I use a Boss RC-300 in "full band" mode. I have a POG octave pedal, microKorg xl keyboard, and a Boss drum machine all hooked up (and guitar, of course) through a 8-channel mixer and into the looper. I can (and do) build up songs with drum machine and bass and then put guitar and anything else on top of that. This looper also has three channels so I will have a verse, bridge, and chorus, for instance. Now, recording all that live can get pretty tedious for the audience. So I usually have songs saved (like a partial backing track) with just bass and drums (for instance) and then live loop over those. I also use a harmonizer for vocals, so when I get going it is hard to tell it is not a full band. I will usually build at least one entire song live to demonstrate what I am doing (explaining to the audience while doing this). I don't do this for every song, but when I do it usually gets an "oh wow!" response.
Stop button replay: i hated the double press, so i bought RC500. Later i discovered a hint on doublepress: The first press needs to be on 1/8 maesure and the second on the measure. You stay in the rhythm in your head and continue. I thought that you have to press the button very quickly in order for the loop to stop, however, the "pause" between the two presses can be a little longer, so that they can be performed in rhythm. I hope someone gets it :D
Loop pedals are great- it adds a lot to a solo gig and it is great to see patrons turn and look at you like "what is going on there?" Advice I can give is try not to overuse- after awhile it can be a bit repetitive- choose certain songs NOT every song :) And also, don't take too long to set up the song. If the song is only a few minutes long but it takes you 5 minutes to record the tracks, folks will get tired of that as well. Other than that- loop away because it is fun!
Wilson cracked me up !! great video Frank, I ve had a pedal for 2 yrs couldn't figure it out and it went into the box, I look forward to to trying this out thanks a million
My fantasy is to loop Horse with No Name guitar strum and then vocally loop the 800 La La La Las and then make a pot of coffee on stage with the songs plays!
Venues are resistant to artist using loopers . My rc-20 is named Lou Purr . I use the rc-20 to mix vocal mic and multi-fx pedal into my Amp. If I ask an owner if it's cool to use my Looper they NEVER respond favorably . I'm certain they think I probably have Led Zeppelin preloaded . I never get pushback on using a delay though . I purchased the pedal to play multiple instruments live . It doesn't seem to be in the cards 🎴
you can get a mxr footswitch(40$?) to allowyou to one click stop the boss rc1 , no need put out the bucks for a boss 5 unless you want the other features
Awesome. check out my playlist on “looping”. I have a few others and some song tutorials that implement looping as well. And there will be more to come. Cheers!
It was very well explained on how to use a looper. I bought a looper a while back and now thanks to you I'll be able to use it correctly! Thanks Frank keep it up.
@15:50ish : Love your voice when you sing!!!! 🙏🏼 I learned via capoeira angola that we all have a voice; it matters that you use it! It sounds divine I have become an instant fan to your Authenticity.. Thanks so much for this vid, superb!!!
Another aspiring solo acoustic guitar player/singer who has stumbled upon your channel. Great content, thanks for taking the time to produce these Frank. I have liked and subscribed. And another request to discuss set lists/song choices if you have the time! Thanks again Travis in Australia
I have a fishman mic in my acoustic. Sometimes on a song like " The Captain" by Kasey Chambers I'll only add a 4 beat " shakers " to my Boss DC-30 looper. It really enhances my finger picking. On a song like " No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley, I'll add a short rhythm, lead, drum beat, shakers, and then sing into the guitar," No Woman No Cry", . That sings background thru out the whole song while I sing. It works for me ! Great video!
It does have some beats. Effects, mic input, and a second channel to loop. Say a chorus instead of a verse. I don't use any of those, so I'm not a good info source for those features, I do like that it has two over size pedals for loop and stop. Easy for me to find. With the fishman mic I layer4or 5 tracks live and sing into the guitar as a background vocal with a song by JJ Grey & Mofro called "Lochloosa". It goes over real well in Florida. I also use it for my sound check the same way, with a little ditty I make up, then go out in the audience and ask someone how they like that guy singing. Most people see me create those loops and are amazed!! And with my guitar skills I need all the help I can get!!!! And Dude; I really appreciate your CZcams videos , Thanks Man !
Totally agree with you on the stop button. Having said that, as a user of the Ditto X4 (and I'm guessing the Ditto is similar) the double-click timing to stop is particularly awful. I used one of those boss one-pedal loopers and it was much more manageable as long as you hit one click on the "4-and", and one on the "1" to get a precise stop. If I try that on the Ditto, I get one eight note of overdubbing :P. Having said that, I primarily use the RC600 these days, and 100% agree a dedicated stop button is much easier to manage in a performance, but there is probably a place for a performance-grade one-button looper if you're starting out. It's just probably not the Ditto :). Great video either way.
Nice video. I have a Boss RC-2, and the double tap is off-putting. But I found out that you can augment it with a Boss FS-5U foot switch (there is a FS connection on the side). It serves as instant one tap stop, and also press and hold erases the track. I do like auto start, where the loop begins recording with first note/chord played. Can leave on auto mode, and if you tap while already playing it just starts immediately. I was having some problems with mine starting/stopping when I wanted. I learned that good regular maintenance is to periodically open it up and give the switches a shot of CRC contact cleaner. I have not advanced to going more than one track deep as yet. I use my loop live on a lot of songs, in the following ways: (1) Capture a chord sequence to play under a guitar lead or riff - When the Sun Goes Down, Play Me, Color My World, Hotel California, Peaceful Easy Feeling (Don't tell Don); (2) lay down a bass riff that runs thru song - Stand By Me. I use these techniques live every time. I do have one permanently saved loop track that is a rain stick that sounds like surf. I use it on Knee Deep, Bubbles Up, and Hula Girl at Heart.
This discussion prompted me to explore going more than one loop deep. On Jimmy Buffet's "Tonight I Just Need my Guitar" I tried nesting up to 3 leads on top of the looped chords at the end of the song. Fun!
Love your videos! I have the Ditto and am using it for more types of songs, these days. I actually got it to work on bluegrass and fiddle tunes. I’ll say, switching from rhythm to lead was challenging, at first. Switching from rhythm to lead while tapping the looper, all while staying in time, added an additional layer of challenge. Lots of fun though!
Thanks so much. The looper willl definitely open you up to acquiring new skills as far as the multitasking aspect of it. It’s a great feeling though as you start to get it it down.
You are under rating yourself you are very proficient in what you do, you have inspired me greatly to try this. Very well done my friend great tutorial 10 star's
Hi Frank, just discovered your channel this afternoon. Amazing content and advice. Have subscribed. Thank you for sharing. Kia ora from Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 🤘🏼
At the beginning, I almost leave the video because I found you talk too much, but as soon as I stayed longer, yes it is very worth it. Thank you very much for sharing your excellent experience and knowledge. Cheers from Indonesia.
Bought a looper several years ago,it had no instructions, I used it a little and got frustrated. Thanks for the video to encourage me and tie the loose ends together.
Great video brother. I have a Ditto but am now going to have to get an X4! I appreciate your in-depth explanation of each process using different songs too! I see you've received a gazillion comments, but if you come across this one I'm interested to learn which harmonizer you chose. Thanks in advance and thanks for ALL your great lessons. You're very much appreciated!!! 🤘
Glad to help! I don’t use a harmonizer. I do plan on experimenting with more pedals at my gigs for the sake of sharing my experience with it here on the channel.
i have been fighting the looper mafia. i'm branded as the 'tradionalist' . but you are so similar to me, i have been reconsidering it, think i'm going to give it a whirl. thanks
This video pops up & im thinking "this guy looks familiar. Low & behold it's Frankie P from the OZP. Great to see you still doing your thing. Sending much love from OHB-Nick Rella
Hey Frank, I’ve commented on this video before, but I consider this one of your very best videos and there’s a couple more things I’d like to mention….. You made the comment, “Having to resort to using a backing track”…. I just wanted to say that I thought that was indeed very funny, especially to me because I’ve used backing tracks a lot in the past. But you will not get any hate comments from me Brother, because I appreciate the humor and totally agree with you, because you speak the truth. I play guitar and sing at my church. I play along with the piano player on all of the congregational songs, and I do solo special Southern Gospel songs on my own. I used to use backing tracks when I sang a solo without playing my guitar at all. I’d only play guitar with the piano player along with the congregation. All that has changed! I just got to the point that as a guitarist, I needed to be up there singing and playing my guitar, because I feel that my guitar is an extension of who I am, of my personality, and an equal way of expressing myself along with my voice. The two work together as one! I probably haven’t used a backing track in over three years and have no desire to. As I become more and more proficient on the guitar, that is all I want to use. I love this video so much because it has made me wake up and smell the coffee, that I need to be using my RC-500 that I bought so many years ago! Your video is an inspiration to me to utilize this valuable tool to take my performance, and my guitar “playing” to the next level where it should be! Thank you Frank! 😎👍🎸
I like how you said “the two work together as one”. So true as a solo acoustic act. That guitar and whatever you can coax out of it… dynamics… diff playing styles.. tones… etc all in combination with how you sing make each more powerful together (guit/voice) than they are separately
I've got a Digitech Trio+ which has a drum and bass accompaniment. Funny story is I brought it with me one week to something I do every week with other musicians. We didn't have a drummer that day. You can turn the bass or drum off if you don't want it. I turned off the bass. One of the things we did was a 4 chord jam. I started it with recording a strum live to be able to finger pick over it. For some reason I got off on my timing when I stopped it and I think I might have been a half beat off or enough to make a difference. Many complaints from the other musicians. We were streaming on Facebook so I couldn't stop and start over. So we had to play with this odd transition every 4 measures. It was a little embarrassing. I also have that little Ditto. Loopers are a very useful tool.
Brother Frank, thank you for taking the time. Very selfless and generous of you. I don’t do much looping myself but I’ve always been intrigued and I found this really helpful and informative. Seal- (the recording artist known as) ✌🏾&💜
Frank, as a fellow New Yorker and guitar player I have been enjoying your content. I use a Boss RC-1 for home practice. I will loop a basic chord progression and will practice improvising over it. This video has inspired me to try playing songs with the looper. I would love to see a lesson on how you played some of the songs in this video. I got the progressions but the second layer will take some practice. Again, love the channel and all the best!
The D minor groove you played reminded me of Jolene which is such a fantastic song by Dolly. I only wish I could pull that off. I really appreciate the knowledge you share.
I remember a long time ago hearing about a unit called the boomerang. And I wanted to get one and use that with my band that I had at the time. Just never got the chance. Fast-forward now I have a helix. It has a looper in it, I haven’t really taken the time to master it. But it’s in the back of my mind to do so. After your video here, I’m very inspired to try some of your suggestions. Thank you very much for such a great video and something that most people I’ve even thought of doing or showing on CZcams!
I'm not a newcomer to looping. From 1990 through the end of the century, I did a live synth loop act. When I started, of course, there was pretty much no such thing as a modern looper or pedal, although there were a few DDL (digital delay lines as they were then known) devices that could be 'extended' with extra RAM. My initial DDL, a Digitech Time Machine, had a whopping 7.6 seconds of delay time -- and the only 'advanced' feature was a button that would lock the contents of the delay loop indefinitely. Mostly I used synths but also would pick up a guitar, bass, or percussion to 'accompany' myself. I can't say I've been overly impressed with the looper scene in the last quarter century, frankly. With the exception of Emily Wells, anyhow. She's got looper soul.
Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome. I have a Lekato Loop Stage, Still Learning, but find then 'Circle of lights' very using for my Timing. Also have an RC1 but my Boss Board is not set up. But similarly I like the RC1 loop flow 'circle' to know where I am in the Loop. Great Video. All the Best. Cheers
My man this is an incredibly helpful video…thanks for posting! I use my looper at gigs mainly to add solos or noodle over a progression a bit (I have a vid on my page) Hadn’t thought about stacking as you showed on free falling. Thanks for the inspiration 👍🏻
I have a looper on a Boss GT-1. I haven't had a lot of luck with it cause what you said about the double tap. It's too much while you're already doing enough. I'll check out the ones you recommend. I can see how they can open up new possibilities Maybe use one with a mic?
Great video. I’ve been doing solo acoustic gigs for a while, and am in a bit of a rut. Been on the fence about a looper. I’m intimidated w/how to handle bridge/chorus and time building the song on stage. This might help me get off the fence.
I would love to do that one. That would need to be illustrated differently depending on what loop pedal you had and the feature set of that pedal. There’s many ways to go about it and it’s very dependent on the song structure itself and how you can utilize the features of your loop pedal to do it. Many ways to skin this cat! Lol
Thanks! You’ve inspired me to add this into my playing and gigs! As for a good beat during your solo performances, I use a Roland SPD-One. Check that out! Works great.
Yes, one gets stuck in a rut so I totally agree that it can be indispensable. Loving your channel. Have the Boss RC-1 looper with the square foot pad that I Iike -albeit abit pricey, the Donner Triple Looper with a temperamental click switch, the Loopy Pro (software) for the iPad that is sound triggered and just yesterday purchased the Sonic Cake looper. A looper for every amplifier room in the house, I guess. Great to play back what you think may or may not be great. Learning and enjoyment. Thank you for the great review.
As a solo acoustic guitarist I use techniques learned from Classical Guitar arrangements, Bass, Melody and Harmony replacing strummed chords with arpeggios, plucked triads and harmonized melody lines. My entire career as a rock guitarist I was plauged by the inability to coordinate cueing effects with my feet. It distracts me losing balance almost falling over playing a wah-wah solo. Same thing happens to me with touch screen devices. buttons don't work when pushed poorly you have to do it perfectly the first time. So I give up on devices cueing my effects. I only play acoustic guitar as purely as possible with nothing to add more to the arrangement. My fake orchestra and choir prefer it that way.
Dude, its convicting listening to this video. I own an x4 and it lived on my pedal board for at least half a year but i never used it.... I need to woodshed with it seriously. Oh and I'm stealing your songs.
Hahaha steal away. Lol … that’s why I’m here. I did the same thing with the loop pedal. Stick around because I will share more ideas that use the loop pedal.
thank you, i have seen others use one live from superstar with elaborate live devices and set ups, as well as various level artists on tiktok or susch and your video, seemed to deliver exactly what u intended in my oppinion and also what i needed to see, came thru for me in your down to earth aproach and you also shared some viewpoints on a few peddles and that what very helpful too. Cool info
Great video Frank. Ive had the same Pedal {x4 ) for some years now . Notice you didn't cover the 2nd loop channel you have there on the x4. Worth pointing out that as it offers the opportunity to vary loop lengths on each channel if you get my drift
I tried a few times with a loop pedal, but just couldn't get the end loop timing spot on, that millisecond miss would sound too much for me. So I had the brilliant idea (!) to buy a Digitech Trio Plus. If you don't know it, you basically play your guitar part into the pedal and the pedal 'learns' what you played and plays back what you played as a drum and bass accompaniment, you can then play your actual guitar loop (and overdubs) in, which for me is easier as you can time yourself with the bass and drums. I don't think it's usable as a live pedal though as the drum and bass sounds are a bit cheesy and unless you prepare drum and bass tracks beforehand it would be rather fiddly and dull for a live performance. It's other problem is that it is best suited to simpler three and four chord songs as the pedal does struggle with anything more complex. It is possible to use different memory slots to record separate verse, chorus, middle eight sections and then sequence them to play in order, but by the time you've done all that you might as well prepare a backing track in a DAW and use that. It's a pretty clever device and if it had a midi out so that you could use some different drum and bass sounds from other sources it would be so much better. It is handy as a practice/jamming tool though, which I expect is it's main purpose.
Thanks Frank. Thanks for keeping it a beginners look at something sorta intimidating to an older guy trying new things.
I get it. But try not to be Intimidated. You are just playing with a new toy:)
I use a Boss RC-300 in "full band" mode. I have a POG octave pedal, microKorg xl keyboard, and a Boss drum machine all hooked up (and guitar, of course) through a 8-channel mixer and into the looper. I can (and do) build up songs with drum machine and bass and then put guitar and anything else on top of that. This looper also has three channels so I will have a verse, bridge, and chorus, for instance. Now, recording all that live can get pretty tedious for the audience. So I usually have songs saved (like a partial backing track) with just bass and drums (for instance) and then live loop over those. I also use a harmonizer for vocals, so when I get going it is hard to tell it is not a full band. I will usually build at least one entire song live to demonstrate what I am doing (explaining to the audience while doing this). I don't do this for every song, but when I do it usually gets an "oh wow!" response.
Nice set up. I admire your commitment to setting that all up for a gig. Would love to hear it! U have links?!?
Stop button replay: i hated the double press, so i bought RC500.
Later i discovered a hint on doublepress: The first press needs to be on 1/8 maesure and the second on the measure. You stay in the rhythm in your head and continue.
I thought that you have to press the button very quickly in order for the loop to stop, however, the "pause" between the two presses can be a little longer, so that they can be performed in rhythm.
I hope someone gets it :D
Mate my rc 30 I changed to single press, you can change them all to single press . Don't norm say In instructions, just Google how to :-)
I’ve just gotten into the boss rc 505 about a year ago and I’m absolutely stunned I’m so late to the party ! 🎉 🎊 🥳😎
That is true. Still not as convenient as a stop button but much easier once you get used to this
Loop pedals are great- it adds a lot to a solo gig and it is great to see patrons turn and look at you like "what is going on there?" Advice I can give is try not to overuse- after awhile it can be a bit repetitive- choose certain songs NOT every song :) And also, don't take too long to set up the song. If the song is only a few minutes long but it takes you 5 minutes to record the tracks, folks will get tired of that as well. Other than that- loop away because it is fun!
Excellent advice. Thanks for sharing with us all
Loopers are great for song writing too 👍
Very true indeed!
Just found this lesson. Great looping lesson, can’t wait to try it
Awesome … thanks for the comment
Wilson cracked me up !! great video Frank, I ve had a pedal for 2 yrs couldn't figure it out and it went into the box, I look forward to to trying this out thanks a million
Cool! I hope you enjoy using it. Thanks for kind words
Great video as always and the best guitarist I know out there. I got to pick up a loop pedal.
Thanks man! Let us know what pedal you decide to go with ;)
I got a Mooer X2 for Christmas, it has the stop button.
I like the TC Ditto + which I also have, it will save 99 loops if you wish to save a loop.
Oh nice. Congrats. Hope you make some killer music with it!
My fantasy is to loop Horse with No Name guitar strum and then vocally loop the 800 La La La Las and then make a pot of coffee on stage with the songs plays!
That’s hysterical. You definitely could do that with that song
That was literally the first song I looped for that reason ;). Sans the coffee.
Comment of the year!!! 👍😃
The best comment on the internet today. 🤣👍
Venues are resistant to artist using loopers . My rc-20 is named Lou Purr . I use the rc-20 to mix vocal mic and multi-fx pedal into my Amp. If I ask an owner if it's cool to use my Looper they NEVER respond favorably . I'm certain they think I probably have Led Zeppelin preloaded . I never get pushback on using a delay though . I purchased the pedal to play multiple instruments live . It doesn't seem to be in the cards 🎴
Inspiring, thanks…putting this down now to go and plug in a looper….
Rock on!🤘
you can get a mxr footswitch(40$?) to allowyou to one click stop the boss rc1 , no need put out the bucks for a boss 5 unless you want the other features
I did this with the boss rc1 and boss fs-5u. It's definitely much better than double click stopping.
That’s a good idea.
First looper video I've watched, I'm hooked on looping
Awesome. check out my playlist on “looping”. I have a few others and some song tutorials that implement looping as well. And there will be more to come. Cheers!
It was very well explained on how to use a looper. I bought a looper a while back and now thanks to you I'll be able to use it correctly! Thanks Frank keep it up.
I appreciate the supportive comment.
Excellent! Thanks 👍🏽
You are very welcome
You HAVE inspired me :) Thanks for posting, and subscribed for sure.
Awesome! Thank you!
Dude you're crushing it
Setlists next please?
Absolutely .. I’m workin on it. Thanks so much
You've inspired me to break out my Trio and start learning it - thanks!
Rock on! That’s what I love to hear!!
That was great! Thank you for the lesson
My pleasure. Thanks for the comment
@15:50ish :
Love your voice when you sing!!!! 🙏🏼 I learned via capoeira angola that we all have a voice; it matters that you use it! It sounds divine I have become an instant fan to your
Authenticity..
Thanks so much for this vid, superb!!!
Thanks so much. Glad to have u as a fan!
You’ve inspired me ❤
Love to hear it!
Another aspiring solo acoustic guitar player/singer who has stumbled upon your channel. Great content, thanks for taking the time to produce these Frank. I have liked and subscribed. And another request to discuss set lists/song choices if you have the time!
Thanks again
Travis in Australia
Thanks for subscribing and I will certainly be making vids that will have more song pics and set lists
I have a fishman mic in my acoustic. Sometimes on a song like " The Captain" by Kasey Chambers I'll only add a 4 beat " shakers " to my Boss DC-30 looper. It really enhances my finger picking. On a song like " No Woman No Cry" by Bob Marley, I'll add a short rhythm, lead, drum beat, shakers, and then sing into the guitar," No Woman No Cry", . That sings background thru out the whole song while I sing. It works for me ! Great video!
Does the dc30 have built in drum patterns or is it a mic Input? Thats interesting
It does have some beats. Effects, mic input, and a second channel to loop. Say a chorus instead of a verse. I don't use any of those, so I'm not a good info source for those features, I do like that it has two over size pedals for loop and stop. Easy for me to find.
With the fishman mic I layer4or 5 tracks live and sing into the guitar as a background vocal with a song by JJ Grey & Mofro called "Lochloosa". It goes over real well in Florida.
I also use it for my sound check the same way, with a little ditty I make up, then go out in the audience and ask someone how they like that guy singing. Most people see me create those loops and are amazed!! And with my guitar skills I need all the help I can get!!!! And Dude; I really appreciate your CZcams videos , Thanks Man !
As a "fellow troubador", I've also been reticent in the use of my looper. Going to revisit and will name mine " George." Thanks. 😅😊
Ahhaha George
thanks im 69 and still live on the road at home ok with the looper bt your modest aproch helps me to take a go all the best
Great to hear! And thanks for commenting
Totally agree with you on the stop button. Having said that, as a user of the Ditto X4 (and I'm guessing the Ditto is similar) the double-click timing to stop is particularly awful. I used one of those boss one-pedal loopers and it was much more manageable as long as you hit one click on the "4-and", and one on the "1" to get a precise stop. If I try that on the Ditto, I get one eight note of overdubbing :P.
Having said that, I primarily use the RC600 these days, and 100% agree a dedicated stop button is much easier to manage in a performance, but there is probably a place for a performance-grade one-button looper if you're starting out. It's just probably not the Ditto :). Great video either way.
Thanks for all the information. I (and I’m sure the rest of the community) appreciate it.
that. was. awesome! I have a Ditto2 and you've reinspired me with this vid! ❤️
I’m very pleased to hear that!! Go get em with that loop pedal! And thanks for the comment
Nice video. I have a Boss RC-2, and the double tap is off-putting. But I found out that you can augment it with a Boss FS-5U foot switch (there is a FS connection on the side). It serves as instant one tap stop, and also press and hold erases the track. I do like auto start, where the loop begins recording with first note/chord played. Can leave on auto mode, and if you tap while already playing it just starts immediately.
I was having some problems with mine starting/stopping when I wanted. I learned that good regular maintenance is to periodically open it up and give the switches a shot of CRC contact cleaner.
I have not advanced to going more than one track deep as yet. I use my loop live on a lot of songs, in the following ways: (1) Capture a chord sequence to play under a guitar lead or riff - When the Sun Goes Down, Play Me, Color My World, Hotel California, Peaceful Easy Feeling (Don't tell Don); (2) lay down a bass riff that runs thru song - Stand By Me. I use these techniques live every time. I do have one permanently saved loop track that is a rain stick that sounds like surf. I use it on Knee Deep, Bubbles Up, and Hula Girl at Heart.
Awesome. Thanks for sharing and taking the time to go in depth. It’s great for me as well as the other people in the community to learn
This discussion prompted me to explore going more than one loop deep. On Jimmy Buffet's "Tonight I Just Need my Guitar" I tried nesting up to 3 leads on top of the looped chords at the end of the song. Fun!
Very inspiring! You are like positive peer pressure helping me get out my toys. Thanks.
I'm so glad!
Thanks for sharing. I needed this lesson
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome insight brother! You earned a new sub and are now one of my acoustic channels to learn from
Welcome aboard! And thank you
Love your videos! I have the Ditto and am using it for more types of songs, these days. I actually got it to work on bluegrass and fiddle tunes. I’ll say, switching from rhythm to lead was challenging, at first. Switching from rhythm to lead while tapping the looper, all while staying in time, added an additional layer of challenge. Lots of fun though!
Thanks so much. The looper willl definitely open you up to acquiring new skills as far as the multitasking aspect of it. It’s a great feeling though as you start to get it it down.
This is great, Frank. Love your straightforward style. Gives me some good ideas. Cheers !
Great to hear! Thanks so much
You are under rating yourself you are very proficient in what you do, you have inspired me greatly to try this. Very well done my friend great tutorial 10 star's
Thanks so much. I appreciate the kind words of support.
Great point on the STOP button. I have a simple TC Electronic looper which is great for rehearsal but I am too wary of using it live.
I can understand why. I’ve been burned before lol
Hi Frank, just discovered your channel this afternoon. Amazing content and advice. Have subscribed. Thank you for sharing. Kia ora from Waiheke Island, New Zealand. 🤘🏼
Welcome aboard! So happy to have u… new zeal and huh?!? U fly fish?? lol
Excellent video Frank ! I like those build ups...very inspiring ! Im gonna find one these.
Right on
I relate to your initial looping experiences. Now I plan to try it again.
Definitely give it a try
Inspired,very informative,great to listen to,watch n learn, thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
At the beginning, I almost leave the video because I found you talk too much, but as soon as I stayed longer, yes it is very worth it. Thank you very much for sharing your excellent experience and knowledge. Cheers from Indonesia.
I understand. Glad you stuck around
Bought a looper several years ago,it had no instructions, I used it a little and got frustrated. Thanks for the video to encourage me and tie the loose ends together.
Very welcome!
Most imaginative and accessible intro to looping that I've seen. Excellent. Many thanks.
I appreciate it.
Man that sounds great
Thanks so much
Great video brother. I have a Ditto but am now going to have to get an X4! I appreciate your in-depth explanation of each process using different songs too! I see you've received a gazillion comments, but if you come across this one I'm interested to learn which harmonizer you chose. Thanks in advance and thanks for ALL your great lessons. You're very much appreciated!!! 🤘
Glad to help! I don’t use a harmonizer. I do plan on experimenting with more pedals at my gigs for the sake of sharing my experience with it here on the channel.
i have been fighting the looper mafia. i'm branded as the 'tradionalist' . but you are so similar to me, i have been reconsidering it, think i'm going to give it a whirl. thanks
Be careful. They will make you an offer you can’t refuse ;) lol good luck
This video pops up & im thinking "this guy looks familiar. Low & behold it's Frankie P from the OZP. Great to see you still doing your thing. Sending much love from OHB-Nick Rella
Hahaah hey what’s up man! Good to see u on here! Hope all is well
Thanks great tips 🇦🇺👍.. have a quick Milky Bar/beer..in loop time 😁
Sounds great!
Thanks, Frank! I am inspired! I have a ditto X2 and lost interest. Now I'm excited!😆
That’s great!! Best of luck to u
Hey Frank, I’ve commented on this video before, but I consider this one of your very best videos and there’s a couple more things I’d like to mention…..
You made the comment, “Having to resort to using a backing track”….
I just wanted to say that
I thought that was indeed very funny, especially to me because I’ve used backing tracks a lot in the past.
But you will not get any hate comments from me Brother, because I appreciate the humor and totally agree with you, because you speak the truth.
I play guitar and sing at my church. I play along with the piano player on all of the congregational songs, and I do solo special Southern Gospel songs on my own.
I used to use backing tracks when I sang a solo without playing my guitar at all. I’d only play guitar with the piano player along with the congregation. All that has changed!
I just got to the point that as a guitarist, I needed to be up there singing and playing my guitar, because I feel that my guitar is an extension of who I am, of my personality, and an equal way of expressing myself along with my voice. The two work together as one!
I probably haven’t used a backing track in over three years and have no desire to.
As I become more and more proficient on the guitar, that is all I want to use.
I love this video so much because it has made me wake up and smell the coffee, that I need to be using my RC-500 that I bought so many years ago!
Your video is an inspiration to me to utilize this valuable tool to take my performance, and my guitar “playing” to the next level where it should be!
Thank you Frank!
😎👍🎸
I like how you said “the two work together as one”. So true as a solo acoustic act. That guitar and whatever you can coax out of it… dynamics… diff playing styles.. tones… etc all in combination with how you sing make each more powerful together (guit/voice) than they are separately
Great video, id love to see a complete beginners video on looping.
Hi there. I did make one here is a link. czcams.com/video/LTs1v2UtMSE/video.htmlsi=1Mm_dLxmMi-KzJgW
I've got a Digitech Trio+ which has a drum and bass accompaniment. Funny story is I brought it with me one week to something I do every week with other musicians. We didn't have a drummer that day. You can turn the bass or drum off if you don't want it. I turned off the bass. One of the things we did was a 4 chord jam. I started it with recording a strum live to be able to finger pick over it. For some reason I got off on my timing when I stopped it and I think I might have been a half beat off or enough to make a difference. Many complaints from the other musicians. We were streaming on Facebook so I couldn't stop and start over. So we had to play with this odd transition every 4 measures. It was a little embarrassing.
I also have that little Ditto.
Loopers are a very useful tool.
I feel your pain. I have definitely had mishaps happen live with the loop pedal and it can be really embarrassing for sure.
Brother Frank, thank you for taking the time. Very selfless and generous of you. I don’t do much looping myself but I’ve always been intrigued and I found this really helpful and informative.
Seal- (the recording artist known as)
✌🏾&💜
What a nice comment. Thanks so much. Made my day
Thanks much Frank. You’re doing just fine
I appreciate that
Frank, as a fellow New Yorker and guitar player I have been enjoying your content.
I use a Boss RC-1 for home practice. I will loop a basic chord progression and will practice improvising over it.
This video has inspired me to try playing songs with the looper.
I would love to see a lesson on how you played some of the songs in this video.
I got the progressions but the second layer will take some practice.
Again, love the channel and all the best!
I will be making more vids showing my approach that should hopefully inspire some uses for ya! Thanks for the kind words
Thank you ~ as a b’ginna, Ima appreciatin & absorbin all the tips ! 🎉
So glad!
INSPIRED !
Thanks so much
Love the rc 500
Sweet. I may pick one up
I have the Fender Junior Go Amp so I bought the Fender loop peddle that goes with. I've not really used the amp yet much less the pedal.
Time to break it out and have some fun :)
The D minor groove you played reminded me of Jolene which is such a fantastic song by Dolly. I only wish I could pull that off. I really appreciate the knowledge you share.
Funny people always ask me to play Jolene and I always say I don’t know it. Maybe it’s time to work up a version of it
Thanks just what I needed. I've had one for the longest time but didn't use it. I will give it a try again. You have inspired me. :)
Wonderful! Go for it!
Thanks! You opened my mind and imagination. This video gave me the belief and confidence that I can and should use my ditto at new levels.
I appreciate the kind words best of luck to you
THANK YOU!!!
My pleasure
Is there anything similar where you can loop vocals on the fly Frank do you know of?
Great skills dude as well, you make it look too easy though ha ha
I’m sure there is but to be honest I’ve never looked into it. But you have got me thinkin now. You may have just cost me $$ Hahaah
yess thanks ,,for doing this ,,just got loooper thanks for help
Enjoy!
Brilliant
Thanks so much
Frank, so helpful to me, as yet a non-looper, but with your great demo, I'm going to try it out! Thanks!!!
Glad it was helpful!
I remember a long time ago hearing about a unit called the boomerang. And I wanted to get one and use that with my band that I had at the time. Just never got the chance. Fast-forward now I have a helix. It has a looper in it, I haven’t really taken the time to master it. But it’s in the back of my mind to do so. After your video here, I’m very inspired to try some of your suggestions. Thank you very much for such a great video and something that most people I’ve even thought of doing or showing on CZcams!
Glad you enjoyed the vid. Good luck w the helix!
Excellent! Thanks man.
No problem!
Great job, thanks for the info!
Glad it was helpful!
I'm not a newcomer to looping. From 1990 through the end of the century, I did a live synth loop act. When I started, of course, there was pretty much no such thing as a modern looper or pedal, although there were a few DDL (digital delay lines as they were then known) devices that could be 'extended' with extra RAM. My initial DDL, a Digitech Time Machine, had a whopping 7.6 seconds of delay time -- and the only 'advanced' feature was a button that would lock the contents of the delay loop indefinitely. Mostly I used synths but also would pick up a guitar, bass, or percussion to 'accompany' myself.
I can't say I've been overly impressed with the looper scene in the last quarter century, frankly. With the exception of Emily Wells, anyhow. She's got looper soul.
Thanks for sharing.
Very Cool, Thankyou. Awesome. I have a Lekato Loop Stage, Still Learning, but find then 'Circle of lights' very using for my Timing. Also have an RC1 but my Boss Board is not set up. But similarly I like the RC1 loop flow 'circle' to know where I am in the Loop. Great Video. All the Best. Cheers
Thanks so much.
My man this is an incredibly helpful video…thanks for posting! I use my looper at gigs mainly to add solos or noodle over a progression a bit (I have a vid on my page)
Hadn’t thought about stacking as you showed on free falling. Thanks for the inspiration 👍🏻
That’s great I’m glad u got some value out of it. I will check out your page!
Thank you for your amazing example
Glad you liked it!
I have a looper on a Boss GT-1. I haven't had a lot of luck with it cause what you said about the double tap. It's too much while you're already doing enough. I'll check out the ones you recommend. I can see how they can open up new possibilities Maybe use one with a mic?
Definitely easier with a dedicated stop button. As for mics I haven’t experimented yet with those into a looper
excellent video!
Thank you very much!
Wow , things are mix different than he old days . Thanks for demo !
Thanks for watching!
Great video. I’ve been doing solo acoustic gigs for a while, and am in a bit of a rut. Been on the fence about a looper. I’m intimidated w/how to handle bridge/chorus and time building the song on stage. This might help me get off the fence.
Go for it!
Excellent, excellent video! Thanks so much.👍
My pleasure
Thanks for your ideas! Super. I fave an X2 gathering dust.
Thanks so much. Time to dust it off and get loooping lol
You’ve inspired many thanks
You are so welcome!
This intro has been looping for days
Haahah im workin on it. Thanks for the constructive comment.
Would love to see a video in the same lines but for more traditional style songs where there are verses, chorus, and maybe even a bridge.
I would love to do that one. That would need to be illustrated differently depending on what loop pedal you had and the feature set of that pedal. There’s many ways to go about it and it’s very dependent on the song structure itself and how you can utilize the features of your loop pedal to do it. Many ways to skin this cat! Lol
Thanks! You’ve inspired me to add this into my playing and gigs! As for a good beat during your solo performances, I use a Roland SPD-One. Check that out! Works great.
The best thing I could hear is that my video inspired someone. Thanks for the comment and all the best to you
Yes, one gets stuck in a rut so I totally agree that it can be indispensable. Loving your channel.
Have the Boss RC-1 looper with the square foot pad that I Iike -albeit abit pricey, the Donner Triple Looper with a temperamental click switch, the Loopy Pro (software) for the iPad that is sound triggered and just yesterday purchased the Sonic Cake looper. A looper for every amplifier room in the house, I guess. Great to play back what you think may or may not be great. Learning and enjoyment. Thank you for the great review.
Thanks so much. Oh wow I’m not familiar with that set up. Sounds interesting
Great vid man. Sending onto my son... He's got the knack!
That is awesome! Let me know how he does
As a solo acoustic guitarist I use techniques learned from Classical Guitar arrangements, Bass, Melody and Harmony replacing strummed chords with arpeggios, plucked triads and harmonized melody lines. My entire career as a rock guitarist I was plauged by the inability to coordinate cueing effects with my feet. It distracts me losing balance almost falling over playing a wah-wah solo. Same thing happens to me with touch screen devices. buttons don't work when pushed poorly you have to do it perfectly the first time. So I give up on devices cueing my effects. I only play acoustic guitar as purely as possible with nothing to add more to the arrangement. My fake orchestra and choir prefer it that way.
That’s great . U must have great chops!
Dude, its convicting listening to this video. I own an x4 and it lived on my pedal board for at least half a year but i never used it.... I need to woodshed with it seriously. Oh and I'm stealing your songs.
Hahaha steal away. Lol … that’s why I’m here. I did the same thing with the loop pedal. Stick around because I will share more ideas that use the loop pedal.
Thanks for the video introduction.
Very good introduction.
Glad you liked it!
I needed this for some inspiration! Thanks man
Glad to hear it! Stay motivated :)
Cheers to you for doing the Mr Brightside riff on an acoustic!
Thanks cheers !
great video Sir,just what i needed,learned a lot, thank you,
My pleasure. More to come
thank you, i have seen others use one live from superstar with elaborate live devices and set ups, as well as various level artists on tiktok or susch and your video, seemed to deliver exactly what u intended in my oppinion and also what i needed to see, came thru for me in your down to earth aproach and you also shared some viewpoints on a few peddles and that what very helpful too. Cool info
Thanks so much. More vids to come:):)
Thanks for doing this! If you feel up to it, I’d love to see a lot more videos like this. Super helpful. 🙏
Sure thing!
Good Stuff!
Glad you enjoyed it
Very nice
Thanks so much
Great demo thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Great video Frank. Ive had the same Pedal {x4 ) for some years now . Notice you didn't cover the 2nd loop channel you have there on the x4. Worth pointing out that as it offers the opportunity to vary loop lengths on each channel if you get my drift
Good call!
I tried a few times with a loop pedal, but just couldn't get the end loop timing spot on, that millisecond miss would sound too much for me. So I had the brilliant idea (!) to buy a Digitech Trio Plus. If you don't know it, you basically play your guitar part into the pedal and the pedal 'learns' what you played and plays back what you played as a drum and bass accompaniment, you can then play your actual guitar loop (and overdubs) in, which for me is easier as you can time yourself with the bass and drums. I don't think it's usable as a live pedal though as the drum and bass sounds are a bit cheesy and unless you prepare drum and bass tracks beforehand it would be rather fiddly and dull for a live performance. It's other problem is that it is best suited to simpler three and four chord songs as the pedal does struggle with anything more complex. It is possible to use different memory slots to record separate verse, chorus, middle eight sections and then sequence them to play in order, but by the time you've done all that you might as well prepare a backing track in a DAW and use that. It's a pretty clever device and if it had a midi out so that you could use some different drum and bass sounds from other sources it would be so much better. It is handy as a practice/jamming tool though, which I expect is it's main purpose.
Oh wow. Definitely could be useful for composing I would imagine if for basic creativity. Thanks for sharing I will have to look into to that pedal
That was informative. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Very enlightening, thanks! Stupid question, but why was only Loop 1 ever used?
I’m wondering the same. Figured I’d comment here so I can see if anyone replies with an answer.
Only because it was a basic video and I didn’t wanna go too crazy adding multiple loops. But that will be coming ! Hahaah