What is a Looping Pedal? When Robert Fripp and Brian Eno starting
playing with tape loops back in 1973, they probably had no idea what it
would become. In the 80?s, tape loops gave way to digital loops, which
began the key cross-over to allowing the average guitarist access to
this amazing tool for songwriting, practicing and performing.
Looping Pedals (as they are now known) are able to store hours of loops with SD cards, produce stereo output with CD quality sound, and are built for live performance, or home use. Once you learn to use it, you can add melodies, textures, and beats to create the sound of a full band with one instrument.
A looping pedal is basically a multi-track recording unit that you can control with your foot. You can start by recording a track of yourself playing rhythm (with a guitar, your voice, your hands, etc...), then overdub this track with another of yourself playing accompanying rhythm, lead, vocals, etc.. and so on, and so on.
A common practice with acoustic guitars is to tap the tempo first on the body of the guitar as a loop, then play one, or two loops of rhythm over it. This provides a good backing track to sing to, or solo over. Some solo artists will even use the pedal to record a loop of themselves playing a drum track, followed by a bass track, then guitar and vocals. This can create a complete band sound, with one player.
Current pedal manufacturers that produce the most popular looping pedals are Digitech, Boss, and Line 6. The latest Looping pedal from Digitech, the JamMan Stereo can store hours of loops, has XLR outputs, and is produced in a straightforward, two pedal layout. Other pedals like the Line 6 JM-4 include a host of effects and drum tracks along with the looping function to increase the versatility of the pedal.
Practice, Practice! With practice, eventually you can layer your sounds into an orchestra worth of instruments and sounds, or simply give yourself a little backing track to practice with.
Speaking of practice, looping pedals are the ultimate practice tool. Not only can you give yourself a rhythm partner to play along with, it also forces you to improve your timing, phrasing, and overall playing. When you hear yourself play (recorded), it is the true test of your sound. If you sound bad, it's very obvious. To get better, you need to be honest with your own abilities, and this will ultimately make you improve.
Looping Pedals (as they are now known) are able to store hours of loops with SD cards, produce stereo output with CD quality sound, and are built for live performance, or home use. Once you learn to use it, you can add melodies, textures, and beats to create the sound of a full band with one instrument.
A looping pedal is basically a multi-track recording unit that you can control with your foot. You can start by recording a track of yourself playing rhythm (with a guitar, your voice, your hands, etc...), then overdub this track with another of yourself playing accompanying rhythm, lead, vocals, etc.. and so on, and so on.
A common practice with acoustic guitars is to tap the tempo first on the body of the guitar as a loop, then play one, or two loops of rhythm over it. This provides a good backing track to sing to, or solo over. Some solo artists will even use the pedal to record a loop of themselves playing a drum track, followed by a bass track, then guitar and vocals. This can create a complete band sound, with one player.
Current pedal manufacturers that produce the most popular looping pedals are Digitech, Boss, and Line 6. The latest Looping pedal from Digitech, the JamMan Stereo can store hours of loops, has XLR outputs, and is produced in a straightforward, two pedal layout. Other pedals like the Line 6 JM-4 include a host of effects and drum tracks along with the looping function to increase the versatility of the pedal.
Practice, Practice! With practice, eventually you can layer your sounds into an orchestra worth of instruments and sounds, or simply give yourself a little backing track to practice with.
Speaking of practice, looping pedals are the ultimate practice tool. Not only can you give yourself a rhythm partner to play along with, it also forces you to improve your timing, phrasing, and overall playing. When you hear yourself play (recorded), it is the true test of your sound. If you sound bad, it's very obvious. To get better, you need to be honest with your own abilities, and this will ultimately make you improve.
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