The Complete Guide to DJ Loops and Cue Points

Cue Points: Your Navigation System

A cue point is a saved position marker in a track. You can set multiple cue points at important locations — the intro end, the drop, the breakdown start, a vocal hook — and trigger them instantly during performance. Most DJ software supports eight hot cue points per track, accessible from performance pads.

Setting Effective Cue Points

Cue points are most useful when set consistently across your library. A standard approach:

• Cue 1 (green): Beat 1 of the first phrase after the intro
• Cue 2 (yellow): The main drop
• Cue 3 (orange): The second drop or bridge
• Cue 4 (red): The outro start

Consistent placement means you always know where to find each marker regardless of which track you are playing.

Active Loops

A loop repeats a section of audio indefinitely. Setting a four-bar loop at a track's key phrase allows you to extend that moment while you prepare the next track's transition point. This is invaluable for transitions that need more time than the track's natural structure allows.

Seamless Loop Entry and Exit

The key to smooth looping is entering and exiting loops on beat boundaries. Set your loop entry on beat 1 of a phrase. Exit the loop only on beat 1 of a phrase to avoid jarring rhythmic disruptions.

Loop Sizes

Practice using different loop sizes for different creative purposes. A 16-bar loop extends an entire musical phrase. An 8-bar loop repeats a main section. A 1-bar loop creates a hypnotic, focused rhythmic element. An 1/2-bar or 1/4-bar loop creates stuttering build effects. A very short 1/8 or 1/16 loop creates glitch effects.

Loop Rolls

Loop rolls play a loop while the track continues playing underneath, snapping back to the playhead position when released. This allows temporary looping without permanently interrupting track progression.

Combining Cue Points and Loops

The most creative performance uses cue points and loops in combination. Jump to a cue point at the key phrase, engage a loop to extend the moment, then jump to another cue point to skip ahead in the track structure. This effectively lets you rearrange tracks in real time, creating a unique version of a familiar song each performance.