Watch an Elise Trouw Fender American Professional Live-Looping Session

Every decision happens in the moment. You’re improvising and composing simultaneously. There are no second takes, no stopping and any mistakes or rhythmic bobbles become part of your song.

These are the potential freak-out moments facing looping artists who create in real-time.

Although it can be either comforting and instructive or frustrating and morale busting to watch a renowned looping artist in action, this Guitar Center exclusive video shows how singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and live-looping maestro Elise Trouw builds an original composition entirely in real-time using two all-new instruments from the Fender American Professional series.

It’s not scary, so just have fun watching.

For Trouw, every loop has to work immediately because it becomes the foundation for everything that follows. Every new musical layer depends on the strength of the previous one, making tone, timing and arrangement just as important as technical execution.

The performance begins with a series of arpeggiated figures on the Fender American Professional Precision Bass, establishing both the harmonic and rhythmic foundation of the piece. Trouw uses the Precision to add loops, crafting counterpoint lines that broaden the soundscape and offer rhythmic accents and melodic interest.

Then, the Fender American Professional Strat HSS makes an appearance for some clean-toned rhythm parts, shimmering harmonics and subtle textures.

Perhaps the most surprising moment is when Trouw decides how to bring in some percussive elements. Rather than sitting behind a traditional drum kit (she's an outstanding drummer), Trouw creates a groove by tapping on the strings of the Precision Bass.

What makes the performance so compelling is its simplicity. There are no spoken explanations, production breakdowns or technical interruptions to distract you from Trouw’s creative process. Everything unfolds in real-time, and you can pretend you’re in the studio with her watching it all happen.

Shop the Fender American Professional series of guitars and basses at Guitar Center.