Charge Notes, Back-Spin Scratches, and Multi-Spin Scratches
Table of contents
Charge Notes (CN)
Charge notes are what is commonly referred to as “hold notes” or “long notes” in other rhythm games.
In the beginning of the note, press and hold down the button. At the end, release it. You are scored (judged) twice - once in the beginning and once in the end.
IIDX does count release timing. Therefore, if you continue to hold the button well past the end of a CN, or if you release early, you will get a POOR.
Back-Spin Scratch (BSS)
BSS is a special type of scratch.
Start turning the turntable in the beginning of a BSS (in either direction). Keep turning in the same direction in a continuous motion. At the end of a BSS, do a quick scratch in the opposite direction.
Just like CNs, you are judged twice - once in the beginning and once in the end. You should not stop spinning too early, or stop spinning too late.
For a visual aid, watch the beginning of this video of The Chase by DJ EBEBEBY.
It is a common mistake for beginners to simply stop turning at the end of a BSS, especially for players coming from games like EZ2 series.
In the middle section, it’s OK to turn slowly, or very quickly - it’s up to you, although if you’re too slow then the game might think you stopped turning. There is no requirement on the distance either; you don’t need to make a full circle or anything like that, but you might end up doing so if the BSS is long enough.
Hell Charge Notes (HCN)
HCN is a modifier that applies to a chart; in song select, you can see HELL mark on the radar if the chart has them.
If a chart has the HCN modifier, Charge Notes turn into Hell Charge Notes. HCNs have a slightly darker color in-game:
It works the same way as a regular CN. The only difference is that while you are holding the note, your life gauge goes up continuously; if you fail to hold, your life gauge goes down over time instead.
It has no effect on scoring or timing; it only makes a difference on your life gauge.
HCN modifier applies to BSS as well:
Again, it’s darker in appearance, you play it the same way as a regular BSS, the only difference is its effect on your life gauge.
Multi-Spin Scratch (MSS)
MSS is another special type of scratch.
MSS is like BSS, except there will intermediate markers in the middle where you need to change the direction of your turntable.
In the above example, say if you start turning in the clockwise direction, you would switch to counter-clockwise in the middle marker, and then do a quick clockwise motion at the end.
There can be multiple intermediate markers, requiring you to flip direction at each of them.
You are scored in the beginning, for every intermediate markers, and at the end.
For a visual aid - watch this video of ハイテックトキオ by DOLCE starting at around 1:05 mark.