Songwriting from Scratch: How I Build Full Tracks Using Loopers and Logic Pro

Every songwriter knows the hardest part is often just getting started. Staring at a blank screen (or blank page) can be paralyzing. That’s why I rely on a scratch-padding process — a way of sketching out ideas quickly, arranging in real time, and letting the song build itself layer by layer.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about speed, flow, and giving yourself permission to create without overthinking.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how I take an idea from nothing to a full track using Logic Pro on iPad, a looper, and a few key pieces of gear.

Step 1: Start with Drums (Because Tempo = Feel)

For me, everything starts with rhythm. I’ll set a tempo that matches the mood I want, then drop in a basic drum pattern. This locks in the groove and feel before any chords or melodies come into play.

Sometimes I’ll use a programmed beat, and other times I’ll jump straight into my Alesis Nitro kit for live drums. Either way, the pulse comes first.

Step 2: Sketch Out the Song Form

Before I write melodies or lyrics, I map out a rough song structure: verse, chorus, bridge, vamp, or whatever shape the track wants to take. Then I drop in chord progressions section by section, keeping it simple at first.

Once the skeleton is in place, I can start adding flesh to the track.

Step 3: Build Melody and Harmony

With drums and chords down, I’ll experiment with melody lines. Sometimes these come first, sometimes later — it depends on the idea. From there, I’ll refine chord voicings for color and movement.

A bass line usually comes next, gluing everything together and giving the track weight.

Step 4: Add Flavor Layers

Once the basics are solid, I sprinkle in “flavor” layers — pads, horns, strings, or leads. These don’t just decorate the track; they create contrast, space, and drama.

This is also the point where I’ll loop sections with my Singular Sound Aeros Loop Studio, sometimes synced with a Digitech SDrum pedal, to capture live arrangement ideas quickly.

Step 5: Refine the Arrangement

Editing is where the song starts to take shape. I’ll pull out layers where the track needs space, rework sections for impact, and create dynamics that keep the listener engaged.

Finally, I’ll add live instruments or live drums to bring everything to life.

My iPad Studio Setup

Here’s the gear that makes all of this possible — and portable:

• M4 iPad Pro running Logic Pro

• Allen & Heath CQ12T mixer

• Singular Sound Aeros Loop Studio + Digitech SDrum pedal

• Alesis Nitro Drum Kit

• Guitars, keys, and an Akai MPC Key37

Everything fits neatly into my mobile studio workflow, which means I can go from idea to full track almost anywhere.

TL;DR

Songwriting doesn’t have to start polished. In fact, it shouldn’t.

The key is to:

• Start rough and simple

• Build section by section

• Let the song evolve naturally

This scratch-pad process is fast, fluid, and forgiving — especially for mobile creators and hobbyists who only have short windows of quiet time.

May your latency be low, your loops stay tight, and your dogs stay quiet.