The Chirp: An Analysis
In contrast to the Baby Scratch, which relies mainly on the record hand, the Chirp requires both hands to move together in time with the rhythm and stay aligned with the beat.
To execute the technique, both hands must stay synchronized, so timing is crucial. The record movement and the fader must work together to create the sound we are looking for. The fader shapes the sound by cutting the attack and release, producing the Chirp’s short, distinct sound. For this reason, the Chirp should be part of a regular practice routine to improve timing, coordination, and control of the record and the fader. Because all techniques are connected, working on the Chirp helps build a strong foundation for techniques you will learn in the future.
Although the Chirp may look complex, the technique is simply the record and the fader moving together in time with the rhythm being scratched. It may seem like the chirping sound comes from speed, but it is actually created by shaping the sound’s envelope by cutting off the attack and release and is not necessarily determined by the speed of the record.
Below is the original transcript from the video.
Rhythm 1
What's up guys? We finally made it to the last video of this chirp series. Thanks a lot for coming this far. In this final lesson, we are going to incorporate all of the previously covered material. You’ll find the link to the sheet music and everything discussed in this video in the description below. Alright, let's get started with the first example. The tempo is at 85 beats per minute. Here we go!
Rhythm 2
Let’s take a look at the next example. With this rhythm, let’s make sure that we continue to count out loud. We are going to continue to work on building a solid foundation. We are going to play clean and even strokes, because we don’t want to sound sloppy. Alright, here we go!
Rhythm 3
Let's go ahead and get into our third rhythm. This time we are going to focus on playing a steady and even tempo. As usual, let’s work on getting an even and consistent sound. Play the rhythm as evenly as possible. Let’s count it off! Here we go!
Now it's time to move onto the fourth and final rhythm. Hopefully we’re not having problems getting our strokes to sound crisp and clear. To be on the safe side, let’s focus on our fader control. Let’s make sure that the fader is in time with our strokes. Be sure to say the count properly. We don’t want to come in too early or drag the fader as we execute our strokes. Here we go!
Thanks for watching! We really hope that you’ve enjoyed this series. For premium content, check out our website scratchingmadeeasy.com. With our premium videos, I will walk you through learning different scratch techniques, and more importantly, how to put them together. Our Made Easy Method takes all the mystery out of scratching, and with consistent practice, it will take your scratching to the next level. If you have any comments, please leave them in the comment section below! See you next series! Peace!
FAQs
1. What creates the Chirp’s short, distinct sound?
The Chirp’s short, distinct sound is created by the fader cutting the attack and release, rather than necessarily by the speed of the record.
Summary
As you improve, the movements no longer feel like separate actions. The motion becomes more controlled and consistent, allowing you to apply the technique with confidence. From here, you can begin working on new techniques that build on what you’ve learned while continuing to practice the Chirp as part of your routine. Because all techniques are connected, this ongoing practice helps strengthen both the skills you’ve already developed and the ones you will continue to build.
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. 9 → Pt. 1
Continue to: How I Learned Cross Fader & Record Control - The Stab Scratch (Part 1)
