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LoopTrapCheatSheet PDF

The document provides tips to avoid getting stuck in an 8-bar loop trap when producing music. It outlines different workflows and techniques for songwriting such as starting with a single instrument, using a linear or subtractive approach, or taking a core musical idea and applying it with different instruments. These methods help develop full song arrangements instead of getting stuck on short loops.

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Brett Doc Hocking
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130 views

LoopTrapCheatSheet PDF

The document provides tips to avoid getting stuck in an 8-bar loop trap when producing music. It outlines different workflows and techniques for songwriting such as starting with a single instrument, using a linear or subtractive approach, or taking a core musical idea and applying it with different instruments. These methods help develop full song arrangements instead of getting stuck on short loops.

Uploaded by

Brett Doc Hocking
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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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

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