How to Become a Scratch DJ
I’m Jerry Frempong, a UK-based DJ with over 25 years behind the decks, and I want to talk to you directly about how to become a scratch DJ the right way. Not the rushed way, not the shortcut way, but the way that builds real skill, confidence and long-term success. Scratching is one of the most respected and exciting DJ skills in the world. It’s where rhythm, timing, musical instinct and personality all meet. If you’ve ever watched a DJ control a crowd with nothing but vinyl, a mixer and raw hand control, you already know why learning to scratch is such a powerful step in your DJ journey.
When people search for how to become a scratch DJ, they’re usually looking for more than just techniques. They want identity. They want to stand out. They want to feel like a real DJ, not just someone pressing sync. Scratching gives you that. It connects you to hip hop culture, turntablism history and modern performance skills that still dominate clubs, festivals and radio today.
Becoming a scratch DJ starts with understanding what scratching actually is. Scratching is the rhythmic movement of a record or digital control vinyl back and forth under the needle, combined with precise fader control on a DJ mixer. It’s musical percussion created by hand. The scratch DJ is not just mixing tracks but playing the turntables like an instrument. That mindset is everything.
To learn how to scratch as a DJ, you must first develop solid DJ fundamentals. Beatmatching, timing, phrasing and music knowledge all support your scratch technique. Scratching without rhythm is just noise. Scratching with groove is art. This is why learning from an experienced DJ matters so much. I’ve played in clubs, on radio, at festivals and private events all over the world, and that real-world experience shapes how I teach scratching in a practical, musical way.
The equipment you choose plays a major role in your scratch DJ development. Vinyl turntables are still the gold standard for learning true scratch control. They teach touch, resistance and discipline. CDJs offer a modern digital workflow with high-resolution jog wheels that translate well into performance environments. DJ controllers are excellent for beginners because they’re accessible, portable and affordable, allowing you to practise scratching daily without barriers. The key is learning how scratching translates across all three setups so you can perform anywhere with confidence.
Many aspiring DJs ask whether they can become a scratch DJ without vinyl. The honest answer is yes, but learning vinyl gives you an edge that stays with you forever. Digital vinyl systems combine the best of both worlds, letting you scratch with real records while using digital music libraries. This is now standard in clubs and festivals worldwide, and mastering it opens doors professionally.
Practice is where scratch DJs are made. Consistency beats talent every time. Short daily practice sessions focusing on basic scratches like the baby scratch, forward scratch and transformer scratch build muscle memory fast. Over time, these movements become instinctive. You stop thinking and start feeling. That’s when scratching becomes expressive and personal.
Choosing the right music to practise scratching is just as important as technique. Classic hip hop and funk tracks from the golden era are perfect because they offer clean drum breaks, steady tempos and space to cut. Here are ten of the most popular tracks from that era that DJs around the world still practise with today: **The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, **It Takes Two by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock **Paid in Full by Eric B. & Rakim, **Peter Piper by Run-D.M.C., **Eric B. Is President by Eric B. & Rakim, **Planet Rock by Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force, **Rock It by Herbie Hancock, **Jam On It by Newcleus, **Apache by Incredible Bongo Band, and **The Breaks by Kurtis Blow. These tracks train your ear, timing and scratch phrasing better than anything else.
Learning how to become a scratch DJ also means understanding crowd control. Scratching is not about showing off constantly. It’s about knowing when to cut and when to let the music breathe. Years of playing clubs, festivals and radio have taught me that the best scratch DJs know restraint as well as skill. That’s something you only learn from experience and proper guidance.
A structured beginners DJ course accelerates your progress massively. Learning on a controller builds confidence with modern DJ software, cue points and scratch pads. Training on CDJs prepares you for professional club environments where timing and accuracy matter under pressure. Vinyl training sharpens your technique and deepens your musical connection. When these three skills come together, you become a complete DJ, not limited by equipment or venue.
Learning with an experienced DJ who has over 25 years in the industry gives you more than just technical lessons. You gain insight into music selection, crowd psychology, career longevity and avoiding common mistakes that hold DJs back. Having played internationally, released music, appeared on radio and performed across clubs, festivals and private events, I bring real-world knowledge that can’t be found in tutorials or quick online videos. That depth of experience saves you years of trial and error.
There is something incredibly powerful about investing in yourself as a DJ. When you commit to learning properly, your confidence grows, your creativity opens up and opportunities start appearing. Doors open for DJs who take their craft seriously. Scratching becomes your signature. Your sound becomes recognisable. Your presence behind the decks commands respect.
If you’re serious about becoming a scratch DJ, now is the time to take that step. The skills you build today will stay with you for life. Whether your goal is clubs, radio, festivals or private events, strong scratch foundations elevate everything you do as a DJ.
If you’re ready to start your journey and want to learn the right way with guidance from an experienced DJ who genuinely cares about your growth, make an enquiry using the form below and let’s get you started.