How to Set Up a Looper Pedal
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Set up a looper pedal by placing it where your foot can reach the switch, powering it with a 9V supply, and connecting your guitar to its input and its output to an amp. Tap the switch to record a loop, tap again to play it back, and tap again to add layers over it.
Power the pedal before you connect it
Check the power the pedal needs and use a supply that matches it, since many looper pedals run on 9V DC with a center-negative plug. Plug the supply into the pedal and into a power outlet before you connect any cables. If the pedal also runs on battery power, check that the battery is fresh before you rely on it.
Connect the guitar and the amp
Run a cable from the guitar into the input of the looper pedal, and run a cable from the output of the pedal to the input of the amp. Use 1/4-inch cables, and check that each plug sits fully in its jack. Keep the pedal where your foot can reach the switch without stretching over other pedals.
Set the loop level and the volume
Turn the loop level knob down, then set the amp volume where you want it before you record anything. Raise the loop level until the loop is clear at the volume you play at, and keep it below the level of your live playing so the loop does not cover it. Make small changes and listen after each change.
Record a loop and play it back
Tap the footswitch to start recording, play the part you want to repeat, then tap the switch again to close the loop and start playback. Tap the switch to add a layer over the loop, and hold the switch down to clear the loop when you are done.
Save the loop if you want it back
Some looper pedals save loops when you switch them off, and some lose the loop when the power goes. Check whether your pedal saves loops on its own, and save the loop by hand where the pedal asks you to. Loops you save stay on the pedal until you clear them.
What you need
Donner Triple Looper Guitar Pedal
A looper pedal with a screen, loop slots and unlimited overdubs, that runs on a 9V supply and keeps loops saved when powered off.
- Loop recording time: 90 min
- True bypass
- 6-month warranty stated
BOSS RC-5 Loop Station 32-Bit AD/DA
A loop station with a multi-color LCD, phrase memories, built-in rhythms and MIDI, that runs on battery power or a 9V adapter.
- Stereo in/out
- 5-year warranty stated
LEKATO Looper Pedal
A looper pedal with a tuner function, loop slots, an LED screen and unlimited overdubs, that runs on a 9V supply.
- Loop recording time: 18 min
Sondery Looper Pedal Triple Loop Each Track
A looper pedal with loop tracks, unlimited overdubs and true bypass, that moves loop files to and from a computer by USB.
- Loop recording time: 30 min
- True bypass
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Looper, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Where does a looper pedal go in the chain?
Put the looper pedal after the pedals whose sound you want in the loop, and before the amp. A looper placed after delay and reverb records those effects into the loop, while a looper placed before them leaves them out.
Why does my loop sound out of time?
A loop sounds out of time when the start and end points do not line up, so the loop drifts against the beat. Tap the switch to close the loop right on the beat, and keep the loop short until the timing feels steady.
Can I use a looper pedal with a bass guitar?
Yes. A looper pedal works with any instrument that plugs into a 1/4-inch input, including bass guitar. Set the loop level so the low notes do not overpower the rest of the loop.
Ranked looper pedals lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.