Musical loops are repeating sections of sound or music, used in composition and production to create rhythm and texture, common in genres like electronic and hip-hop.
Played by:
Jeff Lorber on:
Chris Messina on:
History of loops in music
Early Analog Looping (1940s-1960s)
The concept of looping can be traced back to the early 20th century, primarily in experimental and avant-garde music. One of the earliest pioneers of looping was Pierre Schaeffer, a French composer and radio engineer who developed musique concrète in the 1940s. This technique involved the manipulation of recorded sounds using reel-to-reel tape machines. Schaeffer and other experimental composers like Karlheinz Stockhausen would physically splice tape into loops to create repetitive sound patterns, often combining them with other elements in complex compositions.
By the 1960s, looping found its way into more mainstream music. The tape loop technique became widely used by experimental artists such as Steve Reich, who created compositions like “It’s Gonna Rain” (1965) by looping fragments of audio tape. Reich’s work was highly influential in minimalism and repetitive structures in music.
The Birth of Sampling (1970s-1980s)
The 1970s and 1980s saw the development of digital samplers, which allowed musicians to sample and loop segments of pre-recorded music or sound. This technology became a cornerstone for hip-hop and electronic music, where short segments of drum breaks, basslines, or melodies would be looped to create entire tracks.
One of the earliest uses of looping in popular music came with Brian Eno and Robert Fripp’s “Frippertronics” system, developed in the early 1970s. This system used two reel-to-reel tape recorders to create long, evolving loops of sound, and was used on albums like “No Pussyfooting” (1973). Eno continued to explore looping techniques throughout his career, especially in his ambient music.
In the hip-hop scene, producers like Grandmaster Flash and DJ Kool Herc popularized the technique of looping breakbeats in live DJ sets by using two turntables to repeat the same part of a record over and over. This concept of the breakbeat loop became a foundational element of early hip-hop production.
Drum Machines and Digital Sequencers (1980s)
During the 1980s, the advent of drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 revolutionized the way loops were used in music. These machines allowed users to program and loop drum patterns easily, providing a rhythmic backbone for many genres, especially electronic dance music (EDM), house, and techno.
At the same time, digital sequencers and samplers like the Akai MPC allowed producers to trigger loops of audio samples in a much more sophisticated way. Producers could sample short segments of audio, manipulate them, and loop them in creative ways to form the foundation of a track. Hip-hop producers like J Dilla, DJ Premier, and Dr. Dre became masters of sampling and looping, using chopped loops of funk, jazz, and soul records to create iconic beats.
Pop and rock artists also embraced looping. Peter Gabriel, for instance, used loops extensively on his 1986 album “So”, and The Police incorporated looping effects in songs like “Walking on the Moon.”
Digital Audio Workstations (1990s-Present)
The 1990s saw the rise of computer-based Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), which greatly simplified the process of creating and manipulating loops. Software like Cubase, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools allowed musicians and producers to work with audio loops and MIDI loops with greater ease and precision. This development brought looping into the mainstream, as producers across genres began using DAWs to create everything from pop hits to experimental soundscapes.
One of the most influential software tools in the history of looping is Ableton Live, which was released in 2001. Its loop-based interface made it the go-to tool for live electronic performances and studio production. The ability to loop in real-time, adjust tempos, and manipulate loops on the fly became a defining feature for many electronic and dance music artists.
Modern Usage (2000s-Present)
In the 2000s and 2010s, looping became a dominant feature in many genres, including EDM, hip-hop, and pop. Artists like Kanye West, The Chemical Brothers, and Daft Punk made extensive use of loops, either by sampling or creating original looped sequences.
Additionally, loop pedals became a popular tool for guitarists and solo performers, allowing musicians to record and play back loops live. Artists like Ed Sheeran, KT Tunstall, and Reggie Watts became known for their innovative use of loop pedals in live performances, often building entire songs by layering loops of vocals, guitar, and percussion.
Hip-hop producers like Madlib and Flying Lotus have continued to push the boundaries of looping and sampling by creating abstract, experimental beats built around chopped and manipulated loops. In the world of electronic music, artists like Deadmau5, Skrillex, and Aphex Twin use loops extensively to create evolving soundscapes and rhythms.
Looping in performance
Live looping has become an essential tool for many musicians who perform solo or in small ensembles. Using devices like the Boss RC-300 or Line 6 DL4 loop pedals, artists can record loops in real time during performances, layering guitar riffs, vocal harmonies, and rhythmic elements to build rich, multi-textured songs without needing a full band.
This technique is often seen in performances by artists like Ed Sheeran, who famously uses live looping in his shows to create complex, layered tracks. Beatboxers like Beardyman and Dub FX also use looping to build entire compositions on the spot, combining percussive vocal sounds with melodic elements.