Loops are one of the simplest and most-used features in any DJ software, but they’re also one of the most important. They can be a super straightforward tool to get you out of a sticky situation, give you more space to mix or be used for more creative tricks.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything from the basic loop types you need to know, through to creative tricks and pro-level tips. You’ll learn how to set loops on your gear, how to use them in mixes, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that trip up new DJs.
What Is Looping in DJing?
Simply put, looping means repeating a section of a track, whether that’s 1, 2, 4, 8 beats or more. DJs use it all the time to extend sections, buy time, or for extra creative flair.
Unlike hot cues, which jump to specific points instantly, or beat jumps, which move the track forward or backwards, loops let you freeze a section of music in time. Compared to rolls (which are more rhythmic effects triggered briefly with pads), loops can be set and held indefinitely, making them far more versatile for mixing and transitions.
Why DJs Use Loops
Loops aren’t just a way to buy time to help you transition. They’re actually one of the most flexible creative tools available to you as a DJ. Here are just a few of the ways DJs use loops creatively:
Extend a track’s intro or outro: You can take a section of the outro or intro of a song (especially instrumental sections) and extend it with loops to give you more time to transition.
Make build-ups more dramatic: Set a loop during a breakdown and gradually shorten it, to build tension before a drop.
Create your own edits: Loop instrumental sections and hot cue into new parts of the same song to rearrange it live. You can also loop a section of the outro to create a sort of new intro section if your song doesn’t have one.
Layer loops to build mashups: Use loops from drums, melodies, or vocals across two or three decks to blend tracks into something new. This works brilliantly with stems and vocal loops on top of different instrumentals.
Types of Loops DJs Can Use
Before we dive into how loops work in different DJ platforms, it’s worth understanding the different types of loops you can use. They’ve all got a slightly different purpose, so you need to know how, and when, to use each of these.
Manual Looping
For the hands-on DJ, manual looping allows you to set the in and out points of your loop on the fly. Just press In to start the loop and Out to end it, and it will be however long you want.
Auto Looping
Auto looping is the easiest way to create a perfect loop on the fly. With one click, most DJ software will snap a loop to the beat grid based on the length you choose. It’s a super easy to keep a track rolling, especially if there’s a bit of a panic while you focus on finding a track or transitioning.
Hot Cue Loops
Hot cue loops are loops saved to a hot cue pad, letting you jump instantly to a looped section by pressing a hot cue button. They’re used to launch a looped section mid-set without needing to scroll or set it live. It’s also handy to have one set up as a ‘panic button’ where, if you’re running out of track or just need a section to transition out of quickly, it’s already set up and ready to go.
Active Loops
Active loops are a proper set-and-forget solution. You can pre-set an active loop at a specific point in your track, and the software will automatically engage it every time you play that track. This only works in this way in rekordbox, however. In Serato, you have to engage the loops when you get to them so they’re not as useful as a safety net.
Loop Rolls
Loop rolls are a momentary loop effect triggered from performance pads on most DJ controllers. Unlike a standard loop, which locks the track in place, a loop roll keeps the track playing underneath, so when you release the pad, the track picks up exactly where it would have been without the roll. This makes them perfect for quick stutter effects, fills, or transitions that don’t throw off the phrasing of your mix. You’ll usually find loop rolls available in different lengths mapped across the pads.
Manual loop buttons on the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4.
How to Loop in Popular DJ Software
Rekordbox
This video lesson is taken directly from our DDJ-FLX4 Pro Course and gives you a complete walkthrough of how to loop in Rekordbox. It covers everything from setting manual and auto loops, to working with active loops and memory loops. The full course includes over 70 lessons covering everything from hot cues and effects to creative mixing techniques and advanced transitions.
Serato DJ
This lesson is also taken directly from our DDJ-FLX4 Pro Course. It shows you how to use loops in Serato, including setting saved loops and understanding how active loops function in Serato.
Traktor
Looping in Traktor works largely like other platforms but there are also some performance-focused features that set it apart. You can set a manual loop using the IN and OUT buttons in the deck panel or via MIDI-mapped controls. Auto-loops are also available through the loop encoder or pads, letting you quickly trigger beat-synced loops of preset lengths like 4, 8, or 16 beats. The encoder knob can also be used to adjust the loop length.
For track prep, you can create saved loops using Traktor’s cue panel and recall them via hotcue slots. Saved loops can be triggered like hot cues, allowing for quick loop access without navigating menus. Unlike Rekordbox, Traktor doesn’t use “active loops,” but its hotcue system gives you a similar level of control.
Traktor also comes with a unique Loop Recorder, which lets you record loops live from any input, whether it’s a track, mic, or even external gear. This can be used to layer additional sounds, vocals, or instruments and is great for hybrid performances.
Another unique feature is Beat Slicer mode (available on certain Traktor hardware), which divides a loop into slices across performance pads. This allows you to remix a loop on the fly by triggering different slices to create new rhythms.
Looping on CDJs
Looping on Pioneer CDJs is straightforward once you’re familiar with the physical layout. These are the buttons you need to know:
IN/OUT buttons: Press IN to set the start of the loop, then OUT to set the end.
RELOOP/EXIT: Toggles the loop on or off, or exits it if active.
Loop Divide/Multiply (CDJ-3000 only): Lets you halve or double the loop length in real time.
Loop Adjust with the Jog Wheel: After setting a loop, you can fine-tune the OUT point by rotating the jog wheel while holding the LOOP OUT button. This lets you tighten or stretch the loop manually, which is great for creating build-up effects.
Modern CDJs support quantised looping, which means if the Quantize button is enabled and your tracks are properly analysed in Rekordbox, your manual loops will snap to the beat grid. This makes setting loops on the fly much easier and more reliable than on older hardware.
If your USB tracks are analysed in Rekordbox, you can also trigger saved loops or memory cue points directly from the CDJ’s screen using the touchscreen waveform display or the cue/loop call buttons. If you’ve set one of your hot cues to be a loop, you can also use the hot cue buttons under the screen to trigger that. Note that CDJs don’t support active loops (automatically triggered loops), but with well-prepared tracks, you can still perform transitions smoothly.
Looping Video Tutorial
Looping Mistakes to Avoid
Looping is a powerful tool, but it’s also somewhere that we see and hear a lot of mistakes from our students. Here are some things that keep cropping up again and again:
Forgetting to turn on quantize: Without quantize enabled, loops can fall off-grid, making them sound sloppy or out of time.
Not exiting the loop cleanly: Failing to release the loop at the right moment can clash with incoming phrasing or the next track.
Looping for too long: If your loops just keep going on and on, it can really kill momentum and energy and make your mixes feel sluggish.
Not prepping memory loops in advance: Forgetting to set up saved loops for tricky tracks can leave you scrambling for a way to transition out.
Triggering the wrong type of loop: It’s easy to hit a loop roll instead of a standard loop if you’re in the wrong mode.
Looping sections that are too short: A 1-beat loop might sound cool for a build-up, but it’s not generally the best bet for transitions.
Forgetting to disable active loops: If you leave an active loop armed in a track without meaning to, it can trigger unexpectedly and disrupt your phrasing or mix.
Relying too heavily on loops as a crutch: Loops are useful, but leaning on them too much for every transition will make your sets feel predictable.
Not prepping memory loops in advance: Forgetting to set up saved loops for tricky tracks can leave you scrambling for a way to transition out.
Triggering the wrong type of loop: It’s easy to hit a loop roll instead of a standard loop if you’re in the wrong mode.
Looping sections that are too short: A 1-beat loop might sound cool for a build-up, but it’s not generally the best bet for transitions.
Pro Looping Techniques to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basics, looping can unlock some seriously creative tricks. It’s one of those DJ things where moving beyond just basic loop use really sets you apart from the crowd and makes your mixes sound so much more interesting.
That’s why we put together a whole course dedicated just to these kinds of creative looping techniques. The best part? It’s completely free.
You’ll learn impactful, pro-level loop tricks that work across a range of genres and styles. There are tutorials on how to create momentum with loops, make powerful build-ups, switch up samples, and much more.
This is must-know stuff if you want to level up your looping, and to watch the full course, for free all you’ve got to do is sign up below.
