|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
Never Been So EasyAnother 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: 1,037
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1,037 |
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
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
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
|
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: 3,467
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,467 |
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
|
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: 1,001
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,001 |
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: 1,040
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1,040 |
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: 2,891
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,891 |
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 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,936
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,936 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
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
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
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
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
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: 8,760
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,760 |
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
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
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
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
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: 1,001
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2025
Posts: 1,001 |
[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: 2,113
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,113 |
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: 24,407
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,407 |
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.
Love is grand. Divorce is twenty grand!
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: 7,208
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,208 |
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,902
Posts797,527
Members39,981
| |
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|