so. I rarely if ever scratch at a gig. If I do it is Usually just as an effect or as a transition.

If you must scratch during your live gig.. Probably best to do it extremely rarely....

Is it a fun skill to have. Yes.

Is it something to play with while you are practicing? YES

Is it a practical skill for DJing at a club or pub or wedding: NO

Most of the controllers today on the market make scratching not very practical or even super smooth.. (my opinions Don't eat me up on that statement guys)

Do I scratch when I am messing around at home.. YES, It gives me something to do.
 
I scratch at all my gigs... just got to make sure the audience don't see me doing it, I'm already up on a public decency charge!

And I now remember to close the curtains when at home, or the motel.
 
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