The Chirp: A Turning Point for Growth
For many DJs, the Chirp represents a significant hurdle because it is typically the first scratch to require constant coordination between the record hand and the fader hand. That level of coordination can feel overwhelming at first, which is why many DJs shy away from it or give up far too early. Being committed to taking on this challenge can take your DJing to a new level.
The results you will see are not just confined to the Chirp; it acts as a catalyst for your overall skill set. By forcing you to bridge the gap between your hands, that control carries into everything else you do behind the decks. Your fader hand becomes more consistent and accurate, and your record hand’s strokes become more consistent, which means you have more control and better timing.
This is the point where you can either be satisfied with your growth or push even harder and continue to develop your weak hand. Yes, your weak hand. The goal should be to develop the Chirp to the point where you can perform the technique with both hands, which enables you to start building overall control and musicality so you can express yourself freely behind the decks.
The Chirp isn’t just another technique; it’s a definitive turning point in your development. The precision and dexterity required to develop the Chirp with one hand is significant work, but being able to do it with both is a total commitment. That commitment has a payoff. You are no longer confined to working around your weaknesses; you are opened up to true freedom behind the decks. That is the power of ambidexterity, and it carries over to almost everything you do as a DJ.
Below is the original transcript from the video.
Rhythm 1
What's up everybody? In our previous video on the chirp, we focused on eighth notes, quarter notes, and eighth rests. In this lesson, we will play quarter note and sixteenth note rhythms. If at any time you are confused, remember to check back to previous videos. Alright, let’s take a look at rhythm number one. The tempo is at 88 beats per minute. Here we go!
Rhythm 2
In the next example, let’s focus on counting the sixteenth notes properly. We learned in the Baby Scratch series that Sixteenth notes are counted one E and A two E and A three E and A four e and A. Before you practice the examples, practice saying one E and A two E and A three E and A four e and A... a few times in a row. Once you are comfortable counting these out loud, move on to the second example.
Rhythm 3
Being able to count sixteenth note rhythms is the beginning of understanding more difficult rhythms. Understanding more difficult rhythms will give you the ability to learn how to scratch new rhythms, which is one of the first steps in developing your own sound. Let’s move on to number three.
Rhythm 3
Let's play that one more time. This time, I want you to focus on accuracy. I want you to try to get a feel for the rhythm as you count out loud. As you practice and learn more rhythms, you should start to recognize their sound and feel. Focusing on the sound and feel of sixteenth note rhythms may help unlock some of your creativity. Being creative is another key to developing your own sound. Let's move onto the next rhythm.
Rhythm 4
We here at Scratching Made Easy believe that the ability to read music and understand the fundamentals of rhythm can help us be more creative with our scratching. If we can read and understand rhythms, it may make it easier to identify the rhythms that we like. Once we identify the sound that we like, we can use theory to learn how to play it. Ok, let’s move on to number four.
With time and practice, all of what we discussed in this video will help you develop your own style, based on the sound and feel that you like. Understanding the basics will open up a world of creativity to you. It did it for me, and I’m sure it will for you, too! If you liked the video, be sure to share it with anyone who will find the information helpful. Thanks for watching! See you next time. Peace!
FAQs
1. Why is coordination important for the Chirp?
Coordination is important for the Chirp because it is typically the first scratch to require constant coordination between the record hand and the fader hand.
2. How does developing the Chirp affect your overall skill set?
Developing the Chirp affects your overall skill set by carrying the control developed between your hands into everything else you do behind the decks.
3. Why is ambidexterity important when developing the Chirp?
Ambidexterity is important when developing the Chirp because being able to perform the technique with both hands means you are no longer confined to working around your weaknesses and are opened up to true freedom behind the decks.
Summary
The Chirp requires constant coordination between the record hand and the fader hand, and developing that coordination with both hands builds ambidexterity. Being able to perform the technique with either hand means you are no longer limited by your weaker hand, giving you greater freedom behind the decks.
About the Authors
Jason E. Bullock and M. Dwayne Bullock (DjRoninTokyo) are the creators of Scratching Made Easy and the authors of Scratching Made Easy Turntable Method Book 1: A Guide to Scratching. They created a scratch notation system that uses standard musical notation to apply fundamental music concepts to scratching.
Pt. 5 → Pt. 6
Continue to: How I Learned to Scratch With the Cross Fader - The Chirp (Part 6)
