How To Use A Looper Pedal - Guitar Lesson Tutorial - JustinGuitar [QA-004]

[@oddacorn]

I got my first looper years ago and was immediately discouraged because my timing on stepping on the button wasn't good and the beginning and end of my loops didn't flow together. This was enough to stop me for years! I'm finally getting started again, and it really is just something that takes a little bit of practice. Don't give up like I did! Practice your click timing by making one bar loops over and over for 5 minutes a day and you'll have it mastered in short order. If at any point you feel frustrated, stop for the day and promise yourself you'll give it another shot tomorrow.

[@tashmoo]

Most of quality loopers have quantize , which makes it easier for timing

[@gillesgenete9598]

Same experience here, I started with a simple but 12 bars blues: gave up soon. Just recently I tried again with very simple 1 bar 4 notes to get used to clic right time. As so well advised by Justin, playing before , at tempo with metronome, counting 1 to 4 and clicking on 1, made it. Thanks to Justin.

[@johnhendricks8140]

It's a challenge for me as well.

[@cardboard316]

@@johnhendricks8140 how you getting along with it now surely this lesson has helped lots

[@jj987987987]

If you have that problem it simply means you can't jam with people. Practice that and you should be fine. People are discouraged because they only see what is working and completely ignore the works that is needed to make it work. Guitar hero is not music.

[@cardboard316]

I got a looper for christmas off my gf but only got the power lead today to use it, and what a cool little piece of kit it is! I've tried recording my self on my phone but it doesn't pick up the sound proper and I didn't think I sounded that good. This looper changed everything and made me realise I've come a long way in 18 months of playing. I play a chord progression or even just an Em or something then layer a lick and then another and so on. It sounds amazing even the gf agreed and shes usually pissed off when I play. I've picked it up really easy but as justin says it's all about clicking down on time which took only a couple of minutes to figure out. This piece of kit has made me realise I've become a musician woop woop. Rock on people and become a looper star 💫🎸

[@williamb4652]

Every time I have a guitar question, I ask the internet and Justin has the answer. What a teacher.

[@LazyZeus]

That jazz jam on 15:00 is awsome. Justin, you have to make more jazz lessons.

[@michaelchr4239]

Yan Sheredega I

[@ronommeren1701]

could you make more jazz lessons Justin?

[@jlrounds2008]

I agree, I would love the tab for that!

[@ullomrts]

I immediately googled "how to play a 251". That is crazy.

[@jmillanoff]

He even said "whatever" at the end, man... It was brilliant :))))

[@akashmjn]

Thanks!

[@justinguitar]

Welcome! Thank you for your support!

[@miquelmarti6537]

I'v been noodeling on and off for decades and learned nothing but repeating the same pentatonic licks. A looper + drum machine brought me to the next level. It teached me to stay in tempo and to listen to the other instruments carefully before playing my licks, otherwise you can't call it music. Now I can't stop improvising and searching for new triads on the fretboard. Once you'v discovered them, you won't even need to memorize it. Just keep playing and try to make the guitar to behave like a voice (play less notes and make it more meaningful). It's so addictive, I'm running home after work time just to feel like being the new Gary Moore LoL You only learn to walk by walking.

[@bentleycharles779]

"Be cool with the idea that it's going to take time to get it together" Super advice, J.

[@brettpenza5149]

I have to say, Justin. I've seen a lot of your videos. You do a great job. No pretense, just showing the love for the music and giving out some great info. Really, you have a great way of including us all in to the wonder of music. Always a pleasure. Thanks very much.

[@DKomnicide]

I remember I immediately bought a looper pedal years ago after I heard that soundscape towards the end of this video. That part blew my mind, and I came back after all this time to listen again... Brilliant

[@lunkercarp]

I have seen several videos demonstrating how to properly use a looper...but Justin you really nailed it. simplified it . really great video.

[@RickRose]

You're a tremendous inspiration. Your ability to just lay down a "soundscape" like you did there is mind-blowing. Makes me want to practice. Thanks!

[@PabloGarcia-hi8nb]

I leant my boss rc-2 to a friend many years ago, and I never saw him (or the pedal) again. Then I just went on with my life, ignoring the loop-shaped hole in my life. Then I saw the thumbnail for this video on the side of my screen in youtube and it just convinced me to go out and get a new one.

[@mattbockbrader2140]

I bought a Ditto years ago on Justin's recommendation. It's been sitting in my box of guitar odds and and ends ever since. This week I finally built a little pedal board with scrap lumber and re-watched this demo. With a little practice, I'll get the hang of this pedal. Who knew that throwing down some blues licks over a one chord vamp could be so fun!

[@carollinson]

I've just acquired a looper for Christmas. Your video was a great help. Many thanks.

[@porchstringmusic]

Useful stuff, and I enjoyed hearing your bits of playing!

[@martydoherty2660]

Justin is brilliant. So talented but so modest. And he puts up so much brilliant stuff for free. Great guy.

[@terryfisher8872]

Been shredding 47 years. Just got my EHX 720 Stereo Looper. Had trouble with the chain of pedal command until I watch and listened you. Thanks you so much. Also learned how to time the loop by playing a bit before and overlap a bit after. That smoothed out everything!

[@Fsuholley]

2-5-1. Love the 14:31 jazz lick. I bought a EHX 720 because of all the quality control issues with TC Electronics. Couldn't be happier with 10 memory banks to store my licks and practice over them anytime. Great video and inspirational as well!

[@JohnOhkumaThiel]

It’s funny, I was the Manager of the Learning Center at Berklee College of Music for seven years, where I would teach people who often had never even used a typewriter how to use a music sequencer and also basic general computer stuff, would typically encounter anxiety by first timers who thought they might type something into the computer or click on the wrong thing, and it would burst into flames. So total first timers with computer and synth technology-I’m originally a sax player by the way-first thing I would have them do is play a game, just to get them used to moving the cursor and such, but also reduce their nervousness about technology. Here I am, years later, born again musician on guitar, just got my first effects pedal-a multi effects pedal which includes a looper-and I’m having that same hesitance to even try it out beyond the preset functions. I bought a multi effects pedal because I wasn’t sure which sort of pedal I wanted first-reverb, delay, looper, distortion-and this gave me the most bang for my buck and more; in fact it even provides a major upgrade to the iRig I was originally using. So here I am, now the nervous student, shutting up, not twiddling with my instrument, listening, and I have to say this is the perfect lesson. Thanks so much. I’m going to try a basic Blues groove and riff over it, and I predict that will give me the confidence to try more complex music on it. I haven’t played live in front of an audience on guitar yet, so maybe after I get the hang of this thing I’ll try putting a hat out and doing the busker thing as a learning experience. You really covered all the basics. One of the benefits of the unit I bought, it includes drum tracks, but the drum tracks don’t get recorded in the loop, so that consistency of tempo isn’t a huge obstacle. On the other hand, my particular unit only has a 30 second loop.

[@unhingedunicorn423]

30 second loop u sacrificed decent quality pedal for cheap versions of all of them... buy a separate looper all the others do would u need the looper is the most important pedal of them all in my opinion

[@rileymcgill9893]

Very helpful. I've been playing guitar for 15 years and just gotta looper. This thing is really making me relieze how much better I need to get and how much more I still need to practice

[@williamb4652]

After playing guitar for 6 months following Justin’s course, I’m not afraid of anything on guitar. I’ve learned that everything can be done if you practice enough. Knowing that adds a whole level of comfort and excitement to the guitar journey.

[@berniecbarnes5056]

Justin you are a modest Man who is an excellent musician. I absolutely love the the uncomplicated way you get your message across. I'm sure you have had a great influence on many budding musicians. I follow you as you seem to have simple solutions to what can appear to be complicated musical problems. Thank you

[@dukeofpearl]

Great teacher/player.....and very humble. 🕶

[@johnkozel413]

VERY!

[@jimmygubbins]

VERY!

[@raoulit3591]

VERY!

[@clnjorge9]

!YREV

[@bentleycharles779]

"Start playing first." Very good advice.

[@jennyomalley7634]

I bought a Boss RC30 12 years ago , I'm just starting to get the hang of it now, as you say Justin , It takes time.

[@ProfessorFrenzy]

Just got my first looper, the TC Ditto. This lesson is just what I needed to get the loops synced from beginning to end. Thanks.

[@charliefoxtrotthe3rd335]

I got talked into buying the Boss Looper Station (the RC-300). It's a whole pedal board in itself. It has so many functions that it's overwhelming. But then I really got serious about it and found a few sites that have loops that can be downloaded (drums, keys, etc) and now I am a one man band. I play every Thursday night for 2 hours at the Stacked Pickle (for free) and it's just me, my rig, and guitar. All I do is sing and play. So much fun, and it helps when you are in front of people. You would be surprised how that pressure makes you focus and play so much better. All due to the looper.

[@justinguitar]

Täking Thë High Roäd well done dude - great that you're out there doing it!

[@charliefoxtrotthe3rd335]

***** I have never been more terrified in my life.

[@johnlind5819]

+Täking Thë High Roäd Good job man. Keep it up. At my age of 60, I can tell you that music is one of the primary roads to happiness in life.

[@charliefoxtrotthe3rd335]

John Lind Thanks man. Right now, it is my only road to happiness. Those two hours I am in front of those 20 people and I can see that they're enjoying themselves is like a drug. And the funny thing is I am using a Mexican Strat, a Line 6 amp, a handful of pedals, a few mics and that is just about it. My whole rig is under $1000 and can still entertain a crowd. Don't think you have to have a $10,000 rig to perform. Those are nice, but not needed as the industry would want you to believe. Cheers mate.

[@jlrounds2008]

Justin, thanks so much....what you taught here was EXACTLY what I needed to hear....now my looper is getting used!

[@gushutchinson8758]

I remember being amazed when John martyn appeared in complete control alone on stage fully formed with loops and echoes and all sorts of pedals.. Tightly syncopated yet flowing and sounding improvised. It's got to make some interesting songwriting sessions. I've had some good little jams with 3 or 4 musicians of mixed abilities.. . with someone used to their looper... Trick is knowing when that loop has exhausted all the possibilities so it's got to end. With a firm conductor on the controls I'm sure loopers can help churn out lots of original songs. Thanks for your tutorial. I must try again... I'm sure it's not beyond me really!

[@ninobenjamin4067]

Justin i just wanna thank you for the lessons. i was almost gonna give up guitar because i wasn't getting any better and i practiced all the time but am now following ur lesson packs... thank u so much

[@DrBYROS]

γ

[@HouseofBrewz]

Thanks for the great tips, I was ready to return this little red box (RC-1) until you clued me in on how to not have the gap in the loop! playing before you hit the button helped tremendously!! Kudos !!

[@mtasalloti]

You are awesome! I bought a Boss RC-1 looper after seeing someone use it on stage. Kept getting this gap between the loops. I do believe you just fixed my problem Justin ... "play first, then tap!" Thank you!

[@Smoothiejonesband]

as usual great instructional video Justin .... you always stick to the subject without using the video as an excuse to show off your playing abilities. this is the most indepth "LOOPER" video on KZbin, that I have found. I purchased a Peavey Vyper with a looper. 2 years ago could not any thorough instructions. Thanks "Bro"

[@MurtyCZ]

WORKS!! I had a looper collecting dust for about a year cause I could never get it right! But thanks to your instructions the loops are nice and smooth!

[@dingoswamphead]

Your advice about hitting the pedal in the 1 to both start and stop has finally got me making coherent loops. Thanks Justin.

[@pmus80]

Absolutely the best and clearet review on this pedal. Well done.

[@jamesfrancisco3068]

Loved the info in the video, but I have to say that I could have listened to your jazz performance and the last one (atmosphere?) all day long. You've a great talent, Justin!

[@chrislovell9677]

I have learned so much from your videos. I am a singer songwriter that was able to become so by watching your videos. I can’t thank you enough. I think you and Paul David’s should jam. I am sure that the finished product would be mesmerizing.

[@ifreyre2407]

Dude! thank you!! will not longer keep asking my band to bring another guitarist! haha I've had to much problems with timing trying to figure this stuff my self. Thanks so much for this.

[@stevecresswell9099]

As a novice looper, this was just the video I needed. Hadn't grasped that you start AND end the loop on beat one. Doh!

[@antbyrnab]

Thanks Justin. That is the most informative video on KZbin to show someone who has just bought a looper the basics of using it. Especially like your tip to start playing first before recording your loop..👍

[@rimboltjaxt5603]

The looper is one of my favorite pedals. I play an open jam night at the Stacked Pickle and the looper gives me so much more depth and options. I invested in the DigiTech JML2 JamMan which has an SD card that will store 16 hours of sound in 99 slots, which is way more than you will ever use. But having stereo quality backing tracks and the ability to call them up at will is brilliant. Even for practicing, you will have so much more fun when playing to a song than just noodling around.

[@Brett.Williams365]

O my goodness. What an amazing lesson. This lesson proves to me that learning can be so much fun. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@marijnvanlingen8678]

Omg THANK YOU for this video. Totally inspired to get a Ditto now and try again after my failed attempts with a Boss RC1.

[@davidbachy5627]

Fantastic presentation and amazing playing!

[@volpe109]

Great vid Justin. I too have the Ditto X2. One thing I'd add to your tips is, when singing a song with multiple similar verses/chorus' if you want to loop for a lead, to start the loop on the chord before the verse/chorus so you have time to get in place for the lead. Example: Desperadoes Waiting For a Train, start the loop on the A to A7 chord. Then you have time to start your lead on the next chord (D).

[@edgarlee2802]

I bought a Akai E2 Headrush loop pedal years ago after seeing Kt Tunstall us one on This Morning. I'll have to blow the dust of it and give it another go. Thanks for this.

[@sanjaygahlot]

thanks a lot justin !! i bought ditto X 2 in 2017 itself but hardly experimented with it and then tried after a gap and felt miserable about my pathetic performance.Me and my son have learnt so much from your lessons so i decided to rely on my old friend justin’s lessons once again and here i m, Re- motivated to retry ,this time totally step by step. Thanks for being there 😊👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@1114gabby]

Very helpful. I have the basic ditto. Great practice tool! I have to see if the one switch does the erase. I always ended up doing a redo!

[@alexmurphy5289]

DigiTech solo XT, yes it CAN be complicated but it also can be very simple. For years I didn't truly understand how to use it until I fiddled with it for about two hours and it's changed my practicing forever. I slow down songs to my own tempo and play along, I create my own jams, upload backing tracks and save my solos over them, then easily delete my overdubs if they suck (which is most the time). Truly an indispensable practice tool and all for basically $130...Oh and autorecord is an option too! So no need to worry about tapping that pedal on time

[@mikea5490]

watching this at 4.30am.... got out of bed to try it out...... result major bollocking from the Missus buuut laid down some good stuff to play to later, cheers Justin, class instruction

[@Marcus441955]

Man, am I happy I came across your site. Going to go check out your lessons and bring my abilities up. you're a good presenter and teacher.

[@teymurakhundov1006]

Amazing video, man! So many great tips!

[@alanbedding3898]

great video Justin. I've just purchased a looper and after watching this video I cant wait to get started. Thanks again

[@Stonefieldmedia]

Thanks for this Justin. I have a looper and was having a bit of trouble getting the timing right. This helped quite a bit. Cheers!

[@703BAM]

Great Video - I especially like the jazz ditty at 14:25 you introduced into the looper. Can you please do a video on just what you did during that loop??? Or maybe point me to where I might find the tab please. Thanks for all your help.

[@justinguitar]

703BAM walking bass? there's some lessons on that in the jazz section. Not got into jazz lead lessons yet cos I still need to work on it myself!

[@Cardsharkchris]

Thanks for this Justin, you really helped me get some use out of my loop pedal. I've been wanting to use it for ages but really struggled to get anywhere with it. These tips really helped me have fun and make some music.

[@JailhousePhilly]

I've just got my looper out again and revisited this video. I'd forgotten about that awesome haunting jam at 16:00

[@georgegoodroe]

Great Video Justin, Thanks for taking the time...very informative!

[@Tombo1230]

Thanks for this Justin. Had decided to buy this very looper and now you have taught me how to use it. Great video!

[@daviddunn747]

Awesome but reference to your comments at 12:10 -12:20 } how would you do that w/ a combo amp with built in presets? Not using effects pedals

[@quirtdrozario9983]

Thank you for that. Today is the first time I ever even heard of a Looper pedal. Don't hardly know much about these sort of pedals and stuff. Must have a look in our local music shops see if I can get one. I guess I'm REALLY behind the times. Thanks again for your demo.

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

Hi Justin - just got my Ditto x2, all I needed to get started was your video lesson. That thing is a blast! Thanks for your tips!!

[@thecitysurfer]

Inspirational vibe going on here Justin. Marvelous.

[@justinguitar]

thecitysurfer Cheers! glad you dig it.

[@northof50now]

I have 5 or 6 pedals. Just picked up the Ditto. It should have been my first pedal. Should be everybody's first pedal if you are learning guitar. Great fun. Great video. With this video, I picked up the "how to" immediately. As always, thanks Justin.

[@terryjohinke8065]

Oh how times have changed Great for writing and playing at home. When I was a semi-pro , we did it live. BTW I've always liked your playing and teaching. Terry from OZ.

[@guitarado]

I just bought DITTO X4, thankyou for this tutorial. It is not easy to start without a clue with the looping. Now I am at the thrashold of my looping door. ;)

[@kuromochi]

Thanks for a very nice video, the best one I've seen. The one good thing about sitting down and using the pedal is you can easily rest your foot on the pedal ready to press. The most difficult thing I found in operating the pedal is that first press, but like Justin says it's practice My Boss RC3 can start automatically and makes it super easy but I think it's best to master the technique. One thing I don't like about it is when if you mess up the first phase you have to bend down and delete it / move on to the next, which is a pain. It would be nice to have that in the pedal or maybe I've missed something.

[@painnutplay9]

10:52 Amazed himself while thinking ,Sounds f***ing amazing!" Indeed.

[@bishalthapa5815]

My dear brother, 19:19 was worth watching.!! Haha.. Thanks a lot for the lesson. I found it so useful. Hope my fingers will now run overs my guitar.. May God bless us all.! Regards from Nepal.🙏🏼

[@matthewbolduc2714]

Excellent simple information in this great lesson. Right to the point and useful info all.

[@jasoncarpenter7108]

I just bought the Ditto Looper. Its simple and gets the job done.

[@downhill240]

Justin, you're one of the best on KZbin! You once did a video on how to pick your first Electric Guitar and I did purchase one you suggested and I've never been disappointed! I've yeet to get a Looper but I'm thinking it's about time.

[@saxonbonneville7431]

Excellent - Now I will get me a Looper. I like from 16:00 best.

[@MrFantaburk]

+Saxon Bonneville I have real problems just free handing like that -

[@johna9904]

69 ES Gibson, nice. I am waiting for a 2008 to arrive on tues. looking forward to it. my only other guitar is a Martin Spd 16r that was one of roy clarks guitars, I purchased years ago from his nephew.(eye roll). I can't wait to try the es 335.. I also bought a Laney 5w amp. my first and only electric acoustic was an ovation back in high school. this last year being locked down has opened up a new love for guitar. your videos are really informative and enjoyable. the other guy I watch is Paul davids but he always reminds me of the most interesting man commercial and it gets in the way of the learning. your style is straightforward and enjoyable. thanks!

[@klatix100]

5:40 Just call it prog and all of a sudden its not a mistake, but a cool time signature

[@notebender4]

Thanks for this Justin... I just got a loop station a month or so ago and got immediately frustrated because of the timing thing... This should help quite a bit

[@gofres]

I've had an Ammoon stereo looper for about 6 months now. Amazing pedal for the money and about 1/3 of the cost of big brands. I had the same issue of getting a smooth loop. Found it much easier and more accurate playing to a click track or using a drum app to get that first track down. Then check your loop follows the click after say 4 - 8 loops. Getting that first track to the click makes everything else MUCH easier.

[@Wandering_4ever]

I've messed around with my friend's looper ,but never really got the hang out of, now I Know why , Thanks for the advice ....

[@darkstar941]

that lick at 1:20 is awesome

[@GPM116]

I have the ditto2 like yours. It REALLY helped me with scales over chords to start..then moved to blues improv then layered some fills and even took it further with a vocal loop and added some backfill percussions. Best learning tool ever..my daughter bought it 4 me. Got about 35 progressions started that I feel i can further into full blown songs. Great vid ...must have pedal to help groove playing with other musicians. Even soloed my Sax over some stuff...next step ... Mini recording studio. Thanks Justin

[@robertscott7625]

I could not agree with that statement more if I wanted to, I've had several looper pedals, and through a friend of mine I got rid of them via ebay! But on seeing this video of someone who knows what to do, it's got me going again

[@hovlandbound]

Thanks for your help. I can't believe how inexpensive they are. I just stumbled on a video with a guy using one so I looked it up and they are not all that expensive. Should work great with the cigar box guitar I just made. :) Thanks again Justin, I have seen many of your videos for years.

[@andyking527]

Hi I’m blind is the best demonstration I’ve ever had I could now use my little pedal thanks to you

[@pamdeleo6257]

Justin, you make the best instructional videos...and this one is no different. I recently purchased a new Ditto Looper X2 and viewed many different videos on this product (including the manufacturer's), but, comparatively, yours was so easy to understand. Thanks as, as always, for what you do.

[@zucozampa]

That is exactly the video i nedded about loopers. Great teaching and playing!

[@tomriccobono674]

WANTED TO SAY thanks. I am professional entertainer musician in New YORK CITY. I JUST GOT MY RC1 FROM A FRIEND. OF THE DOZEN VIDEO'S I HAVE WATCHED. YOURS DID THE TRICK AND THE ONLY ONE THAT ADDRESSES THE TIMING ASPECT OF IN AND OUT. I'VE BEEN STRUGGLING ALL NIGHT AND NOW I'M NOT. SIMPLE NOW THAT I SAW YOU VIDEO.

[@freeelectron8261]

Justin is such a nice guy, a great guitar player and teacher! Stating the bloomin' obvious really :)

[@krishnagurung5434]

Use of a looper explained so well with practical examples.Thank you,Justin.

[@professorchill7392]

The hype is true: you're a good teacher. This vid covered all my questions and then some. Off to use my new looper! Thanks again.

[@hchfhfhfh]

Very helpful, other videos I've watched didn't break it down or explain it very well, thanks man now I can enjoy my looper right!

[@ronlight7013]

Great lesson! You cover a lot of territory. I just bought a looper a couple of weeks ago but felt a bit apprehensive about technique, so thank you so much. I love your examples of different styles of music for looping - from blues to ambient - and can't wait to get started myself!

[@kennethochoa7550]

i like that word apprehensive it best expressives how i feel with most of my self learning i think i'll use that word thanks

[@outstandingiron7775]

the last bit got me emotional man! wow..

[@MJ-fh8tj]

Thanks Justin, very informative & a gentleman as usual

[@verutumnorton4662]

Thanks Justin. That cleared up a few important things that I was getting wrong!

[@andybenstead7240]

A superb video ,i have just bought an octavia loop pedal ,and found this video so i have clicked the subscribe feature

[@parisaa.k8114]

If he was making these melodies as he goes along, even if he came up with them himself before. Wow! They are so nice!

[@Enginecap76]

Well explained Justin...I have a ditto 2. My problem is always adding the drum track which I play on body of guitar.

[@jxbusic]

Super stuff. Thanks Justin.

[@stephengolby7660]

Lovely video. Helped a lot Many thanks from Yorkshire 🎸