I'm messing around with Bluegrass in the Backw00ds and having trouble getting the five Dm Shots.
Using style: _BLUGRM8.STYBluegrss 8ths-260 Mando
I currently have this song set up at 260 BPM 4/4 time Sig (have also tried it in 2/4). I've configured the five shots as two bars of 4/4 and one bar of 1/4. My song repeats three times and the first and third time through BAIB plays five shots but there is still an extra beat in the bar of 1/4 so there is an unwanted gap in the song. Strangely, in only the second repeat BAIB plays only 4 shots and omits the bar of 1/4 entirely.
In order to get the bar of 1/4 I am using this path: Right click on the bar/Bar Settings/# of beats this bar = 1/OK.
Also finding that the black cursor gets out of sync as soon as the bar of 1/4 is played the first time and then gets more out of sync with each repeat.
Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!
Stefan
MacBook Pro M3 Max Sonoma 14.1.2, BIAB Audiophile Edition 2023, Logic ProX 10.8.1, Focusrite 8PreX Interface.
I would consider freezing all tracks on your song and sending it to support@pgmusic.com, and definitely reference this thread in your email. Also, give them as much detail as possible about your setup, configuration, version, build, updates, computer spec's etc
It may be a cut common time issue, and it might be related to how BiaB handles 'B' substyles in the second chorus.
Please report back on your findings from PG Music.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Stefan, you want one quarter note per shot, i.e. 5 beats, right? Or are you trying to play quintuplets, 5 quarter notes in the space of 4 beats. If it is for 5 beats you might want to try a 3/4 followed by a 2/4 time signature in place of the 4/4 - 1/4.
Although it probably is available but I have never heard a 5/4 measure in bluegrass. But then again I don't listen to a lot of bluegrass.
My boss calls me "the computer". Nothing to do with intelligence. I go to sleep if left unattended for 15 minutes.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Hi & Thanks! Ive tried a few variations of that but for some reason the machine seems to have trouble repeating the shots consistently. If you check out the song “Bluegrass in the BackW00ds youll hear hear that its basically that 5th extra shot that I'm trying to make happen. Actually, it’s not even that fifth shot as much as it is getting the band to come back in on what would be the sixth shot and that has to be the one
MacBook Pro M3 Max Sonoma 14.1.2, BIAB Audiophile Edition 2023, Logic ProX 10.8.1, Focusrite 8PreX Interface.
If I were ripping along at 260 and had an extra beat thrown in, I wouldn’t be happy. But I take it this is not 5 notes over 4 beats as Mario asked. I never attempted what you are doing so I agree with Audiotrack: freeze the song and send it to Support. But can you post the song MGU so we can try it (a link to the song on Dropbox for example).
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
If I were ripping along at 260 and had an extra beat thrown in, I wouldn’t be happy.
You and me both. We're definitely working from the same page
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
No its five notes over five beats then your back into beat 1 of the head of the tune. Fiddle players love this kind of thing! Theres a whole genre of fiddle Tunes out there that add and subtract a beat in seemingly random places!
As their bass player it MAKES MY HEAD EXPLODE!!!! Lol! I just ask WHY!?!?? WHY!?!? Do we really need to do this!!??? Unfortunately they are in charge of the melody!
MacBook Pro M3 Max Sonoma 14.1.2, BIAB Audiophile Edition 2023, Logic ProX 10.8.1, Focusrite 8PreX Interface.
Just curious, is the tempo really 260 bpm? In bluegrass, I would have expected it to be cut time and half that tempo. Your version of BIAB supports that feature which was added (I think) two years ago. Is there sheet music for this song?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Just curious, is the tempo really 260 bpm? In bluegrass, I would have expected it to be cut time and half that tempo. Your version of BIAB supports that feature which was added (I think) two years ago. Is there sheet music for this song?
Matt: It's the same BIAB problem we (Bluegrassers) have been having for a number of years. The is a thread about this problem back in November 2020 brought up by bobcflatpicker. Even you chimed in on this.
Can't find the message number but you can search the forum for " Peter Gannon, Will the problem with 8th notes being treated as 16th notes in BIAB in bluegrass style"
Bluegrass players play 8th notes, usually 8 to a measure. Most of the Bluegrass styles sounded 16 8th notes per measure and that threw most of us off. Peter finally came up with 8th note based bluegrass styles.
Mr. Gannon's response at the end:
We have about 15 Even 8 based styles in the bluegrass category, and over 100 even 16ths. Converting an ev 16 to ev 8 is easy (just set the tracks to half time), likely takes 10 minutes per style. Including picking the styles and adding memos names etc. probably 30 minutes per style. So it would take someone a few days.
We will do that! Thanks for the ideas, and the enjoyable discussion.
Make up a simple song of G - C 1st measure G - D 2nd measure G - C 3rd measure G, D, - G 4th measure
Use style _BG_BAND.STY. That is a typical bluegrass style. song using a 1-4-5 progression.
Play it at 130 bpm and now you have a typical bluegrass song at 130 BPM. You will see it plays 2 chords per cell in Chord Sheet view.
Now pick _BG_BAN8.STY. That is one of the 8th note based styles the Peter made for us.
Notice it sounds like crap.
Now go into Edit-Songform-Expand (durations of chords by 2) and you will see the chords lay nicely in the Chord Sheet. It now plays exactly like the song made using _BG_BAND.STY ------ BUT it now plays 1 chord per cell and the tempo is indeed up at 260.
Banj O’Lover has it set to 260 because of the 8th note based style.
The existing song at 260 BPM also be played using any one of the 16th note based bluegrass styles as long as the Song Form was reduced back the was it was with the first style we used.
You could do this all day, going back and forth between 16th and 8th note versions and never see any difference in the way the song was being played.
To answer your question on speed, in the real world, no the would not and could not be played at 260 BPM in a bluegrass jam session.
Here is the sheet music for the song.
Banj O’Lover - If it were me doing the song, I would try using style _BLUGRSM
I've had trouble making these 8th note based styles work when trying to modify measures. In the sheet music, the timing is changed to 2/4 time for the last shot and then goes back to 4/4 time.
Aubry Haynie did this version which is the way Kenny Baker plays.
Last edited by Joseph Land; 07/03/2412:52 PM.
BIAB2026 Windows 10 Pro (Never Windows 11!) WA6NCB
Thanks Joseph Land. Of course I remember this, because it may be the only thing I share musically with friend Bob Flatpicker. Samba also has the same issue. Bob and I convinced PG Music to accommodate cut time for these songs. I provided some original Brazilian composer's versions showing how samba should be notated around quarter = 100, not 200. Things are good for me after the change. I have pretty good technique and I am reassured that bluegrass players are not quite playing at twice my speed.
So if I understand your point now, PG Music promised to update those 115 or so styles, and you are saying it did not get done for the style Banj O Lover is using?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
As the two links explain, the change request has more to do with how a song file looks when it is printed than how the song plays.
That's a good point. I was always able to get what I wanted to sound, but it looked wrong. No one wants to read a blinding stream of sixteenth notes when eighth notes at the right tempo is what the original composers wrote.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Yeah regarding the 260bpm again: this is all semantics really if I’m playing at 130 bpm a series of “notes” should be played half as fast as if I were playing at 260bpm. Im finding that some of the solo or backup track options for Bluegrass or anything with a “2 feel” for that matter are basically cut in half time wise and some are not. So It’s hit and miss as to whether they will play at “normal”, “double” or “half” speed. So yeah it would be nice if that was made more clear and I could choose ANY track for the tempo I’m working on and have it fit properly.
MacBook Pro M3 Max Sonoma 14.1.2, BIAB Audiophile Edition 2023, Logic ProX 10.8.1, Focusrite 8PreX Interface.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
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
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
But I take it this is not 5 notes over 4 beats as Mario asked. I never attempted what you are doing so I agree with Audiotrack: freeze the song and send it to Support. But can you post the song MGU so we can try it (a link to the song on Dropbox for example).
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean