Taming The Ditto Looper For Blues Guitar (Texas Blues Alley Guide)

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The Ditto Looper is a neat little toy that can drive you mad. It seems like an easy thing - just record a loop and solo over. But over the past few months I’ve discovered a few tips for getting better results from this little beast.

[@SuchaDoofus]

I've leaned from my mistakes, and I think I can repeat them exactly.....

[@TheStrataminor]

and your spelling too!!

[@johnepavek]

This video could also be titled “how to learn the rhythm guitarist is actually as talented as the lead player”. I’m a lead player and when recording rhythm guitar lines I’m reminded how much I rely on guitar 2 to make my leads work. I mean, everyone knows what Angus Young wears on stage, but when you try to sing the guitar line to Back In Black you hum Malcolm’s part!

[@EDCBushcraft]

John Pavek that’s exactly what I always say too. This whole thing with dedicated lead- and rhythm- guitarists is BS. I love to play lead, but a good rhythm is essential for a working solo. So I favor to play in bands where the two or even more guitars are a team and share all the work. Look at Maiden, no matter if it’s Dave Murray, Adrian Smith or Jannik Gers, they all can play perfect rhythm lines and they all have their own style of soloing!

[@SlickCat]

Great advice on using the ditto...thanks. Ha...us "lead" players forget how important a steady and sparse rhythm player helps the whole groove of the band. Everyone ooo's and ahhh's at the lead player, but a great rhythm player is "GOLD"

[@richardfredrick8838]

John Lennon and Keith Richards come to mind. Sometimes less is more. I once went to an open mic night at a local blues bar and there were four guitar players on stage all trying to solo at the same time. It was brutal. Try leaving your ego at the door and K.I.S.S. (keep it simple, stupid)

[@jillevers4710]

You are 100% correct, my friend. I sacrificed 30 years of my guitar playing life by playing rhythm guitar and BASS guitAr so many "lead" guitar players could do their thing. Frankly, I cared more for the OVERALL sound of the band than for being in the spotlight. I'm not too humble to say at least a half dozen guys/gals would not be playing guitar at all if I didn't give them a rhythm to play over (or against). Now I dusted off my start and at 59 y/o I'm getting my groove on. Many give me credit for getting them started. Some have come down with memory loss or rationalized that they didn't get help along the way. But I'm not bitter, hahaha!

[@joefritz5420]

This is the best video I've seen on utilizing the Ditto Looper. Using it for Blues is a bonus! Thanks for saving me a lot of time and frustration.

[@willj1365]

Thanks for this lesson Anthony, very straightforward and makes so much sense.

[@voodoosaloon]

Start with the end. I don't have a looper right now, but that tip helped with something I was doing using the GarageBand app on my iPad. I like how you explain things in your videos. I've been playing for 20+ years, and a few things I picked up from your videos have helped open up the entire fretboard for me. Just wanted to say thanks.

[@thepoofication]

Had most of these points on my mind already but I must say that this is a great straight forward and very well made lesson, there is no bullshit and the tips are very useful in this situation. Great job man! Cheers!

[@bradcarroll3719]

This is the only video I've seen that actually can put you correctly using a looper from not knowing anything about them. Thanks for the tips!

[@jasonstallworth]

Dude, thank you for breaking this down and also sharing 'what not to do' in this. I'm just getting into using a looper for my solo gigs so this really helped.

[@robertogrady2798]

Excellent explanation and demo. I’m relatively new to loop, and this video is the best lesson I’ve found. The quality of the lesson made me hit subscribe too... cheers 👍

[@stacygilliard5185]

What an AWESOME Teacher! He made it so simple to understand and follow. Great Job!

[@IFLYRC80]

Thank you so much for this video my man !... I just bought one of these ditto's and have been trying to figure out how to work it properly by watching other videos... This one video answered all of my questions and would be great for all types of music and not just The Blues...and hopefully anyone else new to looper's will find this video to help them progress in there music learning curve. Thanks again!

[@delbathemonster]

You look like a great guy, man. Cheers, and thank you for your demos, tricks and lessons. Keep on it.

[@Fullofpies]

Many thanks for the tips! You've got me having tons of fun with this thing from day one!

[@majorpentatonic2310]

Expecting my first looper next week, can't wait to give it a try with all your great tips !!!

[@MrFireblade67]

Very helpful. I have had a ditto looper for a few months. They, like all loop pedals need practice with time keeping in order to get smooth loops. Also the whole area of rhythm playing needs real discipline. I found my time keeping was pretty poor at first and my chords were too heavy. it has taught me the art of less is more when it comes to blues rhythm guitar. I often stick to a simple 12 bar shuffle or some very light 7 chords over the 1,4,5 progression works well for soloing over.I think they are an invaluable aid to improve all aspects of your playing.

[@69telecasterplayer]

Awesome and excellent instruction. Just ordered my first looper. Thanks

[@gcuevasjl]

Really appreciate this instructional video, I got the timing noticed first time I tried, the tip begin at the end and end at the beginning is very good, the idea of layers tops in nicely. Thanks !

[@frankiecalabro2617]

Anthony you’re my man! You do so much to improve others...I applaud your efforts!

[@thomaszajfman]

Exactly the video I was looking for. Thanks man !

[@AllenGarberGuitarFun]

Excellent points...I'm still trying to get used to using my single button Ditto and I definitely ran into many of the issues you did-not so much the "busy" rhythm aspect, but just about everything else! Thanks for this great tutorial!

[@kyzor-sosay6087]

Fantastic advice for the ditto,thanks for your time and the video.

[@edgardoparales2957]

Thank you Man your the only one who really makes sense for explaining how to use a looper

[@jeanpat8946]

Its absolultly great and a perfect lesson to undertanstand how to record track in any system !!!!

[@charlieisamonster]

Some very useful tips. Thanks. The looper looks like a great practice tool.

[@thechahal]

Great tip about using a metronome. I guess it may be obvious to a lot of people but I wasn't doing that . I've been using one since seeing your video and for me its made all the difference. Thanks for the tip!!

[@jillevers4710]

Yes! Agreed. We don't realize how much we lost our way until we put ourselves up against a metronome.

[@kidritalin1]

Wish I would have watched this before attempting to loop on my Ditto X2. I was so bad, considered selling my gear (not really). But, all he lays out here is spot on and not just for blues. Thank you Texas Blues Alley.

[@Rigz727]

Found that both interesting and helpful, thank you

[@rangerdavis4016]

Picked up a ditto last week. This video is extremely helpful. Thanks

[@rogersfolly]

Perfect timing! I just got my looper and was trying to come to terms with it. Really appreciate your lesson - it will save me heaps of time! Thanks Heaps!

[@l.243]

Thank you for the video and the tips you gave, they're very insightful.

[@billsedge7360]

I’m glad you explained the issues with your first loop which you then solo’d over coz I thought jeez it’s a mess,,, then you explained why , it was to demonstrate it was all to busy ,, excellent way of showing that ,,

[@davidmckenna5186]

The Ditto has helped my improvisation so much so glad I got it

[@nigelcrete3901]

love your video's Anthony. great lesson as always.

[@tsafanyoh]

Fantastic!! Thank you for the help with this pedal.

[@johnmcminn9455]

GREAT Demonstration ! Thanks for educating me .

[@keepitminty1990]

Solid. My first time trying to play a 12 bar progression with my looper was disastrous.

[@Texasbluesalley]

Ethan Coggeshall As was mine.

[@FranciscoGonzalez-zx8uc]

Great tips, very useful ! Thanks for the lesson !

[@battmanvonrichtoven]

Thank you I just got my looper and was having some issues this helps tremendously.

[@CJZM7777]

Thanks. Very clear and easy to understand advice.

[@eddiel1538]

Great lesson, I have learned a lot about looper, thank you very much.

[@brucegerrishmusic]

Great Instruction and Tips. Clear and concise! Thanks!

[@johnjmcmullen]

Ditto 1 is awesome and this is a great instructional video ... it should save a lot of headaches for users. Ditto 2 is fantastic. I have both and use them both equally as much. I have even worked some loops on the Ditto 1, then looped and copied them to Ditto 2 so I can save them and download copies to my computer (USB). Great tools ... and this is a very helpful video. TC Electronic makes some great pedals. I've never been disappointed with one yet.

[@marksmith8290]

Very good lesson - thanks so much for your time. I appreciate the detail. Waiting for my Ditto to arrive. Must be popular - on back order at a major retail chain

[@freedogbilly1947]

Helped thank for great ditto demo , loop on

[@timlilly]

Great video this. Adding it to favorites!

[@sebuteo]

Excellent and very useful/helpful video. Thanks for sharing

[@sebuteo]

Thanks for posting this. I'm thinking about getting a ditto looper. This was useful.

[@pete1759]

This was very helpful. Thanks!

[@daveyoung7523]

Wow. Really useful video! Thanks man!

[@edgardoparales2957]

Great Demo Thanks Again Man Very useful Demo in the Internet for Using a Ditto Looper

[@phillipsmith2980]

Top Lesson and Tips. Thank you!

[@wajang1000]

Excellent video. I think this might be one of your best yet. There are tons of videos demoing loopers but none showing you how to really use it from a practical point of view. This video fills that gap.

[@yourmomma6909]

Thanks Anthony great lesson as always

[@saepiumv3813]

Great video!! Thank you!! Can't wait to try this out :)

[@jorglaturner4276]

Thank you very much for this lesson! Now I understand the Ditto !👍🏾 Awesome tip for using a metronome!👍🏾and your other advice!!# Greetz from Germany!

[@Testacabeza]

Good show! Nice video.

[@francov9015]

Great explanation! Thanks man..

[@Macacos]

Great video!

[@96jaguar0]

I'v started working the Essential Fretboard system and I feel a groove comin" on!

[@richardfredrick8838]

The first time I played in a recording studio and listed to the (analog) playback I learned a very valuable lesson: the TAPE DOESN'T LIE! The same concept applies to using a looper. Think you're pretty good? The looper will make you humble. There are some very good tips on this video. I use my Ditto Looper to practice my jazz solo improvisation, sometimes just on a four bar turn-around. I've been known to improvise on the same simple loop for an hour. It doesn't have to be crazy and complicated. Sometimes I just strum two chords to the bar so that I can hear the changes and invent some new or alternative licks. It's not like you'll be saving the loop. It's just a practice tool.

[@eekamoose]

Excellent tips!

[@jnparesa]

Well done, thank you!

[@bretschwartz]

Thanks so much! That was really helpful.

[@2Niels]

Yup, sounds like the kind of mistakes I'm gonna be making - thanks for pointing them out before I make them! ;)

[@GuyNarnarian]

Very useful video especially the part on "starting at the end and finishing at the beginning". When I first tried sampling that pedal out I could not get things to loop seamlessy. I eventually started just blasting youtube backing tracks through a speaker and soloing over those. I never bought the ditto but I have the TC electronic flashback which has a crappy looper on it (especially if you want a little delay in your solo), and got a bit better at it, but it still never quite sounded perfectly. I was very frustrated because I am an intermediate player and never really had problems with my timing. This should help. I think over dubbing each part in different tones is a great idea as well and makes for a much better loop. If I get it right on my flashback maybe I won't have to blast youtube backing tracks anymore and buy a ditto! I'm moving from a house where I can play as loudly as I want, to an apartment building with a Blues junior, hoping I can play at a decent volume without disturbing the neighbors. I think having a looper will help if I don't have to blast backing tracks.

[@danpeabody5687]

Well done. Your video was helpful

[@giantessmaria]

Thanks great advice! Very basic, but i'm certain is exactly what many players need to hear!

[@kikobarros76]

Fantastic!!! helped me a lot! many thanks!!

[@bernardlitwin6978]

Thanks. I just tried the Ditto Looper today, and I got a pause at the end. I'll try what you say. Thanks

[@Rogjp]

Great video. Thanks!

[@austinmalone5197]

This loop is very reminiscent of the Eric Clapton and Howling Wolf collaboration. Great job on building an interesting loop!

[@GuyNarnarian]

This is harder than it seems, definitely takes some practice and attention to timing which a lot of home players forget about. I really like how he adds the layering. It takes some attention to detail to put together a perfect loop. The timing to make it loop perfectly can be tough.

[@andyrne]

Very good tutorial

[@jimharringtonsr.2793]

I am hoping to just learn to play rhythm guitar for fun, then fool around with lead. This was such a comprehensive lesson on that topic I almost forgot I was watching it to look into a looper, and which looper I would get. I am liking the Ditto more and more..

[@Stratcatblues]

Nice job Anthony.

[@Texasbluesalley]

Stratcatblues Thanks Stratcat.

[@davemiller1120]

great stuff, maybe I'll now be using my fairly new looper more. Starting with the end was the biggie for me, all good.

[@AnonymouseZillenial]

this is a great vid the ditto looper would be to hard for me to get a handle on but this will help improve my rythm

[@zacktheripper89]

Who the hell thumbs down this video?? Awesome instructional vid! Cheers guys :-D

[@blues62751]

I love my Ditto. I use it daily. 👍🎸

[@fagyu7502]

I like to record the rithym with muted strings first, to get the drum-like feeling of it, then add the layers one by one so I can reset them if I screw it up, but the basic rithym isn't gone, so I can repeat, and at the end get a great loop built up.

[@isaiah30v8]

I do the same, Stick a small rag under the strings near the nut. Lay guitar on lap and then slap out a rhythm with both hands. Yes the strings will actually hit some of the pick ups. Closest thing I can do to drums without drums. .

[@afterglow2020]

@@isaiah30v8 You might be interested in the Mooer Micro Drummer pedal. A drum machine inline with the rest of your pedals... easy way to get a beat (a variety of beats) into a looper.

[@vicvaughan997]

Great video. Do you know if there is an "undo" feature on that pedal to undo loops?

[@Ellio1862]

Interesting and informative.

[@nicholaswoolfenden5254]

Great way of discovering how bad my timing is! That's enough thanks. I think the loop was still too busy IMHO. But right principles.

[@Sniper3100]

Excellent!!!

[@garycrouse1918]

excellent

[@jesussavesrick]

Nice video. Do you remember what these pickups are?

[@edgardoparales2957]

Yessssssss thanks Man ill try that..

[@StryngsMagee]

In starting out, I find the hardest thing is just getting started. The first loops always sound bad and don't sync up end to beginning. Thanks for your tips, especially the one about playing the last part of the loop, then stomping at the loops beginning.

[@santiagolyon2699]

Thanks man!!

[@drivin69]

i like the tc delay has the option to loop also... it is hard to record and stop on any given measure because when it plays what you record there is a small pause... kinda a pain..

[@franzicosmos5966]

This pedal will be the first in my pedals board.(tomorrow) or maybe i need two of them?

[@tippydripbumskeetr1745]

im right here in this video - first looper, went big- dittox4,,,, and laying down some mello metal for rythms and blues for leads in a fuzz type genre - sounds great but my timing always has a gap - so now i know a bit how to work on this issue,,,thnx...

[@satellitesurfrockanthonyak5738]

Cool! Thank you

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I know this is an old video but thanks anyway. I'm getting ready to buy the same looper and it will be my first one so wish me luck...

[@davidmcnamara9453]

Good Luck Guy, mine just arrived in the mail today. After about 5 minutes, I knew it was time to Google a tutorial.

[@jamiegatt5370]

That Tone!!!!!

[@johnnycondor]

Best tutorial I've found for the Ditto, no matter what genre you're into. Thanks so much! I'm now confident that I can use this device to mix my loops in the most efficient way.

[@jpmacrez]

hey what s the name of that first track please ? thank you !!

[@jamesross8026]

That shirt game is on point.....

[@maxflinter6896]

Thanks for the great tips. Would be a fantastic upgrade if there was a built-in metronome in the Ditto...