The Ultimate Guide to the Top 5 Best Loop Pedals for Every Guitarist

Looking to get started with looping? Here are our top 5 loop pedals that will support your creativity at every level.

These loop pedals are durable, easy-to-use and full of features that will get you thinking outside of the box in no time.

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Looping: it’s not just a catchy word but a game-changing tool in a guitarist’s arsenal. 

If you’ve ever been amazed at a solo artist building an entire sonic landscape on stage with just their guitar, chances are they were using a loop pedal.

But what is it, and which ones should you consider if you’re diving into the world of loops? 

Buckle up, because we’re about to break it down for you.

A Quick Lesson on Loop Pedals

In its most basic form, a loop pedal captures a snippet of your playing and then plays it back in a continuous loop. 

Hit the pedal again, and you can add another layer on top. The result? You become your own backup band, layering rhythms, melodies, and harmonies in real-time. It’s a brilliant tool for solo performers, songwriters, or anyone who wants to experiment with sound.

Beyond that, it’s also an amazing tool for learning about songwriting, music theory, and melodies among many other musical principles. In short, a loop pedal can be a game changer for most guitarists.

Now, onto the main event – our top 5 picks for the best loop pedal:

Loop Pedals #1. BOSS RC-5 Loop Station

The BOSS RC series of loopers are staples in the looping community, and the RC-5 plays very much like a modernized version of its parent, the RC-1. 

Its no-nonsense design makes it a favourite for beginners and pros alike. 

Pros:

– Simple, user-friendly design.

– Up to 12 minutes of recording time.

– Stereo in/out for connection to other pedals.

With a clear loop indicator and up to 12 minutes of recording time, it’s perfect for anyone looking to start their looping journey. Whether you’re crafting complex arrangements or just need a simple backing track, the RC-5 has got you covered.

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Loop Pedals #2. TC Electronic Ditto Guitar Looper

If you’re short on pedalboard space but big on ambitions, the Ditto Looper might just be your best friend. 

Despite its tiny size, it packs a massive punch in terms of just how much you can do with it. The Ditto is incredibly intuitive, with a single knob for loop volume and a footswitch to control, well, everything else. 

Pros:

– Ultra-compact design.

– 5 minutes of loop time with unlimited overdubs.

– True bypass for maintaining signal integrity.

It’s also great for tone purists, as its true bypass ensures your tone remains uncoloured. The Ditto is perfect for those spontaneous jam sessions or songwriting spurts that many of us often fall into when we pick up our guitars.

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Loop Pedals #3. Donner Triple Looper

For those who crave a bit more control, the Donner Triple Looper offers three separate loop channels. This means you can switch between different looped sections of a song seamlessly. Imagine moving from verse to chorus with just a foot tap! 

Pros:

– Three separate loop channels.

– Up to 30 minutes of recording time.

– Dedicated start/stop button.

With a whopping 30 minutes of recording time, you’ve got more than enough space to get experimental.

🇬🇧 Buy now on Amazon.co.uk

Loop Pedals #4. Electro-Harmonix 720 Stereo Looper

Electro-Harmonix has a reputation for innovative designs, and the 720 Stereo Looper is no exception.

The pedal boasts the same 12 minutes of stereo recording time as the BOSS RC-1, but allows you to store up to 10 independent loops. 

The dual footswitches enhance usability, providing quick access to loop stop, loop up/down, and that handy undo-redo function that we all crave when creating a loop.

Pros:

– Provides up to 12 minutes of stereo recording time.

– 10 independent loops.

– Dual footswitches for enhanced control and an ‘Undo-Redo’ function. 

If you’re looking for more storage and versatility in a loop pedal without breaking the bank, this is a worthy contender.

🇺🇸 Buy now on Sweetwater

🇬🇧 Buy now on Amazon.co.uk

Loop Pedals #5. Line 6 DL4 Delay Modeler

While the Line 6 DL4 is primarily celebrated as a delay pedal, it’s also earned its stripes as a reliable looper.

Offering up to 14 seconds of loop time, it might not be the longest duration on the market, but what it lacks in length, it makes up for in sound quality and versatility. 

The DL4 is also renowned for its multiple delay modes, making it a two-in-one powerhouse on your pedalboard.

Pros:

– Iconic green stompbox also known for its delay effects.

– 14 seconds of loop time.

– Multiple delay modes and a built-in tap tempo feature.

This is the kind of loop pedal that will make you get really experimental due to its inherent time limitation, but take it as a challenge and indulge your creativity!

🇺🇸 Buy now on Sweetwater

🇬🇧 Buy now on Amazon.co.uk

Loop pedals like the ones mentioned above give us a huge amount of musical freedom without taking up much space on our pedalboards. 

Pro Tip: Experiment with your order of effects in your pedalboard to see what kind of sounds you can achieve. When it comes to playing with a loop pedal, the sky really is the limit. 

Loop Artists to Get You Inspired

Want some inspiration to help you learn the art of looping?

Check out these artists:

1. KT Tunstall: Known for her hit “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree,” Tunstall often uses her loop pedal to build songs from scratch live on stage.
2. Tash Sultana: This one-person powerhouse uses loop stations to craft lush, intricate soundscapes, layering guitar, vocals, and other instruments.
3. Reggie Watts: While more known for his comedic talents, Watts is a master of looping, layering vocals and beats to create infectious grooves (especially with his voice).

Learning about looping can elevate your musical journey – whether you’re performing, writing, or just jamming out. With any one of these top loop pedals, you’ll be more than well-equipped with the best tools to get started.

Now go get yourself a loop pedal and make something amazing!