LOOP TRAP
CHEAT SHEET
How to avoid & get out of the 8-bar
loop trap
BY SAM MATLA
Single-instrument composition
Good for:
Starting new projects
Genres that rely heavily on songwriting (pop, trance, future bass, etc.)
Focusing on the important stuff while avoiding the unnecessary
Choose a single instrument (piano is recommended)
Write a chord progression
Write a bassline underneath (same clip, still using piano)
Write a melody on top (same clip, still using piano)
Duplicate clip and create one variant (different melody or chord prog)
Duplicate original clip and simplify/remove some notes/change rhythm
Use simplified clip in different location (i.e., verse) to build into orig. clip
Continue arranging + editing clips to create full arrangement
Split clips into different instruments
Fill in the rest of the arrangement, mix, and export
Watch video explanation
Linear workflow
Good for:
Newer producers
Feeling overwhelmed with all that's involved in making a song
Producers who struggle with generating good ideas right away
Loop 4 to 8 bars at the very start of your arrangement view
Add in a minimal amount of elements to form your intro
Once you're satisfied with the 4-8 bar section, force yourself to move on
Work on the next section until you're happy, force yourself to move on
Repeat this until you've finished your full arrangement
Mix & export
Watch video explanation
Skeleton arrangement
Good for:
Newer producers
Producers who struggle immensely with structure & arrangement
Producers who don't know where and when to use certain sounds/instruments
Find a professionally-produced song in the same style you want to make
Copy out the basic structure with markers/MIDI clips (verse, chorus, etc.)
Add tracks/channels for all the instruments you hear (kick, bass, etc.)
Add in MIDI clips to signify when these instruments are active
Delete the reference track
Fill in all the blank MIDI clips with your own instruments & composition
Mix & export
Watch video explanation
Subtractive arrangement
Good for:
Escaping the loop trap once you're in it
Producers who make loop-centric music (techno, house, tech-house)
Make a loop that sounds as full and complete as possible
Duplicate it until you reach your desired length (e.g., 5 minutes)
Wide brush strokes: remove instruments and sections to form a structure
Zoom in and perform minor removals to create interest
Add in other instruments if needed
Work on automation and transitions between sections
Mix & export
Watch video explanation
Same idea, different instruments
Good for:
Escaping the loop trap once you're in it
Producers who find it hard to create a cohesive "B" section or bridge/breakdown
that has chemistry with their chorus/drop.
Take a core idea from your existing loop (i.e., chord prog or melody)
Duplicate the track and move the clip outside of the loop
Change the instrument & rhythm (if needed) to create something different
Add in other instruments & sounds to build out the new section
Finish arrangement
Mix & export
Watch video explanation
