Reading Tech Notations

When looking at a song's step description, you may often find yourself looking at what looks like a series of abbreviations. For example, CopperPuppy's Comeback in RIP 12.1's song description:

We see the following Tech Notations: "XO-, BU+, FS+, BR+, JA, SJ-" Many custom ITG charters use these Tech Notations to give the player an idea of what patterns or "tech" will be present in the chart. This essentially helps the player know a bit of what they're getting into with the chart.

Here is a list of some Common and Uncommon Tech Notations and what they mean (Copied from Freyja in the ITC Discord):

• XO - crossovers/crossunders
• FS - footswitch (up and down arrows; sometimes marked with a mine)
• SS - Sideswitch (left and right arrows; FS but for L/R)
• BR - Bracket (jump meant to be hit with one foot)
• BU - Bursts
• DS - Double Steps
• DT - Double Taps (older notation)
• JA/JH - Jacks/Jackhammers (repeating notes on the same panel, using same foot)
• XMOD - not using CMOD
• FL - Flams (two notes close together)
• RH/SKT - rhythms/Skittles (generally colorful notes)
• STR - Stream, constant 16th notes
• SJ - Step Jumps
• BT - Bracket Taps
• +/- - more or less of the tech notated
• RS - Round Step
• HS - Hold Switch (FS using holds; UPSH also is used in one other chart)
• AN, SC - Afronovas, Scoobies (Laterals)
• Note some sources do not make a distinction between Laterals, and Crossovers/Crossunders; however, some people and communities make that distinction.

For quick reference as to what the patterns are for a lot of technique, Tana, a former senior member of DDRIllini made an illustration on a whiteboard explaining 4-panel patterning to freshmen in their club. They later made available a really cool poster version available in digital format for easy printing. It has been very useful educating new dance gamers both at ddrillini and PSU-DDM.

Video Explanation

A very extensive YouTube video by VincentITG detailing tech notations as well as providing some video demonstration. https://youtu.be/QtgBRtwx0Q4

Other Resources

Basic Patterns (Not necessarily considered tech)