IIDX DARQs: lets talk about hand techniques. A playstyle overview

As per request, a followup video on all things hand techniques! in this video I cover:
Opposing hands
Scratch+ hitting techniques
Left hand forms
Where to go from there
here are some video links to techniques i talk about in this video:
1048 style 0:52
BEATMANIA IIDX - V2
As you can see player 1048 didn't use 1048 style all the time. Good players switchc play styles freely. However, to the beginner (before 7-dan), playing static would help you to improve faster.
DOLCE style 2P right hand: 1-middle 2-index 3-thumb
Beatmania 2DX 16th EMPRESS - AA(A) Player : DOLCE
Although DOLCE play freely, sometimes he use his static style 10 years ago.
Waist scratching style - for high rank BMS player
【BMS】 DISCHARGE RUSH S EX　HARDCLEAR 手元付 【Overjoy隔離枠☆☆4】
As you see, the density of note is so high so that you can't switch your play style freely. However, I also not recommend waist style because: 1. It is not easy to do in AC, but easier in KOC. 2. It is not necessary to do that in AC. Note density is not that high in AC. 3. Hand scratching looks cool
Using left hand to hit 6 key for 2P 43:20
• MADOKA CUP ~ B 6-7 alternate + scratch makes DOLCE to do so
If you want me to cover anything else please message in the comments below

[@lokovodo]

It all started here. Thanks forever dude.

[@LyricalFatechan]

DARQs, thank you so much for this video. Your advice of learning how to put my pinky on 7 really helped my performance!

[@njester147]

Incredibly helpful video here! I started playing freeform, then switched to 1048 sometime later. When I saw this video it inspired me about the other techniques like the takas one. I'm still 2dan, and still trying to be a good player.

[@vonTwirlenkiller]

When my iidx senpai linked me your channel back in April, I was still only doing 4's, so I didn't really understand this video at the time. I'm doing 7's/easy 8's now and this information is relevant and helpful, especially the part about ring finger on 7 struggles (I'm p2). Thanks for all your hard work and support for all level players in the community C:

[@darqs]

Hey there! I'm glad that this video was useful for you to watch. Thank you for your comment! It's always great to hear feedback from people who have watched my videos :). As I stated in the title is is advanced techniques so it really is aiming for your audience, i.e.,m players who are at the 7 to 8s level who need to start developing a more solid play style. Let me know how things are going and how your technique is progressing!

[@dallak93]

I find this really useful. I've grown up using 'The Claw', and can pass 8s and 9s with no problems, but when transitioning to 10s, I'd pass most songs out of pure luck. Now Imma work on that. Thanks a lot!

[@qu_ark]

I never put any thought into using pinky on 7 but I'll give it a try! I've been struggling with right hand stuff so maybe it'll help. Very helpful video, thanks!

[@JackTheDeergal]

I guess i have to re-learn playing IIDX, with my odd play-style (on some keys i would use the "heel" of fingers) and i hit the barrier of 8's and 9's, this is going to take a while, and thank you so much for this video! Have a great day!

[@islandwalk.]

this was really helpful and exactly what i was looking for. thanks again darqs

[@darqs]

no problem! I'll cover scratching in the next tutorial if I get enough feedback about this

[@Gaming_Groove]

I'm nowhere near your level (I'm clearing 10s and have some AAAs on 8s and 9s), but I've always played with the symmetrical style you were showing near the end. I've played since 2005 but haven't had the time to dedicate to leveling up. Thanks for sharing your techniques, I'm sure they'll help people that interested in improving =).

[@jaredjacinto420]

Nice! a "new" lincle cab is currently of yifan's (I'm at Auckland) and this will help me with playing with the original format (been playing too much lr2 + keyboard) once it's finally switched on.

[@user-hh6bu6qw9i]

Thank you. After playing 1 year with the keyboard, it was really hard to get out of the "claw" technique (I was using DFG XCVB :p ). Currently getting used to your playstyle, oh god, it's soooo useful for the scratches. :D

[@kmidst_vg2996]

hey I found this video in 2023 and it's a revelation for me, thanks. No more claw method for me!

[@chenmichael124]

good work buddy! lol I play with 1048 style most of time but I don't like wrist scratching either now you've got me a good point

[@darqs]

I think wrist scratching is becoming more and more popular but It isn't nearly as accurate as playing with your fingers resting directly on the turntable (also you have less risk of wrist damage)

[@ValkyrieKeine]

hahaha your fourth tip was how I was able to play with such a nonsensical playstyle! great guide : )

[@darqs]

In all honesty you can't really really develop the fourth technique without a solid foundation. However I'm glad you enjoyed the guide :)

[@michael05242002]

Very nice video, almost all playstyles are shown here. Very complete and is a good reference. Moreover, I am something to point out: 1. For the first half of your video, I would call it basic techniques. For the waist scatching and JDR-like free form style, they are very hard one. 2. How to do free form style? Actually you did some. Switching thumbs to hit 1, 3, 5 is a sort of free form style. You are able to use your index and middle finger to hit white keys other than black keys too. The point is you have to try to do it frequently so that you brain is so familiar that you need to to think which finger you need hit, and JDR is very awesome. 3. I recommend you to try to use right index key to hit '2' key. When there is many scratching, hit 1 with your left hand and others with right hand. It would be very useful for you. And it is a kind of free form style too.

[@darqs]

Thanks for your feedback Michael! 1. Yeah i'd say basic technique a better way of defining it. I was just looking for a name and figured CLASSIC sounded better hahah 2. Yes i kind of skipped over the explanation of free form. I hit 1, 2 and 3 with ant combination of index, thumb and middle swapping between 1048 style, TAKA.S style and TOTOROs standard style. I'm just trying to make my playstyle as flexible as possible now and it seems to work quite well 3. Another very good player (DJ REA as I mentioned in my previous video) also commented on this saying that using your right index for key 2 really helps out during scratch heavy songs. That is still something i'm practicing and developing right now

[@milaserty]

awesome video =), just received my fp7 today, it's very hard ! I'm used to jkoc, I play 12s using only my right thumb, cause I can scratch with index middle ring on 1 2 3.... and now I'm pretty much doomed haha

[@TakehikoMiike]

good vid I never tried to use thumbs like that

[@SumeaBizarro]

Thanks to playing up to 9's with keyboard default LR style, I came to default "Three+Three+Pinky" style where I scratch with pinky and rest is for six fingers only, I can try to force myself to corprate thumbs to the play but it gets awkward, start to miss notes and then I am back to how I am most comfortable playing. Doing shitey scores in 11's thanks to it and I really need actually good playstyle to get into 12's

[@rockyarchives8861]

I transitioned from ring on 7 to pinky on 7 and my stamina and score got better faster than I used to FOR TWO YEARS!

[@ABlackGuyTalksAbout]

Just started playing IIDX today (previously a DJ Max Portable and SM player) and I've got to say your videos definitely helped me get into the right mindset to play this game. It's a bit frustrating being stuck playing 4s since I'm so used to playing much faster tracks in other games, but I know it'll be worth it when I finally get accustomed to the layout. Thanks for putting these and other videos out. They're really encouraging (especially your "My Story" video). One question: what CS do you consider the best? I'm currently playing DJ Troopers, but I see IIDXRED mentioned a lot and it seems like songs were removed or replaced with subsequent releases.

[@darqs]

Hey man! Thanks for watching the video!. Great to hear that the content i've been putting out is helping you to get into the game. Trust me, I know it's hard to get used to at first but it is definitely worth the time once you start seeing your progress into the higher difficulties. Keep it up! For CS styles I was hands down recommend empress CS as across both discs it has more variety than any other IIDX style. RED is a great style with a lot of unique songs (and some of the best eurobeat in the game) but the charts havent aged too well hahaha. IF you were gonna get anything go with empress :)

[@ABlackGuyTalksAbout]

DARQs Alright, dope! Empress it is. Thanks~

[@HouseJunk1e]

I think the smartest way is to adapt to the patterns and go in and out of styles depending on the sections of a tune.

[@ShadowStar889]

Thanks to your tips, I'm clearing 8s now XD. Progression has been slow for me, as this is my first Bemani game. It's kind of frustrating that this is as far as I've gotten in 5-6 weeks. hopefully I can counter that with enough practice though. I got a USKOC, and although I cant scratch for crap, at least it can play chords and there's less lag. So things are looking up :)

[@darqs]

Glad that I can be of help. Just a note that the KOC scratch is a shorter distance than AC scratch so in future you might want to consider buying an ASC just so that you can get used to the dimensions.

[@Electr0Jesus]

Hey DARQs, I've been playing IIDX for maybe three or four years. I never noticed up until the past year or so that everybody seems to have a set hand position. I just picked up IIDX by myself and got to where I was today. I can play a lot of 10s, maybe 2 or 3 11s in total, but I feel I've been at a bit of a plateau. My hands just kinda do whatever, I think I perform pretty consistently but I don't think I've been getting any better. I watched this video a while ago and tried to adapt a playstyle from here, but I just couldn't do it. I had to dial back to 6s, and 7s, and could barely play those. Since then, I've gone back to my "messy style". I stream sometimes, and better IIDX players than me have told me I'm decent and that hand position doesn't matter as long as I'm comfortable. The two consistent elements of my style are: 1. that I'm always very reliant on my right hand, to the point where I can do 5s and some 6s one handed with no experience. And 2. That I don't use my thumbs. My thumbs will hit a key maybe once every two hour session. I started playing one handed to train my right hand to pick up the slack on harder songs but it didn't help very much when I went back to two hands. Do I need to change something with my hand position, or just keep working at understanding harder patterns? Sometimes I have trouble FC'ing songs just because I whiff dumb, easy notes. I don't know if this is a problem that other players have or if it's a result of my unrefined playstyle. Thanks in advance if you read this whole thing, and thanks for the video!

[@BaddyDan89]

This is a great video. For the past 2 years, I've pretty much had a static play style similar to DJ Nadi (spelling?), with ring finger on keys 1 and 7. It's been good, got me some solid scores, but I've pretty much capped at 10's and 11's. My biggest issue is speed and stamina; My fingers just can't move fast enough to keep up with some of the more dense patterns. When I force it, my forearms feel like they're burning and my fingers just stop moving altogether. Would you have any sort of solution for this? Thanks in advance~

[@darqs]

If you find your hands aren't moving fast enough i'd recommend adding in pinky on 7 just to stabilize and make your technique more static. Additionally work on your finger strength. Try and hit harder overall in order to get a better sense of how the song times and you'll find you'll be able to muscle your way through those denser patterns. All in all just keep playing and trying to keep time with your taps.

[@CarmenOfSpades]

I'm very glad that I found this! These past few days (like, less than a week ago), I've been trying very, very hard to change the playstyle I started with. When I started a year ago, I ended up adapting a very (I think, now) handstyle with my left thumb on 1, middle on 2 and all the other keys with my right hand. My right hand is now pretty OK but as a result my left hand is pretty underdeveloped. And now that I've hit high level 7s and entry level 8s, I'm noticing how important it is to have some symmetry with my left hand being able to hit 3 and 4. So I've been racking my brain these past few days how to go about it. OK, so here are my questions! (btw, I play arcade and on ASC... a DJ Ning, while standing up, not sitting down like some players on YT seem to). 1. The first style I actually tried was 1048 style (its very common in China, where I started), but the one thing that really turned me off it is I didn't nearly have as much freedom with my left thumb. It felt very annoying to hit the 1 key when my index was extended to 3 (since I wasn't having nearly as much freedom of movement). I found myself having to tilt my body in on the left side to be able to make it (slightly) more comfortable. Since you are someone who didn't start with 1048, did you notice similar problems with your transition from your original style? Do you have any advice? My hands are at least big enough to hit scratch+1/2 2. Any good tips to hit the 4 key with the left hand when doing 1048? Thats another reason why I shyed away from it. 3. The other 'style' I tried adapting was the one 北斗 seem to use in his vids (have you seen them?) I hesitate to say style, because people on the BBSs say that he's very free form, but what he seems to do is left middle on 1, left middle and/or index on 2, left index (or left or right thumb if needed on 3). The style seems to lend itself to having to move a lot, for example when a scratch+1/2 is coming. However, thats not what got to me, what I found *incredibly* tough to deal with is 1+3 using left index and ring. Do you have any opinions on his style? 4. The one I'm settling in on right now is what you say you're trying to move away from (the 'prong' style). It seems the most natural method for my left hand so far. It seems nice because of the freedom of being able to hit left index with 4 and even being able to move my left thumb to 3. How far do you think this style took you (like up to 11s, 12s?) One thing I'm noticing is that for 1+2 or 1~2 rolls is using left thumb on 1 and left middle on 2. Its annoying to have to do quickly but it seems easier than doing left ring and left middle. How did you deal with that? 5. I only really have one question regarding my right hand position. How important do you think it is to have right thumb on 5? I've been trying to use it more but its something I just push myself to do for the sake of doing it (sometimes it does seem more natural). Currently I have my right index covering 4 and 5 (with my left index available to use on 4) and I only really go for my right thumb on 5 when I'm doing scales (as I mentioned, since my previous style was so right hand dependent, my right thumb is used to covering 3, which I find, as you mention, is great whenever your left hand has to move out of the way). 6. Great point on using the little fingers, I really want to try them as it seems my hands are similar to yours in structure. Left little finger on 1... I never thought about that. 7. I've also noticed the importance of being able to shift positions depending on song, even though I am only doing hypers for the most part. Do you find yourself having to come up with a lot of different positions for songs at higher levels? Or do you have a couple of set positions that you can switch between. Anyway, that's all I can think of. Sorry for how long this post is but I'm really trying to improve since I have a month off to not worry about work and I really want to get up to the next skill level since it seems I hit a pretty big wall and have some bad habits (esp. with regards to my left hand). And there isn't a lot of advice on the Internet (I read Rea's blog way back when I started, great stuff) other than practicing a lot (which I am doing of course!)

[@CarmenOfSpades]

Sorry, what I meant is hard about 北斗's style is that he does left middle and left index for 1+3 chords. Left ring and left index feels a lot easier.

[@darqs]

ok WOW this post is giant so i'll do my best to reply as accurately as I can (in hopefully less words) 1. transitioning to my current style took YEARs. I originally played double prong style then added thumbs to 3+5 and FINALLY added in pinkys years later. As I used to sit an play at home I didnt have too much trouble adjusting however I have noticed that most 1048 played DO in fact turn their bodies slightly left to compensate for the hand position Its not uncommon. I would recommend for you to look at my scratching video to help with 1048 style and scratching 2. Left hand 4 key i find is very situational. Using it freely takes alot of practice and many players have shown that it isn't a nessecary move. It really is just for comfort for dense patterns otherwise the right hand can handle most stuff efficiently enough 3. That guys style is very odd indeed. I wouldnt recommend using a style which doesn't utilize your thumbs because you'll find that on denser patterns you'll require far more movement using fingers so close togehter. This is why 1048 is so strong because each finger can move independently without being constrained by any tendons and doesn't require you to rapidly shift across keys. 4. there isn"t anything wrong with the prong style, however its very difficult to scratch playing that way. transitioning between scratch and prong takes alot of energy and tires out your left hand very quickly which is the entire reason why i transitioned to using thumbs instead as it transitions alot smoother 5. right thumb on 5 is ABSOLUTELY NESSECARY. God I cannot imagine how high level 12s are even possible without them. Sure there are niche players who don't use them and score well but they're niche for a reason. Most people cannot handle density without using a minimum of 4 fingers on their opposing hand. Those who don't.....don't get very far past 11s (DJ USAGI is a good example of this) 6. pinky fingers aren't 100% nessecary but i'd recommend them as they help you conserve stamina far better than your ring fingers. IT really depends on your hand shape. As i said my pinky finger tenses up so it was a wise choice to transition whereas for other players it doesnt matter so much. 7. I find that for the most part my right hand is quite static however my left hand does switch techniques rather rapidly depending on the pattern as it is far weaker than my right. In short yes, the more techniques you can transition between the more fexible and comfortably you will hit the patterns (take dolce's tenkuu no yoake video as an example. His right hand transitions between like 4 different techniques) I hope this helps cover alot of your enquiries. If you have any more please feel free to message me again here ;)

[@CarmenOfSpades]

darqs Hi, sorry about the length of the post... 2DX has always been a side game for me so I've never put any effort in making any friends among other players... and now that I'm trying very hard in the game, I'm in an area without arcades and been relying on archived forum posts from six years ago :P. Add to that, as I mentioned, I'm trying very hard to incorporate my left hand (since what I played before was more or less 片手, I even have to force myself to do scratch+2 with just my left hand instead of left hand plus right index!) and its been the most depressing thing as my EX scores have all fallen due to poor timing in that hand. Its very nice to get some tips from a high-level player! I'm going to try and incorporate the advice you gave. Thanks so much for taking the time to respond to me, and I look forward to seeing your future videos. If I have any other serious questions I'll let you know ~

[@NibblerFox]

Nice video! Is there like a website page where I can find all the different finger placements and their respective names? You name some styles, and I'm wondering if there are more styles.

[@darqs]

please refer to the links that michael has posted in this comments section and that i"ve linked above

[@oobaazea]

The reasons I quit doing pinky 8 years ago is for bass on 7 stamina and butterfly rolls (47 56), I'll try it again but I doubt it will make anything besides 67 rolls better. Also, playing on AC spacing regularly will really help shift that left thumb from 1 to 3. When I was in Japan and learned how to do it finally, I could score just as well as palming 1 and thumb 3 on koc spacing with the sacrifice of comboing.

[@darqs]

I will agree and disagree with you on some points. Key 7 pinky is suitable for SOME people depending on how their hands natrually shape as they play. As I may or may not have mentioned DJ PHN!X hits 7 with both his ring and pinky so regardless of which finger he uses it results in the same basic form as me or someone else using a curled pinky. Additionaly DJ REA uses the knicle of his left hand on 1 (hes a 2P side player) to the same effect as using a curled pinky so either is clearly viable. As for KOC distance, I would say that KOC makes the game MUCH easier to play due to the TT and keys being both closer and reqiring less pressure to actuate. Either way everyone has their own cup of tea but regardless this really is targetting audiences who play on ASCs and on AC

[@Jr0cK3r95]

so i kind of like want to start playing IIDX, i only have played osu!mania , do you think getting the PS2's beatmania 2006 US + the controller and then getting the other IIDX's (like 11 RED for example) is a good idea ? is there a better/cheaper option to do this ? :/

[@darqs]

Sorry for the super late reply. Yeah i'd HIGHLY recommend getting a USKOC if you have one available to try out the game. If you're able to find a bundle anywhere it will be hands down your cheapest option. I would also highly recommend getting the Japanese versions of the game over Beatmania US because it is a giant flaming turd of a game compared to the actual CS styles.

[@CarmenOfSpades]

Just wanted to chime in again, I've been incorporating what you said and I've finally managed (somehow!) to get to the scores I was getting before, and now surpassing them since my left hand is prepared to hit notes. I've found a lot of success incorporating thumbs into my playstyle, so thanks for that (though I tend to alternate between index and thumb... I've found having the habits to hit any one button with at least two different fingers is good, since it makes me more flexible overall). No luck with using the pinky fingers, I feel they're very weak compared to ring fingers... aside from 6~7 rolls (which do seem a bit easier). Anyway, I was thinking it might be cool if you did a video describing your major 'milestone' songs for the many years you've been playing. Its interesting finding what songs players found a lot of improvement after finally being able to complete. Anyway... thanks again!

[@CarmenOfSpades]

Also have you messed around with Doubles btw? I really look forward to trying it once I get back to playing arcade again. I've heard players who go from double back to single notice a big improvement in thier reading ability.

[@darqs]

Thanks for the feedback :D! Trust me that it will help you a lot in the long run. Pinkys aren`t entirely necessary as there are many players who don't use them all the time (even DOLCE doesn't). I'll try and talk about my milestones and my play history in detail in a video sometime this week. Thanks again :)

[@LastArc]

If i'm already used to a playstyle should i switch? i dont feel my playstyle is working out well since i have a hard time reaching the turntable with my small hands. I use a dao FP7. I'm using the claw method as you mentioned above.

[@darqs]

I think you've answered your own question there. If your technique isn't working then maybe it's time for you to try and change it up to somethign different!

[@opcode7956]

So I just started IIDX a little over a month ago, and am just starting to clear some 10s. What I've noticed is that ever since patterns like 1,3,5 scratch were introduced I've failed them every time. I have no problems putting my thumb across for 1,3 scratches, but whenever this comes up my combo just goes to shit and I try to hit 3 and 5 with one thumb. I've considered trying to play with my index on 5 instead of my thumb to get used to switching between them, do you think this is a good way to deal with it?

[@darqs]

Wow, your progress is quite amazing! Keep at it. Honestly I deal with 1+3+5+ by either mashing 1+3 with my left thumb or using right thumb on 3 and bringing my right middle finger down to 5. Both techniques work (kind of) but it really comes down to whats comfortable for you.

[@Owen2131_]

2:33 well, i am left handed so I would Put my ring finger on there but, like, I feel lime Style depends on what your dominant hand is.

[@HD-wg4tv]

you can also hit both button 3 and 1 using your thumb tip and joint which allows you to hit 123 using only your thumb and index finger

[@darqs]

Yeah this technique is called pure taka.s I covered that in the video :)

[@matthewvelasco2751]

I prong my left hand, but my index likes to help out on key 4 sometimes. my right hand is 4 index, 5 thumb, 6 middle, 7 ring. But oops, i'm a 2P lol! Should I switch to 1P or continue to figure something out on 2P? I've been stuck at the same spot for pretty much 2 years however I don't play as frequently as I used to (mostly because of frustration with the wall I'm at). In short, would you ever recommend switching sides?

[@darqs]

If you're willing to try and make the sacrifice then yes, 1P would be more ideal, however i'd suggest for you to just try and get your left hand more involved. Glue your left thumb to 3 and never move it from there and try to hit 4 with left index as much as possible. I would suggest technique changes over changing play sides any day but the choice really is yours.

[@AMD2600]

Great video! It has got me thinking about improving my playstyle. I've been playing IIDX for almost 5 years now. Four of them have been spent on a keyboard, but the last year on a USKOC. Got up to Level 10's on keyboard, but was stuck there for years until I (finally) got an official controller and broke into a few 11's. Currently using what you call "the claw", but hopefully it'll change as time goes on. I definitely agree that it has many limitations. Scratching as you mentioned is definitely tricky (especially for small hands like mine) and the 4 key has iffy coverage. Out of curiousity, what is your take on Dao configurations? I've been hemming and hawing over getting one for the longest time, but I was never able to make my mind over what parts to use. Dao Buttons vs. Sanwas, mainly. From what I gander everyone is pretty much unanimous on Omrons, but the weight seems to be variable from person to person.

[@darqs]

The difference between DAO buttons and Sanwas are relatively minor. So long as you get 50g omrons you are ok. Most top raking players agree that the perfect amount of pressure you should have on your keys is 150g. keys with 100g springs and 50g omrons. hope that helps :)

[@AMD2600]

darqs Thanks! The info does help greatly. Do you know how that pressure might contrast to the pressure needed for USKOC keys? The pressure is fairly comfortable for me, but I feel like it would be better if it had a little less resistance.

[@darqs]

AMD2600 USKOC keys are absolutely TERRIBLE. They require a tonne of pressure to hit compared to the actual arcade machines. If you've ever played on a JKOC thats modded that is the most ideal sensitivity for keys to have. However talking about KOCs and ASCs are completely different ballparks. I'll do a video covering it sometime. Either way if you want MORE resistance you can always go for the 100g switches but i would really recommend the 50gs as thats the arcade standard

[@AMD2600]

darqs Ahh okay, so that means the Dao with that sort of setup will be easier to press. That is exactly what I was looking for, actually. The USKOC is useable for me, but I know my performance would be higher if it required less pressure. Thanks again for the info. It'll certainly help when I order my Dao later this month!

[@skullkrusher9]

Howdy, sir! I'm brand new to the IIDX series and just picked up my first controller (Picked up the Beatmania bundle for PS2). Is there any specific hand technique you'd recommend for somebody brand new to the series? Any general tips to offer to a newcomer? Much thanks in advance! Subscribed.

[@darqs]

so long as your opposing hand to the scratch is static then you should have no problems. Just find whats comfortable for you :)

[@skullkrusher9]

About a week into it and I've been trying to stick with the 1048 style you described in this video since you said it was a very common one to use! Much thanks!

[@Pallero200]

How do you hit S+1+3+5 and S+1+3+5+7? (in the middle of dense patterns and not like innocent walls where you have a lot of time to prepare for the wall) Great video, I had never thought about how the ring finger being grouped with middle finder actually makes my 6,7,6,7 rolls harder than with the pinky!

[@darqs]

I usually bring my middle finger down from my right hand to hit 5 and same applies for 1+3+5+7 combos with scratch. Once again it comes down to versatility but honestly you don't see that combination come up very often mid stream unless you're playing very dense 12s such as Rengoku no Eplheria or Mendes.

[@Male_Parent]

Would a mini pinky extension be "cheating" for pinky scratching. I've been palm scratching for a a while but anything scratch heavy I just avert to one handed mode. I'm glad I can do one handed well enough because I can do held scratch notes and hit almost anything. 😂 Also yes learning new fingerings can help heaps. Especially in DP being able to adapt you hand to hit denser areas. Or being able to hit staircases without just sliding the hands over all the keys. 😅

[@arj12]

i'm noobs and can't do scratch along with regular notes can you help me how to do scratch please? also, i'm left handed

[@lokovodo]

Started playing on controller for first time ever today and it felt really comfortable and was a lot of fun which i owe to you for learning a bunch of stuff from this video. As a new player being able to know that you can free-form/interchange playstyles to adapt during songs and still score well is extremely good to know. I originally thought that beatmania was all static play since i was used to keyboard BMS which is 95% of the time static play but today i used the techniques of changing the thumbs around 1,3 and 4 and during a few scratch songs i just played 1 handed (having lots of sound voltex experience really helps with able to play 1 hand). Overall today was a lot of fun and i hope to clear beach side bunny [a] someday. Wish me luck darqs and until then keep posting videos because i definitely will watch em :-) (day1 controller play kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpTahYGgnLWjmMk)

[@darqs]

Thats really cool to hear. IIDX on a controller is a very different game to keyboard and that is the reason i've continued to play it even till today. I just had a look at your video and it's looking good!. Keep at it!. However i'd advise scratching upwards first instead of down becuase it helps with timing :)

[@_Razpberrie]

When I had to scratch and press the lower 2 left keys (1,3?), I used to press them both with my thumb simultaneously..did the trick

[@darqs]

Yeah this is a common technique that people use however it's difficult to hit accurately playing like that

[@LiamITG2]

I have been playing for about a month now I'm passing 8s however the thing that I feel is preventing from going to harder difficulties is my playstyle is shit. Basically I use my middle and index fingers on each hand (probably due to me playing Stepmania). Another problem is that my hands are very small. I'm 14 and my hand stretched out all the way is a little longer than the 4 white keys. I need help because when I try these techniques I feel like I can't take my fingers off the keys which doesn't feel comfortable (when I do take my fingers off the keys I usually tend to go back to my normal playstyle) and due to this I have trouble scratching and get worse scores (hopefully this makes sense). Is there any tips you can give to me? Also I am P1 and mostly play CS. Thanks!

[@darqs]

hey there! Glad to hear that you're enjoying the game!. Sadly techniques takes a LONG time to get used to and don't just snap into place right away. If you want to become adept at using a certain technique you have to keep at it for a long period of time and not just expect instant results. I can understand how 4 finger play can feel comfotable as I also used to play that way, however I made this video to show you what techniques you will need to adapt to at the high levels in order to play and score well. Additionally small hands are no excuse. The best player in the world at this point in time DOLCE has extremely small hands yet he is still ranked first on most of the harder songs in the game. All in all it comes down to how much you practice and how flexible you are willing to be, Keep at it and i'm sure you will see results :)

[@LiamITG2]

Thank you so much for the reply! It's good to know that people like DOLCE have small hands. I have been playing DDR/ITG for a while and I wanted another rhythm game to play. Hopefully I can find a comfortable playstyle soon. Thanks for the help!

[@alexisenberg4910]

Hi DARQs. I've been playing iidx since December of 2015 and for the most part, i've been using 1-ring, 2-middle, 3-thumb, 4-index, 5-thumb, 6-middle, 7-ring for my play style. I've started to play and clear a few 8's (although in normal). Will this play style allow me to keep progressing through iidx or is it restricting me?

[@darqs]

+Second Heaven that playstyle is fine so long as you can transition your playstyle smoothly when scratches come up on your scratching hand.

[@ShinHito]

What's is the name at 13:40? Without seeing him speak it's hard to hear/decipher.

[@darqs]

freeform

[@ShinHito]

DARQs it sounds like "Maroka"? I know you were talking about Freeform play style but I was curious about the DJ's name.

[@darqs]

oh, it's DJ MADOKA. He kind of does whatever with his left hand

[@ShinHito]

DARQs thank you so much!

[@frankwest6984]

Im a noob, but i love the game and want to get good, and i did notice that tendon. Its so annoying i wish I could remove it XD

[@itis3000]

LR2 + Gammac MUSE-ON controller play how's about thats style of playing? Well, I'm first time to playing controller after keyboard ;) and I use same style of playing on controller. I'm not good in scratch, because on keyboard is just a button ;) And yeah, this is not KOC. This is Gammac Muse-ON :)

[@darqs]

Thats a pretty nice controller! here's some technique advice for you: Seeing as you're just beginning to play it's essential for later charts that you are able to put on finger on each key. Right now its obvious that you would hav difficulties hitting a combination of the 4 (middle black) and 5(3rd white) keys together. Try and form a play style from the ones mentioned above where you are able to cover all the keys with an individual finger. Additionally you MUST start using your thumbs. If you don't the game will start to get very difficult around level 8 or 9. All in all keep at it! You will progress in your own time. Try to use the advice i've given and shown in this video and you should be fine :)

[@itis3000]

darqs Thanks. Well, ummhh... Those technique which show in your video.... I try this, but it's seems very uncomfortable for me. Why? It's too short distance between fingers and button, this means you can't have support for other parts of your hands. As I see on some IIDX videos, players can lie they've hands on AC controller, because it's pretty huge ;) Maybe I just need to get used to it. Thats what I using like ummmhhh.... "flight"-style of play. Yes this easy to performing like that, but yeah. This style have lot of problems. As about scratching. Well it's bad story :) If I need to scratch with SW1-button, I sliding thumb finger on this button. Sounds like a crap if you need a backspin with that button. Same thing with SW2-button. But here index finger on the deal. I can perfect scratch if there is only one scratch I need to do. Scratching with button it's a hell for me. And it's a BURNING HELL, if I need backspin scratch with buttons. And yeah, I have problems with... example... SW1+SW2, SW3+SW4, etc. I don't see a problem if I need pushing like: SW1,2,1,2,1,2,1..... etc. like in tricoro's :illegal function call: Later I show a more detailed video for you. Then you see, all of this problems ;)

[@darqs]

Владимир К I'm sorry but it's VERY difficult to understand what you are trying to say. I'll try and reply as best I can though: - Yes it is EASIER now to play the way you are because it's what you're accustomed to. Technique changes are always very uncomfortable for everyone no matter at what level so i'm advising that you change while you are still playing at the 5 and 6 level. As You agreed with me hitting free form is ok but you will run into problems once the patterns become more complex than just hitting 8th notes. - I want to note that you should NEVER rest your hands on top of the controller at any time. You should always have your hands hovering slightly above the controller just like when you are typing so that you can apply force with both your fingers and forearms. Also resting on the controller means that you can`t easily maneuver to the scratch without lifting which brings up my final point - Scratching is HARD. It's probably the thing which makes Beatmania IIDX the most dififcult music game above any other button based rhythm game. Please refer to my Scratching techniques video for more information. As for sor backspin scratches, they dont really throw notes at you alongside the scratches until level 10+ and even then you have no choice but to play with 1 hand to hit the patterns. I'm sorry if this doesn`t answer your comment properly but if you have any further question feel free to message this video at anytime :)

[@wibs0n68]

I never played IIDX before (I'm LR2/BMS player) but I find 1-handed playstyle is easier (2P side) than the others :/

[@brushhhfires]

Its a game, so you can play however you want, but you will be crippling yourself if you play 1-handed. Its not possible to get beyond a certain level. There are people like LISU and @mesoftbank who can play 1-handed, but they are a big time exception, not the rule, and even they can only play certain stuff because you are still limited by what is physically possible with one hand.

[@wesleybryant3552]

How are u able to play on your PC???

[@g3orge573]

Wesley Bryant download the game totally legally, or get Lunatic Rave 2