Scratch drumming is when a DJ scratches 2 or more sounds in a rhythm similar to a drum pattern. There are no preset patterns with this scratch, it is more like actually playing the drums. Find a bass kick and snare hit that are close together (1/8 and 1/16 notes work best) and make a drum pattern out of the two sounds. This usually starts with a simple rhythm only using forward scratches and the speed of the record. Scratch drumming can evolve to any pattern you can think of.

Here we are, the end of our Itching to Scratch series! I hope everyone has been able to learn and apply new cuts to their arsenal of tricks! As a way to commemorate the occasion, instructor DJ Kanganade runs run through every scratch that was covered throughout the year, back to back to back. While this isn’t something normally done while performing, it is a great way to remind yourself of all the scratches you’ve practiced. Give it a try yourself and good luck!