Well put simply it's manipulating the record in such a way to get a sound from it. Added to this is the use of the cross-fader, up-faders, transform switch, eq, etc. etc. (USE YOUR BRAIN ESE!). The majority of things stem from use with the cross-fader and up-fader (and of course the record).
Before i keep talkin shit, i'd like to just make it clear that there aren't any set rules to skratching. Sure there are set skratches and techniques out there, but because it's an artistic skill, you shouldn't get bogged down in aspects of technique. Tutorials and stuff are fine, and hopefully the common techniques I outline will get you on your way if you've never really got into it before. But you should experiment and expand on ideas you have. It's like if you were reading a tutorial on painting, you'd probably think "F*** Off!!" if it told you exactly how to hold your paintbrush, and exactly how to do particular brushstrokes. Again there are basic fundamentals, but it's upto you how you use them and develop them. The best skratch artists are the ones who don't stick hard and fast to rules, and are prepared to try different stuff. There's a time and place for those who want to see who can do the cleanest, fastest, chirp or orbit. But don't let that be your only goal. So i WILL say specific things, but don't take them straight to heart. Think about what you're doing and what you're trying to achieve. LISTEN TO MADDOG ALE SON!
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