Courses  Instructors  How It Works Plans & Pricing Blog Resources 
x

Log In

Log In 
Don't have an account? Sign Up

Reset Password

Submit 
An email has been sent with instructions on how to reset your password.

Sign Up For Free

Then join a course

Our store is currently undergoing maintenance. Check back in a few hours.
Already have an account? Log In

DJ Qbert's 7 Freestyle Tips for Vinyl Skratching

DJ Qbert Skratch Freestyle Tips

 

DJ Qbert is one of the best-known Skratch artists in the world, and he's just uploaded a new video for ArtistWorks Skratch students. (If you want to access this new lesson -- join the ArtistWorks Skratch school here).

In this brand new content, DJ Qbert talks about his top tips for freestyling.

 

Here is a sneak peek of some of DJ Qbert's top 7 tips for freestyling on vinyl:

 

1. Have Fun

 

DJ Qbert suggests just moving around, making noises and having fun with it! The purpose of making music is to enjoy it, if there is no fun -- what's the point? You want your energy to show through what you're creating, because that will help draw

 

2. Say It Before You Play It

 

Sound the noise out loud before you try to skratch it. Don't be afraid to sound silly, just act like a child and let go! By sounding it out ahead of time, you create an outline to follow and are able to transform your idea into sound.

 

3. Make Sound Go Up and Down

 

It's important to add dimension to your sound by going up and down. Qbert demonstrated this in the video, using volume and pitch to add layers to what he creates. By utilizing this approach, you can avoid sounding "flat".

 

4. Try to Rhyme

 

Everyone loves a good rhyme -- and you definitely do not need to use words to create a rhyme feel. Repeat sound at the end of phrases, and create continuity throughout your work.

 

5. Listen to Other Musicians

 

Get ideas for how they're playing the components -- the trumpet, guitar, etc. You don't have to only listen to DJ's, artists of all instruments are finding ways to make unique and unexpected sounds that could inspire you.

 

6. Listen to Yourself

 

Find out what you like about what you played, what you want to remove, and try to build some structure to your sound. You are your best critic and coach -- lend your ear to your work, and make it better!

 

7. Close Your Eyes

 

You can hear the subtleties of your sound more by not being distracted by what you're seeing. By closing your eyes, you can fully lean into the sounds and listen for each note.

 

Learn these tips and more in DJ Qberts online Skratch school at ArtistWorks. Explore what is included here.

 

Comments

X

Affordable Plans

Each subscription is for a single school. Pricing and features can vary slightly per school.

$35
1 Month membership
renews monthly
Unlimited Access to Lessons
Unlimited Video Exchanges
Exclusive Content
Forums
$35/month (prepaid)
$90
3 Month membership
renews every 3 months
Unlimited Access to Lessons
Unlimited Video Exchanges
Exclusive Content
Forums
$30/month (prepaid)
$240
12 Month membership
renews every 12 months
Unlimited Access to Lessons
Unlimited Video Exchanges
Exclusive Content
Forums
$20/month (prepaid)
X