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The pros and cons of how to use a loop pedal
Learning how to use a loop pedal for your performance can add to your performance with layers, dynamics and lots of interest for the audience. When learning how to use a loop pedal, you’ll find out it records short passages played on an instrument and plays them back in a repeating loop which you can drop in and out parts as you wish. Greater considerations to using a loop pedal are an engaging performance with a good song and the loop pedal is no way a substitute! Generally, a loop pedal is operated with your feet.
There are many dangers to consider when learning how to use a loop pedal. Firstly, consider using it sparingly and get the performance up and running quickly. Too many guitar players make the performance too complex. If you are taking too long to get the song built up in the first place you will lose your audience and they will become disengaged.
If you are considering using a loop pedal for your performance then you must ensure you have rehearsed and practised a lot, this is a basic when learning how to use a loop pedal. If you play a loop incorrectly it will be out of time for the duration you use that part and the performance will sound awful. As always practice at Open Mic nights, film it, ask for feedback and analyse to make sure you are on point before going to a bigger stage.
Before learning how to use a loop pedal
Before learning how to use a loop pedal, it is a good idea to get to know your loop pedal. They can be very difficult pedals to grasp. It is also wise to decide on how many individual loops you want for each track so all your settings are ready before hand. Although the small box at your feet opens up a lot of opportunities for improvisation during a performance, it is difficult to do so and even the pros rehearse the structure of their track heavily to make sure they get it right. A guitar loop pedal performance is about building layers so if one is incorrect, it can throw the whole performance off.
The best uses for a loop pedal
On the flip side using a loop pedal done well can be very interesting to watch and listen to in a live setting if built up quickly and in an engaging manner. Other benefits include:
- Compose whole songs.
- Working on a difficult section.
- Use it to listen back to your playing and improve.
- Create interesting performances with percussive rhythms, bass lines and chord backing.