Loopers

A looper is a guitar effect that records and plays back musical phrases in real time, allowing players to layer multiple parts on top of each other. By capturing riffs, chord progressions, or melodies and looping them continuously, loopers enable a single guitarist to create full, multi-part arrangements without additional musicians. Loopers can range from simple one-button pedals to advanced multi-track units with extensive control options.

Most looper pedals offer basic functions like record, play, overdub, stop, and clear, with loop lengths determined either freely or by set time limits. More advanced loopers include features such as multiple loop tracks, quantization, undo and redo, reverse playback, and memory storage for saving loops. Some models also support stereo operation, MIDI sync, and integration with drum machines or DAWs, making them powerful tools for both live performance and songwriting.

Guitarists use loopers for practice, composition, solo performance, and sound design across genres including rock, ambient, pop, jazz, and experimental music. They are especially valuable for developing timing, harmony, and improvisation skills, as well as for building dynamic live sets. Whether used as a creative sketchpad or a core performance tool, loopers offer a unique way to expand what a single guitarist can do in real time.