A crab is a type of scratch used by turntablists, combining hand movements on a turntable with rapid manipulation of the crossfader.
[1] The crab scratch was invented by DJ Qbert in Japan, later refined in San Francisco and showcased during the "Famous Warehouse Session" at the DMC USA finals in 1995.
[2] The name "crab" originated from a humorous mispronunciation of "crepes" during Qbert's visit to Beirut, which he and Mixmaster Mike found amusing and adopted for the scratch.
[4] [1] Practicing the crab scratch involves precise timing and control, typically visualized as 16th notes to aid rhythm and coordination.
This scratch is known for its complexity and requires significant practice to master, especially to produce clean, distinct sounds.