In this article we are taking a look at the different types of loops and what type would work best for you. Some types of loops work better in some situations than others. We will examine all different types and provide some advice as to which will work best for you and your ministry.
1) Simple Loops
Using “simple loops” is the easiest way to get started with using loops. Simple loops are short phrases that loop themselves over and over throughout the entire length of the song. You can control when they come in and come out of the song, but they stay the same through the song. This type of loop works really well for people that have just started using loops. You can play to a click and then bring the loop in and out when needed. A good example of them would be any loops from our Elements Collection. You can preview our Elements here.
A example of a song that uses a simple loop throughout would be “We are Yours” by Charlie Hall from the Passion:Everything Glorious CD. You hear a loop fade in and the loop stays the same throughout the song. The band plays around the loop and the main sound of the song is based on the simple loop. Probably the biggest benefit of using loops in this fashion is that you can play a song with a loop rolling and you don’t have to worry about what order you play the song, because the loop is a short phrase it doesn’t throw anything off. This is also a great way to transition between two songs that are close to or in the same tempo. Start out the loop in song 1 and let it flow into song 2, and you have a seamless transition. Simple loops work well for any sized church and any band no matter how much or little experience they have with loops. They are a great place to start, when using loops but you can continue doing it this way, and you wont be losing anything.
2) Fully Programmed Sequences
Fully Programmed Sequences are loops that consist of lots of little pieces that have been put together to create a large sound. They often consist of a few rhythmic loops, multiple layers of piano or pad sounds, as well as some synth sounds. They may contain some helpful dynamic sounds like cymbal swells or percussion like tambourines or shakers. They may even have some extra guitar parts to help fill out the sound of the song. Most of the time these loops are made to the exact order of the song you are performing, because of this they work well with songs that you perform the same way every time, or special songs that you won’t break from the original order.
By using these types of Loops you can achieve a very “full” sound. Some people may not be a fan of using loops this big sounding because they may feel like they are Milli Vanilli. The benefit of using loops like this is that you can achieve sounds you may not have the ability to do with out them. Imagine trying to do a song like this song without a loop. If you have the ability to perform a song like this then make it sound as best as you can by using loops with it.
Using Fully Programmed sequences typically works best for churches that have sound systems that are in Stereo, otherwise you may find that there is too much coming out of the speakers at once and it sounds too cluttered. These types of loops can work just as well with smaller bands as they can with larger bands. Here are a few things to keep in mind when using or creating fully programmed sequences.
1) Don’t record or program in a part that one of your musicians could play live. Adding in extra guitar parts to reinforce the original part is acceptable but don’t record a guitar solo if you’ve got a Electric guitar player that could play it. In that case it may be worth recording the rhythm part to play while the guitarist plays the solo( or hire a good bassist !).
2) Keep the majority of sounds in the loop background sounds or sounds that accent the track, that won’t make people go, “hum… i wonder where that is coming from”. Sometimes it is necessary to add in a synth part that you can’t pull of live, or to add a sound for effect, like church bells or random instrumentation. In that case it is okay, but don’t make a habit of having 16 synth tracks in a loop that plays with a 4 piece band (if you do that please send it our way, we would love to hear it!)
3) A general rule of thumb when creating these types of loops is to add the least amount of extra instruments or sounds necessary for you to achieve the effect you desire.
4) Rehearse transitions with your band so that every song doesn’t start with a few seconds of an awkward pause and then the drummer counts you in with the loop.
5) If people can tell you are using loops with every song, and your sound is abnormally too big then you may have recorded/programmed too much (review #3!!!)
3) Solo Loops
Solo loops are probably the “stickiest” of all loops to discuss. Approach at your own risk! First and foremost “Solo” loops are not loops that are full fledged backing tracks that you perform with a singer and an acoustic guitar. Run away as fast as you can if someone ever suggests performing to backing tracks in this form. When you do this you suddenly launch worship music and every ounce of creativity within the church back 20 or 30 years.
Solo loops are best described as loops that are played by themselves or with a small amount of accompaniment and contain basic drum and bass parts as well as background sounds to help fill out the sound. These aren’t loops that have realistic drum, bass, and guitar parts that you simply sing on top of. The drum part is a simple loop or a “electronic” drum sound. The bass is typically a synth bass sound, and they are full of heavy pad sounds to fill out the background. The band that best represents this type of loops is the “The Postal Service“.
These loops are definitely the riskiest type of loops to use. If you are in a younger church your odds of using these loops and getting away with them are much higher than if you are in an older more established church. If you are in an environment where your church members listen to rap, or electronic music frequently, then you also have a good chance of being able to pull these off. In order to do it effectively you’ve got to add twists and turns to the arrangements and change the chords and tempos around in order to keep it interesting for your church members. Here are a few tips when using these loops.
1) Have some sort of “wow factor” with these. Either make the arrangement completely different from normal that makes people go “hmm.. I like that”, or have your best skilled vocalist lead all the songs. Since all/most of the instruments will be recorded it is important to have a very talented vocalist sing most of the songs, to keep it interesting.
2) Work hard on your transitions to keep the flow of the service going well. The more interactive you can make the service feel, the better it will be. That way your church members don’t feel like they are being led in worship by robots.
3) Take advantage of using loops this way. You can create some really cool sounding re-arrangements this way. Don’t try to make it sound like you are using loops. Using them to their best advantage.
It is important to note that you don’t have to stick to only one type of loop. Start off with Simple loops, to get your band going with loops. Then add in a few fully programmed sequences for some special songs that you will do. Give the band a break on a Sunday or Wednesday and try a few solo loops with you some keys or guitar, or better yeah just vocals and loops!! Experiment with all of them, you will most likely find a place for all of them in some form or another in your church.
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