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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 63
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OP
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[While listening to a tune on the User Showcase forum] I was puzzled by the 'microchord' concept, so I looked it up.
It's a musically redundant concept by PG Music, they are reinventing the wheel: you cannot have four 'chords' on a single beat, unless the tempo was VERY slow. These are not 'chords', they have been called 'passing notes' for about 180 years. They usually occur on a single instrument, or more if harmonized in thirds or sixths. You don't really harmonize these as triads. Once notes get past a certain speed, they are perceived as melodic tones, not chords.
Basic counterpoint stuff. In the end, we are all free to believe and do as we want, provided we don't do any harm to others. However, from a music theory point of view, the microchord stuff is completely unnecessary, it's just single passing notes that if are harmonized, they fool the uninitiated into believing they are 'chords'. They aren't. It's much simpler to say that the bar contains passing notes A,B,C,D harmonized in diatonic thirds (or sixths if the thirds are inverted) than saying it contains 'microchords' A minor, B diminished, C major, D minor. Who needs all that mouthful.
Anyways, feel free to completely disregard all I wrote: it makes no difference to me as it probably won't make any to you, I am writing it more for PG Music than anyone else. I have no intention in preventing anyone in the enjoyment of their music making. I wish you continued happy music making.
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 11/14/23 11:24 AM. Reason: Moved to new topic from User Showcase thread
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2021
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Until now, I had never used microchords.
I would like to allow four chords or eight chords in each bar. And you can use inetr+shift to play each chord.
WIN10 20H2, AMD R4800H ,16G , 2T ,FOCUSRITE 2i4 MKII，Studio One,FL STUDIO
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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There were many requests to PG Music to allow more than 4 chords per bar. 'Micro Chords' is the name of the feature that PG Music came up with to satisfy this request. I suspect that the 'Micro Chord' terminology is probably unique to BiaB.
I understand 'passing notes', but I think this is more than that, as these are actually 'passing chords' not notes.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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"these are actually 'passing chords' not notes"
Audiotrack is right.
But it's more than that. They allow for unique musical accents. It's a hit or miss adventure, as you are working with real pre-recorded audio. Sometimes they, (M.chords)do wonders, sometimes just sound silly. All depends on style, setting parameters, tempo, specific track and a chance. Not theory compliant, sure, but can indeed make parts sound interesting. I do hope they expand on the concept.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2010
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Expert
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Expert
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"these are actually 'passing chords' not notes"
Audiotrack is right.
But it's more than that. They allow for unique musical accents. It's a hit or miss adventure, as you are working with real pre-recorded audio. Sometimes they, (M.chords)do wonders, sometimes just sound silly. All depends on style, setting parameters, tempo, specific track and a chance. Not theory compliant, sure, but can indeed make parts sound interesting. I do hope they expand on the concept. +1
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
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"these are actually 'passing chords' not notes"
Audiotrack is right.
But it's more than that. They allow for unique musical accents. It's a hit or miss adventure, as you are working with real pre-recorded audio. Sometimes they, (M.chords)do wonders, sometimes just sound silly. All depends on style, setting parameters, tempo, specific track and a chance. Not theory compliant, sure, but can indeed make parts sound interesting. I do hope they expand on the concept. +1 +1 FYI - it is also a hit or miss with MIDI also.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2000
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Journeyman
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I play mainly jazz and Bossa Nova, and have found Micro Chord a very usefull addition to BB. Before that I had invented to enter chords on a quarter note triplet, so one could have 5, or 6 chords in a bar. I use Micro Chords mainly on slower tunes and as a "run up" from the IV chord to the IV minor chord (e.g. i the key of C: Famj7/// to Fm7///, becomes Fmaj7/ Ebm7 Em7 to Fm7).
Tonnie
Last edited by tonnie; 11/19/23 01:33 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Not sure where the OP is coming from.
There's lots of examples of sheet music that show more than 4 chords per bar,
that is, they will show guitar chord diagrams to be played by the guitarist.
I guess if you don't like the label "micro chord" you can call them whatever your want.
Just my 2 cents (CDN) worth.
LLOYD S
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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For my music, it’s not about having four chords per beat. It’s about having more control about where I can place a chord. Remember that MicroChords allow chords or rests. It used to be impossible to place a chord on the and of beat 4 and also have a chord on beat 1 of the next bar. This is one example where MicroChords are useful.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I see it as another tool in the box. I have a huge selection of screwdrivers some are really thin and others super heavy. I still want more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Microchords, or whatever terminology you wish to identify them by, are extremely useful. Previously there was only a chord 'push' that could be used. This has added additonal flexibility.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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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