How to Use a Loop Pedal
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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A loop pedal records a part you play and repeats it, so you can play more parts over it. Press the footswitch once to start recording, press it again to close the loop and start playback, then press it again to add another layer. Press twice to stop, and hold the switch to clear the loop.
Connect the pedal in your signal chain
Plug your guitar into the input of the loop pedal and run the output to your amp, using 1/4-inch cables. If the pedal has stereo in and out, use a cable for each channel to keep the stereo signal. Power the pedal with a 9V DC supply that matches its listed current, since the supply is not always in the box.
Record your first loop
Tap the footswitch once to start recording and play the part you want to repeat. Tap the footswitch again when the part ends to close the loop, and the pedal starts playing it back right away. Keep the first part simple and steady, since every layer you add sits on top of it.
Add layers with overdub
While the loop plays, tap the footswitch to start overdubbing and play a second part over the first. Tap again to stop adding layers and keep the loop playing. You can repeat this to build up more parts, one layer at a time.
Stop, undo and clear a loop
Tap the footswitch to stop the loop, and tap again to start it playing from the start. If the last layer was a mistake, undo takes it off, and redo brings it back. To start over, hold the footswitch to clear the loop, then record a new one.
Save loops and switch between them
Pedals with more than one loop slot let you store separate loops and switch between them, so one slot can hold a verse and another a chorus. The Donner Triple Looper, the LEKATO and the Sondery each give you three slots. The Donner Triple Looper and the LEKATO save loops automatically even when the pedal is powered off.
Use the screen and the rhythm sounds
A screen that shows loop status and timing helps you see where you are in the loop. The Donner Triple Looper and the LEKATO show loop time progress on a screen, and the BOSS RC-5 adds a multi-color LCD. The BOSS RC-5 also carries 57 rhythms with 7 drum kits, which can play along with your loop.
What you need
Donner Triple Looper Guitar Pedal
Three loop slots with 90 minutes of recording time and a screen that shows loop status, recording progress and timing.
- Loop recording time: 90 min
- True bypass
- 6-month warranty stated
BOSS RC-5 Loop Station 32-Bit AD/DA
A single-track looper with 13 hours of stereo recording time, 99 phrase memories and a multi-color LCD that shows loop status.
- Stereo in/out
- 5-year warranty stated
LEKATO Looper Pedal
Three loops with 18 minutes of recording time, a built-in tuner and a screen that shows loop time progress.
- Loop recording time: 18 min
Sondery Looper Pedal Triple Loop Each Track
Three tracks that each store up to 30 minutes, with one footswitch for record, play, overdub, stop and clear.
- 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
Can I record more than one part on a loop pedal?
Yes. Record the first part, close the loop, then overdub more parts on top of it. The Donner Triple Looper, the LEKATO and the Sondery all allow unlimited overdubs.
Do I need a power supply for a loop pedal?
Loop pedals run on 9V DC power, and the supply is not always in the box. The Donner Triple Looper needs 9V DC at 500mA, and the Sondery runs on 9V DC from an adapter.
How long can a loop pedal record?
It depends on the pedal. The LEKATO records up to 18 minutes in total, the Sondery stores 30 minutes per track, the Donner Triple Looper records up to 90 minutes, and the BOSS RC-5 records up to 13 hours.
What does true bypass mean on a loop pedal?
True bypass passes the signal untouched when the pedal is off, so your dry tone stays as it is. The Donner Triple Looper and the Sondery both have true bypass.
Ranked looper pedals lists
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.