scratching

music

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Scratching, in the context of music, refers to a DJ technique where a record is manually moved back and forth under a stylus to produce a rhythmic, percussive sound. This technique is a fundamental element of hip-hop music and turntablism. DJs use scratching to create beats, add texture, and manipulate sound in real-time during performances or recordings. The sound is produced by the friction between the stylus and the record surface, creating a distinctive rhythmic noise. This technique can also be used to create a "scratchy" or rough sound quality in audio.12

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Sugar Hill Records
“Rapper’s Delight”
…showcased the new sound of scratching (created by manually moving a record back and forth under the record player’s needle); and “The Message” (1982) by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, a heartfelt account of life in the ghetto, showed the potential of hip-hop for conveying social comment.
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…showcased the new sound of scratching (created by manually moving a record back and forth under the record player’s needle); and “The Message” (1982) by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, a heartfelt account of life in the ghetto, showed the potential of hip-hop for conveying social comment.
Read More