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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 4
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 4 |
I'm both dismayed and confused over the lack of materials for an actual "new user". It would seem that PG Music doesn't quite appreciate the extent to which the steep learning curve affects a completely new user. You might argue that this is not the true, but take a look at the top of this "Beginners Forum." The PG Music pinned post is a video on "What's New" which is near useless to the complete beginner. There is so much BiaB-specific terminology that one would need a "how to understand the what's new" video in order to even begin to comprehend.
Yes, I know that there is a lot of older how-to info out there, but what might make sense to those familiar with BiaB can be a brick wall to someone new. All it takes is a minor change and things become frighteningly difficult.
Henry Clark comes the closest to making newbie-friendly videos. Yet just a few minutes into his intro to BiaB video I was left scratching my head: The default screen and toolbar buttons shown on his screen were nothing like those on mine.
Turns out that due to my smaller screen, the default is a completely different view. Sure, there are -- as I eventually figured out-- toggles to turn the screen items on and off. Should we blame Henry? Of course not, his videos are a labor of love. The point is that there are no tutorial materials available from PG Music teaching the new user how to use the most recent iteration of their product.
All said, this post is not intended to be a "don't buy this product" nor a "this company sucks" missive. I am posting in hopes that the fine folks of PG Music might take a good look at something that is not only highly frustrating for the aspiring new BiaB user, but also -- IMHO -- is a barrier to both user engagement and new paying customers.
Last edited by PHarker; 03/29/23 04:11 AM.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 836
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 836 |
Hi PHarker, this page is where our videos get posted. Scroll down on it to find the "Beginner" heading: https://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htm We are also happy to help and clarify any concepts. You can contact us directly via live chat or email supprot@pgmusic.com.
Best,
Chantelle
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,516
Veteran
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Joined: Jan 2015
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Henry Clark comes the closest ... The default screen and toolbar buttons shown on his screen were nothing like those on mine. See "Toolbar Modes" on p54 the manual to swap between toolbar styles. Yes, that's arcane, which underlines your observation.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 18
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 18 |
Another dimension to this for beginners, is understanding the multiple layers of tracks and styles.
And I'm still bemused by the 3 x choruses format. Which 'popular songs' in the last 70 years have a chorus but no verses? Less than 1% I'm sure.
Several thousand tracks by accomplished musicians, but no obvious support for verses. Am I missing something?
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,546
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,546 |
Another dimension to this for beginners, is understanding the multiple layers of tracks and styles.
And I'm still bemused by the 3 x choruses format. Which 'popular songs' in the last 70 years have a chorus but no verses? Less than 1% I'm sure.
Several thousand tracks by accomplished musicians, but no obvious support for verses. Am I missing something? You missed the jazz terminology that BiaB uses. In jazz a chorus means play the entire song. Commonly the first chorus one played the melody, the second chorus was for improvisation, while the third was back to playing the melody. Of course there were variations in this theme. Playing the chorus in jazz means, in today's terms, play the verse, chorus, prechorus, etc. FWIW, I also use the unfolded method in BiaB. That is where I have 1-n x 1 which means start at the first measure, n means the number of measure in the song, and x 1 means play it one time. Don't fret over n as you can change that while figuring out you song. I also label each section via the bar based section letters: Right click on the measure number to get to the bar based section letters. I use I for intro, V for verse, C for chorus, etc. PS - BiaB started as a jazz program thus the chorus terminology. I hope this helps.
The fitness trainer asked me, "What kind of a squat are you accustomed to doing?" I said, "Diddly."
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 18
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 18 |
MarioD,
Yes your explanation helped me tremendously thanks.
I grew up in the UK listening to the Beatles and 60s pop/Motown, then 70s glam rock, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, T-Rex followed by punk (a breath of fresh air). Then Michael Jackson in the 80s, Duran Duran, Bob Marley.
In the 90s I worked in Phoenix, AZ for a while and fell in love with American classic rock and blues, and I mean real blues bars with sawdust on the floor and crusty customers ha ha.
Jazz was never mainstream in the UK, although my dear late Father did play me his Glenn Miller LPs. Does anyone remember LPs?
So my brain is hard wired with the intro, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, verse, bridge, weird section, verse, chorus, key change, repeat, fade to outro format and all other permutations.
I get the n-1 approach and copy/paste of bars with lyrics will do fine, just like a word processor.
I found the "Edit Repeats and Endings" dialog that looks comprehensive. I'll start with the simple approach first, then tie myself in knots later.
Cheers
Paul
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,546
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,546 |
I'm glad that you got things working and I'm glad that I could help.
The fitness trainer asked me, "What kind of a squat are you accustomed to doing?" I said, "Diddly."
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
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We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
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These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
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This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
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Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
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-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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