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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2021
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OP
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I know BIAB can convert the input chords into chord MIDI output.
Does BIAB have a function that can automatically simplify chords? For example, if I input a G13b9 chord, but I don't want to use all the notes, I want to omit some useless chord tones. Is there a button that can quickly get a simplified 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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Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 23
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
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Hello,
Within the RealTracks picker, we have actually implemented a checkbox titled "Simpler" under the settings button. This allows you to quickly set tracks to simple arrangements or the whole song to unembellished arrangements. You can now set the drums to simple, too.
If a RealTrack has Simpler available, it will have a letter "s" in the column. These are parts with less busy, less embellished playing for generating simpler arrangements.
time for a nap
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
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You can also exercise more control over the Simpler setting for individual instruments in Options, Preferences, Overrides. Use the checkboxes at the bottom. You can also try the Edit menu, Chords, Jazz Down. You can also try Turn Off Natural Arrangement. If you still can't solve it, try reading my sticky post in the Tips and Tricks Forum called When BIAB plays chords that are not quite what you wrote: https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=694482#Post694482It's probably more than you wanted to know. However, please tell me if something there solves your issue! I am always updating the instructional file with feedback. ps It's just my opinion, but I do not think any note in a chord is useless... quite the opposite.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Another related issue for me. When I write C5, BB understands and displays that. The problem is that there is no change in sound from C and C5, at least on the styles I have tried.
Beyond BIAB, there seems to be disagreement about whether a "power chord" could actually be considered a chord. I have seen it referred to as a "fifth chord", also as a dyad.
Given the significant effect on intermodulation distortion when the third is removed, I am surprised there is no standard name for it.
Cheers,
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
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1) About the power chord, the standard name I know is ‘power chord’ 😎
Although a chord is classically defined as three or more pitches, a power chord functions as a chord and is entered like any other chord. BIAB defines a few types of chords that might cause confusion when entering but I don’t see that it makes any difference what name it might be called.
HOWEVER - is there someplace in the BIAB documentation that is causing trouble?
2) About the sound being the same for C and C5, you tried some styles, but there are other things to try. I would start by turning off Natural Arrangement. I wrote an article about this and other fun in the Tips and Tricks Forum. It’s a sticky near the top, called When BIAB Doesn’t Quite Play the Chords You Wrote.
See if something there helps.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi Matt
Thanks, I will try turning off natural arrangements.
The term "Power Chord" is generally accepted when speaking. I assume C5, D5,... is the standard when writing a lead sheet, for example.
When reading standard notation, what one would call it is of little importance, as it is just two notes to be played.
Standard notation, in many cases, is not so standard. There are way too many symbols to describe the same thing.
The power chord concept arose as I learned new information by being aware of the intervals involved, specifically one to the fifth or five to the one, an interval of 5 and 4. That sounded different, and I was trying to understand why from a technical perspective.
Thanks,
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Oh, yes; standard notation is not so standard! And then there are the differences among programs implementing notation.
[My pet peeve is the use of the minus sign.]
I sometimes see a power chord written with the root name then the written phrase “no third” or “omit third”.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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