|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36 |
I have a pop style here that uses triads for the chord progression.
Can I change the chord progression to four-note chords and then back to triads for this pop song?
Would this have to be done via the melodist?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148 |
I'm confused - standard major and minor chords are triads - any fourth note would be a repeat of one of the notes in the triad - or it would not be the standard major or minor chord. .. A guitar would probably be playing all three notes and a piano could easily be playing lots more notes but they would be 'doubled' as it were. What do you mean by four note chords? BIAB can 'play' lots of four note chords like a C7 - C,E,G,Bb.
I'm only a cowboy chord guitarist so maybe I'm missing the point.
Last edited by Bob Calver; 12/30/25 10:17 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36 |
Hi, i think they are called seventh chords , not for now i want to look at stab chords : s(sopran)t(tenor)a(alt) b(bass) chords for now , these are triads with doubling a note
I like to enrich the chordprogression in BIAB with fuller chords then only for triads.
Hope you get the idea...its for composing
Well, I already have an idea of how it works: the style generates a certain chord progression, which is fixed by the melodist.
Then you can change the chords later in the chord sheet.
So in my style, there were all triads, and then you could change them manually if you wanted a fuller seventh chord.
Diatonic Seventh Chords in C Major
Scale Degree Chord Name Chord Symbol (BIAB) Notes
I C major seventh Cmaj7 (or CΔ7) C – E – G – B
ii D minor seventh Dm7 D – F – A – C
iii E minor seventh Em7 E – G – B – D
IV F major seventh Fmaj7 F – A – C – E
V G dominant seventh G7 G – B – D – F
vi A minor seventh Am7 A – C – E – G
vii° B half-diminished seventh Bm7♭5 B – D – F – A
I think in popsongs (other genre music styles too ?) i can reduce the generated chord progression to triads and then use sevenths chords
What does the regenerate button?
Last edited by janhardo; 12/31/25 03:06 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148 |
you can enter any chord you like - sevenths, ninths, etc - you don't have to stick to straight major or minor go to the support page and choose online manual. chapter 15 has a list of supported chords.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36 |
Thanks, that's great for BIAB to have those chords
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,148 |
all of those chords can be used in BIAB if you use midi but RealTracks are recordings of actual musicians so the artist has to have recorded a phrase using that chord. if they didn't BIAB will substitute the closest it has
Last edited by Bob Calver; 01/02/26 01:58 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,593
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,593 |
There is an option that I think is global to “Jazz up the Chords” which will take simple triads and add 7ths.
I’ve never tried it because all the styles I use contain at least 7ths and upper extensions too. I’m not at a computer but if you would like to know where this option can be found, it’s in the article I wrote in the Tips and Tricks Forum. It’s a sticky post called When BIAB doesn’t play the chords you wrote”.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36 |
Thanks, i think this is specific for jazz styles to jazz up en jazz down the chords, and found it in BIAB
I am using pop chords related with a popstyle , so they are simpler those chords
Could not quick find your post about building chords yet,unfortunately
Last edited by janhardo; 01/02/26 05:35 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,593
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,593 |
Danna, thanks for the link. There are several topics there that might apply.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,670
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,670 |
Thanks, that's great for BIAB to have those chords Threre is a page ** here *** that lists the chords BiaB recognises. Depending upon the particular style/RealTrack, some chords may be recognised but not played in full.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36 |
Thanks, great this chords
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,285
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,285 |
Did you not try, in the 1st instance, to enter a 7th?
I sometimes wonder about the lack of curiosity and experimentation in some folks.
Then again, the brains trust is pretty fabulous.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36 |
I've already typed in some stuff for the chord extension, added a seventh, no 9, 11, or 13, and added the function notation.
It seems that for jazz styles, you can enrich or impoverish the chords.
For a pop style, this option is not available, as far as I can see.
It would be easy if the chord progression were in triads and you could enrich the chords with the push of a button.
If I now have triads in a song, I have to manually adjust the chord sheet, which then gives me the opportunity to experiment and come up with the best-sounding chord.
Last edited by janhardo; 01/03/26 02:25 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,670
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,670 |
...
For a pop style, this option is not available, as far as I can see. ... It tends to depend on how the musician played the samples for the RealTrack. 'Pop' music often has only the dominant seven, so the tone pallet can be limited. This is rather what I meant when I said chords may be recognised but not necessarily played.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,593
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,593 |
Among the many tips in the article I wrote here https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=694482#Post694482 Is the concept that the more specific you are in BIAB with upper extensions, the better. To do that, you should know chord theory. Here’s an example. When you write “a 7th”, you will get a dominant (minor) 7th if you just write 7. If you want a major 7th, you have to write that. But do you know what kind of 7th you will get if you write a 9th chord? When you enter D9, you don’t tell BIAB about the 7th. This is the same playing notation on sheet music. It gets worse the higher you go. When you write a 13th chord, will it include the 9th? Which one - natural, flatted, or sharped? Will it include the 11th, and might you prefer a #11, especially in a chord at the end of a phrase unless it’s a minor 11? Which will BIAB choose? In that 13th chord, where is the 13th voiced? Will it clash with the 7th (a half step away)? Tip: any number above seven, just subtract seven to find the pitch. Then all you need to know is in what register (octave) it will sound. If you don’t yet know the music theory about this, your ears can generally give you the hint if the chord isn’t right. Play the song. Do you like the sound? Or, press Shift+Enter to audition a specific chord. Do you like the sound?
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36 |
I assume that the chords entered in the chord screen are heard in the style (MIDI) and also in the real style?
A thirteenth chord, for example, does not mean that there is a stack of thirds from the triad and that you get a 7-note chord, if I remember correctly.
How could you do a quick test to listen to all the chords in BIAB?
Last edited by janhardo; 01/03/26 09:34 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,989
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,989 |
How could you do a quick test to listen to all the chords in BIAB? That is actually very possible. Just use AI to list every chord in a single key that BIAB can generate. Tell AI to look directly at the BIAB manual for a listing of all possible chords. Then tell AI to generate a text file in the format that will place a single chord in each bar of a song and paste that into the Chord Chart in BIAB. Once you have all the chords input into the chord chart use the "chords" feature to play each chord as a block midi. Or just use any individual style you care to hear what the style and/or RTs will do with the chords. I am surprised I have never seen anyone do this.  So for the first to do this, upload the .sgu file so the rest of us can play with it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 36 |
Good effort, but the arrangement isn't quite right yet. However, it can still be improved.
I also gave it a try and the AI assured me that it used the same chord symbols as in BIAB, but when I entered them into the chord sheet, that turned out not to be the case.
Yes, you can still create the chord families suggested by the AI: triads, sevenths... and I ended up with 10 groups, but then there are gaps in the chord sheet
But then you need to know exactly which system BIAB uses for notating chords in the chord sheet before the AI can get to work on it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,593
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,593 |
Chord symbol nomenclature is not entirely standardized. It has always been the case that you have to learn how a chord is spelled in each program. It's even possible in BIAB to define your own shortcuts for chords.
BIAB has some odd ones, such as C5b, and I'm not surprised AI might now know such quirks. That doesn't necessarily mean anyone is mistaken, or needs to be 'improved'.
I'm curious, what chord did AI suggest that BIAB did not recognize?
ps my personal pet peeve is the use of the plus or minus sign in a chord.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,319
Posts803,328
Members40,096
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean