In this lesson, we introduce mezzo forte and work on adding accents to quarter notes in a rhythm that combines quarter notes and eighth notes. The focus of this lesson is on playing accents consistently while developing control over dynamics.
Below is the original transcript from the video.
Hey, what's up? This is Ronin from Scratching Made Easy. The rhythm we'll be working on in this video comes from a playing exercise from our book Scratch Made Easy Turntable Method. Because the rhythm comes from a playing exercise, that means we're going to continue working and building on the same fundamentals as the previous videos in this series.
However, you should know that we have introduced the dynamic marking for mezzo forte. Mezzo forte means moderately loud. When scratching, this means the attack is louder than piano, but not as loud as forte.
You should also know this is primarily a quarter note and eighth note rhythm, but we are adding accents.
Alright, here we go.
Example 1
As stated earlier, we're working on the same fundamentals. The only difference was that we added accents to a few quarter notes in the last three measures.
You should know that the goal is not to overdo the accents. We just want to play them with more emphasis than the surrounding notes, and we also want the accents to sound consistent. Try to get them to sound the same. Let's keep things moving.
Alright? Here we go.
Example 2
We want the accents to sound consistent because if we can learn to produce the same sound consistently, we can eventually control how we play accents anytime we want. Developing that kind of control is essentially just a matter of time and practice.
But here's the catch: you need to practice this with both hands. This will help you develop control and strengthen the ability to scratch with your weak hand. I can't overstate how convenient it is to be able to scratch with both hands, but it's not only a matter of convenience.
When you have control over dynamics, it gives you the ability to further develop your own sound. And being able to scratch and control dynamics with both hands gives you freedom behind the decks. I hope this information helps. Hit the like button. Peace.
FAQs
1. What does mezzo forte mean in musical notation?
Mezzo forte is a dynamic marking that means moderately loud.
2. How should accents be played when scratching?
Accents should be played with more emphasis than the surrounding notes, while keeping their sound consistent.
3. Why is practicing accents consistently important?
Practicing accents consistently is important because learning to produce the same sound repeatedly helps develop control over how accents are played.
4. Why is it important to practice dynamics with both hands?
Practicing dynamics with both hands is important because it helps develop control and strengthens the ability to scratch with the weaker hand.
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.
