Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#847825 03/28/25 06:19 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Never Been So Easy


Another really quick one - just under an hour and a half. One reason it was so quick is I used the tracks that were indigenous to the style - didn't add or remove anything. Just typed in the chords (already had the pattern in my head) and pressed "Generate". Then about 10 minutes of minor touch-up (three multi-rifs). Sent it to Audacity and did a small amount of EQ-ing. Saved it and sent the WAV file to Soundcloud, mastered it and here it is. About an hour and 25 minutes all total.

It's a very simple song with a relatively basic chord pattern.

One question: On the chorus, I added a little punch to the kick drum (EQ). Too much? I kinda like it. whatcha think? Overall, the drums are perhaps a little louder than some folks might prefer. It works for me, but open to other opinions.



Co-Conspirators:

File:Never Been So Easy.SGU

Key=D , Tempo 100, Length (m:s)=2:43

Style is _DUSTY4.STY (Dusty Even-8 Country Rock Solo)

RealTracks in style: 2915:Bass, Electric CountryPopByron12-key Ev 085
RealTracks in style: 3201:Guitar, Electric, Soloist LaidBackBluesyBrent Ev 100
RealTracks in style: 840:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopBalladClean Ev 085 (B:strum)
RealTracks in style: 2930:Guitar, Acoustic, Rhythm FolkRock8thsBrent Ev 100
RealDrums in style:BluesRockSlowEv^3-a:SideStick , b:Snare, Ride


PS: I put two effects on the lead guitar: 1. PG Music Distortion (a small amount). 2. Cakewalk Multi-Voice/Chorus.

Last edited by Al-David; 03/28/25 06:30 PM.

BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,028
C
Expert
Offline
Expert
C
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,028
Alan - 'simple song with very basic chords, quickly done' -
sure but it bears all the hallmarks of your great skills with
chords and clever BB use! All sounds really great!
Lovely chilled track - so well done in 1 1/2 hours, inspirational !!
Thanks for posting Alan,

Best, Carl

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by camog
Alan - 'simple song with very basic chords, quickly done' -
sure but it bears all the hallmarks of your great skills with
chords and clever BB use! All sounds really great!
Lovely chilled track - so well done in 1 1/2 hours, inspirational !!
Thanks for posting Alan,

Best, Carl


Thank you very much, Carl. I truly appreciate all those encouraging words.

I am totally ignorant of musical theory - I don't read or write notation. I just create what my ears and gut tell me. I'm delighted it sometimes turns out reasonably good. In spite of my lack of musical knowledge, I made a very good living playing lead guitar in various country bands for over 50 years.

Thanks again.

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
There's a reason that 'sweet and simple' are often found together to describe something. This is both. That koala's smile was the punctuation.

User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,394
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,394
Alan, super romp, and I think the kick sounds perfect. Really nice arrangement and mix, and the lead guitar is perfectly placed. You do WAY more in an hour and a half than I do. Good one!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Liked it alot...for my taste, I would have asked the drummer to go a little softer, maybe switch to brushes in some areas. Really enjoyed the progression. Very encouraging to listen to what an expert can do with minimal effort...I'd love to be able to do that!!


Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Alan,
This is nice and easy and I could imagine myself having this on in the background while painting. Love some of the chord changes that just drew me back into listening. Can it be relaxing and captivating at the same time? It was!
Andrew

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,014
L
Expert
Offline
Expert
L
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,014
Alan, very pleasant to listen to. As for the drums, I think they're very good. Even when you're behind, you get your share of the spotlight.
Laurent

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,808
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,808
That's the beauty of BIAB: sometimes an idea for the chords is enough to write a pretty good song.
The mix is good too, I wouldn't change it.
And the Coala on the dirt bike is really cute smile

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,900
Yeah, under an hour and half is quick, but not as quick as me knowing I was gonna love this. Yep, the words "Alan has a new one" doesn't even get to the second syllable of your name before I know. Simple chord progression, huh? Simply perfect, and I really like the melody that guitar plays over them. Beautifully done, Alan.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Alan, your lack of schoolbook theory has been replaced by a more ear pleasing understanding of real world working theory. You consistently surprise me with a few chords that I would never have thought of, but butter the bread and keep me engaged. Your bandstand experience is the real key to your ability to work quickly and efficiently. The lead guitar sounds great as does the rest. I’m from the camp of turn up the drums. That’s the result of sitting next to a rock drummer in a country band who never knew the meaning of soft. I got so used to it that it ruined me for life as well as my hearing. You are the expert of these easy listening instrumentals. Stay well, Tom

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by BYOBand
There's a reason that 'sweet and simple' are often found together to describe something. This is both. That koala's smile was the punctuation.


Hi Beth,

It's always nice to see a comment from you. I truly appreciate your kind and encouraging words. And I just couldn't resist the panda - pretty cool!

Thanks again,

Alanm


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Alan, super romp, and I think the kick sounds perfect. Really nice arrangement and mix, and the lead guitar is perfectly placed. You do WAY more in an hour and a half than I do. Good one!


Good morning Ron,

Thanks for the kind comments. Really nice to hear the arrangement and mix work for you.

As far as our differing time commitments to our respective songs, you have a lyric for which you must meld with your original music. Also, you usually have two other contributors whose efforts need to be blended into the project. That's a lot of three-way input that has to be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. I just have me, BIAB , and my Stromberg Monterey Jazz guitar. So, there's just one set of ears I have to make happy. Also, I have a terminally ill wife to care for, so I have o make efficient use of the limited time I have for music, plus trying to make my publisher's cut-off date for my novels. I stay busy! The sandman and I don't spend a lot of time together. I average less than four hours sleep per night. But that's what it takes! I make the best p every minute i still have with Di. That's my real reward.

All that said, your music always ranks at or near the best on the forum.


I appreciate everything you said about my song. Best to you,

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,695
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,695
Alan,

This is excellent (as always). You bring so much to your music. Every piece just sings. Great mix, love the drums and that 3201 RT sounds tremendous!

Loved it!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by Tano Music
Liked it alot...for my taste, I would have asked the drummer to go a little softer, maybe switch to brushes in some areas. Really enjoyed the progression. Very encouraging to listen to what an expert can do with minimal effort...I'd love to be able to do that!!


Hi Tom,

I appreciate the listen and nice comments. The reason I never did a
test run with brushes is that the song is meant to convey a cool, upbeat, and satisfying feeling, rather than a calm, cerebral feeling. Perhaps, controlled joy.

I'm glad you enjoyed it, nonetheless. Thanks again for the kind visit.

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by Andrew Dee
Alan,
This is nice and easy and I could imagine myself having this on in the background while painting. Love some of the chord changes that just drew me back into listening. Can it be relaxing and captivating at the same time? It was!
Andrew





Hi Andrew,

That's a very nice review! And i do appreciate it very much. I've always been a fast worker concerning my original music. Chords are my forte. I experiment with them constantly.

Thank you very much for the kindness!

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 947
Originally Posted by Al-David
[quote=Andrew Dee]I've always been a fast worker concerning my original music. Chords are my forte. I experiment with them constantly.
I'm with you on that one, Alan. I reckon 80% of the time, I'm starting with a chord progression too, and I don't mind straying outside the key.
Andrew

User Showcase
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,090
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,090
Gorgeous piece, Alan. I'm amazed that you put it together so quickly!


Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Alan, this is a perfect example of how sometimes a quick and dirty song sounds the best. I believe that is because one doesn't polish it so much at it becomes dull.
Excellent use of RTs
Everything sounded perfect to these old ears.
Great mix.


Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
What Tommy said AAA+++


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,752
Posts795,795
Members39,951
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
BB Wilbur, anonymously, TinaLBZ, Guitarzan26, Metro6
39,950 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 165
DC Ron 107
Noel96 106
rsdean 105
dcuny 100
DrDan 90
Today's Birthdays
idon'tunderstand, Kelly Sapergia, Michl, der Dolmetsch, Totally Savage
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5