Turntablism facts for kids

Turntablism is a cool art form where DJs use special record players called turntables and a DJ mixer to create new sounds and music. It's like playing an instrument, but instead of a guitar or piano, the DJ uses records and their equipment to make unique beats and melodies.

What is Turntablism?

Turntablism is all about being creative with turntables. A DJ, also called a turntablist, doesn't just play songs. They use techniques like scratching, beat juggling, and mixing to change sounds. They can even make new sounds from old records. It's a bit like a musician composing a song, but with records as their tools.

The Turntable as an Instrument

For a turntablist, the turntable isn't just a playback device. It's an instrument. They manipulate the record with their hands, moving it back and forth. They also use the mixer's controls, especially the crossfader, to quickly switch between sounds. This allows them to create rhythms, melodies, and sound effects.

History of Turntablism

Turntablism grew out of hip hop music in the 1970s. DJs in New York City started experimenting with records. They found ways to extend drum breaks and create new sounds.

Early Innovators

• DJ Kool Herc is often called the "father of hip hop." He started playing two copies of the same record. He would switch between them to extend the instrumental "break" sections. This made people want to dance more.
• Grandmaster Flash developed many important techniques. He perfected "backspinning" to quickly repeat a sound. He also created "punch phrasing" and "scratching."
• Grand Wizzard Theodore is credited with inventing the "scratch" sound by accident. He was moving a record back and forth and liked the sound it made.

Turntablism Grows

By the 1980s, scratching became a key part of hip hop. DJs like Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC brought turntablism to a wider audience. In the 1990s, the art form became even more complex. DJs started having competitions to show off their skills.

How Turntablists Make Music

Turntablists use several key techniques to create their music. These skills take a lot of practice to master.

Scratching

Scratching is the most famous turntablist technique. It involves moving a record back and forth under the needle. At the same time, the DJ quickly opens and closes the crossfader on the mixer. This creates rhythmic, percussive sounds. There are many different types of scratches, each with its own unique sound.

Beat Juggling

Beat juggling is when a DJ uses two turntables to rearrange a beat. They might take drum sounds from one record and combine them with sounds from another. They can create entirely new rhythms by quickly switching between the two turntables. It's like a drummer playing different parts of a drum kit at once.

Mixing and Blending

While not unique to turntablism, mixing is a core DJ skill. Turntablists blend different songs or sounds together smoothly. They adjust the speed (BPM) of the records to match them up. This creates a continuous flow of music.

Equipment for Turntablism

To be a turntablist, you need specific equipment.

Turntables

Turntablists use special direct-drive turntables. These turntables have powerful motors that allow the DJ to stop, start, and spin the record without slowing down the motor. The most famous model is the Technics SL-1200.

DJ Mixer

A DJ mixer is essential. It has a "crossfader" which is a sliding control. This crossfader allows the DJ to quickly switch the sound between the two turntables. Mixers also have controls for volume and sound effects.

Records

Turntablists use vinyl records. Sometimes they use regular music records. Other times, they use special "scratch records" that have specific sounds or tones designed for scratching. Some DJs also use "timecode vinyl," which controls digital music files through the turntables.

Famous Turntablists

Many DJs have become famous for their turntablism skills.

• DJ Q-bert is known for his incredibly complex and fast scratching techniques. He has won many competitions.
• DJ Jazzy Jeff is famous for his smooth mixing and creative routines. He also worked with the rapper Will Smith.
• Mix Master Mike is another highly skilled turntablist, known for his innovative sounds. He is a member of the group Beastie Boys.

These artists have pushed the boundaries of what's possible with turntables. They continue to inspire new generations of DJs.

Images for kids

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  DJ Q-bert manipulating a record turntable at a turntablism competition in France in 2006.

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  DJ Jazzy Jeff, who is also a record producer, manipulating a record turntable in England in 2005.

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  DJ Aron Scott DJing a set for a French radio station. He is using digital CDJ decks instead of phonograph turntables.

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  N.A.S.A. (DJ Zegon & Squeak E. Clean). The DJ on the left can be seen cuing up a part of a record by listening to the cue channel on one of his headphones.

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  Marlon Williams aka DJ Marley Marl.

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  This photo of DJ Q-Bert shows the standard turntablist technique of manipulating the record with one hand while the other hand adjusts the controls on the DJ mixer.

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  A female DJ mixing two record players at a live event.

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  A DJ vinyl turntable system, consisting of two turntables and a crossfader-equipped DJ mixer.

See also

In Spanish: Turntablism para niños