How I Learned to Scratch on Beat - The Baby Scratch (Part 6)

Baby Scratch performed on a turntable and mixer beneath mixed rhythmic notation, with an arrow connecting the written rhythm to the DJ setup

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Rhythm 1

What’s up? In the last video we learned how play sixteenth notes and quarter notes. In this video we are going to add quarter rests to sixteenth note and quarter note rhythms. You’ll find the link to the sheet music and everything discussed in this video in the description below. The tempo is at 85 beats per minute. Let’s count it off. Alright, here we go!

 

Scratch notation system using standard musical notation for two measures in 4/4 time for Baby Scratch Rhythm 1, using quarter notes, sixteenth notes, and quarter rests

 

Rhythm 2

Always remember that we want to be accurate with our counting. Accuracy is extremely important in music. If this is too fast, slow down the tempo. You also might want to consider using a metronome when you practice. A metronome will help you learn how to stay on beat.

Let's go ahead and move on to another example. Here we go!

 

Scratch notation system using standard musical notation for four measures in 4/4 time for Baby Scratch Rhythm 2, using quarter notes, sixteenth notes, and quarter rests

 

Rhythm 3

Having good timing is extremely important, and for some of us, it doesn’t come naturally. Some of us tend to rush rests, and others come in late. Often times, it’s a combination of both. It could be because we are either unsure, or we are overcompensating. When I work on new rhythms, I like to use a metronome, because it helps me focus on the rhythm. Once I get the rhythm, I play it over music. Let’s move on to the third rhythm. Here we go!

 

Scratch notation system using standard musical notation for four measures in 4/4 time for Baby Scratch Rhythm 3, using quarter notes, sixteenth notes, and quarter rests

 

Rhythm 4

Hopefully you’re starting to get the hang of it. Trying to play sixteenth notes evenly, without rushing the rests, can be a challenge. A metronome will give you a solid sense of time, and it can help you identify any issues you may be having with timing. Let’s keep it moving and take a look at number four. Here we go!

 

Scratch notation system using standard musical notation for eight measures in 4/4 time for Baby Scratch Rhythm 4, using quarter notes, sixteenth notes, and quarter rests

 

In this lesson we covered a few different rhythms, and I talked about using metronomes. Using a metronome is a matter of preference. Everyone has their own preference, and whether you use one or not is completely up to you. I hope that you got a lot out of this lesson. As always, make sure to incorporate these rhythms into your daily practice routine.  For premium content, check out our website scratchingmadeeasy.com. Our structured learning method takes all the mystery out of scratching, and with time and practice, it will give you the freedom to be creative. Thanks for watching. See you soon! Peace!

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Baby Scratch performed on a turntable and mixer beneath quarter-note and sixteenth-note notation, with an arrow connecting the written rhythm to the DJ setup
Baby Scratch performed on a turntable and mixer beneath quarter-note, eighth-note, and sixteenth-note notation, with an arrow connecting the written rhythm to the DJ setup