Scratching

So you know that disc shaped thing that is next to the keys? What is that? Its the most fucking pain in the ass part of this game.

What makes scratching hard?

So think of a easy song with just like a easy run of notes. Now try think of it with like multiple 16th scratches, its now really fucking hard.

Scratching is hard because of the fact that it forces you to put yourself out of position and also limits the amount of fingers you can use on your scratch hand. Not to mention it also makes hard to time shit because you not only have to focus on the notes, but now you have to focus on the scratch when its scratch heavy, two things are harder to focus on then one. Not to mention its a lot harder when the notes are random.

What can you do to make scratching easier?

These are all shit that i do for pretty much every scratch song like Beachside Bunny and shit. I probably could not do any of these songs without thinking about these.

Memorize the scratch patterns / Where the scratches are

This especially helps when there are notes involved. When you memorize where the scratches are and what the scratch patterns are then this allows you to focus on the notes more.

Knowing where the scratches are will also allow you to react faster into getting in a better position for the notes.

The scratch is the only key that will never change unless you use Random+ or All Scratch so it makes sense to memorize it.

Feeling the scratches

This mostly applies to heavy scratch songs like any DJ MASS song. The easiest way to get used to a heavy scratch song is to just to memorize the feel of the stream of scratches. Its pretty hard to actually treat a stream of scratches as all separate notes especially when its faster then 150 bpm or when they are 24ths.

This one is a little tricky because depending on what machine you are playing on and what kind of controller your on as well because not every scratch is the same.

If its a loose scratch then you probably have to keep in mind that if you scratch too hard and you have to scratch on the way back, you will probably get a misfire or hit it bad which can lead to shit like a bad run.

Tight scratches will probably require you to put more force into the scratch. My personal preference is a tight scratch since i usually find myself a little more accurate with it.

Think about the amount of fingers to use / Hand placement and fingers to use

You don't always have to pinky scratch. Try pinky scratch on BSB (Beach Side Bunny) another, you probably wont be able to hit it well and you will get a mean blister. If its more scratch heavy then consider using more fingers so you have more hand strength to work with which will help with doing constant streams. I use my middle, ring and pink together on songs like Black, Red, and BSB etc.

As for your fingers and hand placement, You will only probably will have your pointer and thumbs to work with on your scratch hands. For your non scratch hand you will probably have to cover 6 keys or even play one hand. Use your instincts to determine when to change your placement, some times its not always necessary depending on when the notes are placed on random.

Conclusion

Scratching can make everything a lot more complicated. Not to mention that scratch songs are pretty much a whole different game. Just remember that when there is scratching involved you will probably have to change your play style. Don't just revolve your play style on hitting keys only.