In this paper we investigate the residual deformation field in the vicinity of nano-scratch experiments generated using two tip geometries in a (100) Cu single crystal. We compare the deformation with that from indentation, in an attempt to understand the mechanisms of deformation in tangential sliding. The lattice rotation fields are mapped experimentally using high-resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD) on cross-sections prepared using focused ion beam (FIB). A physically based crystal plasticity finite element model (CPFEM) is used to simulate the lattice rotations fields, in terms of the sense and axis, and offers insight into the 3D rotation field surrounding nano-scratch experiments, as it transitions from an initial static indentation to the formation of a steady-state scratch.