|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253 |
I'm wondering if it is customary to simplify jazz (real Book type) charts when I have to sing and play? I have a bunch of standards I want to do but to sing and play them @ the same time seems too busy. I want to go for a sparser feel ....any ideas on resources for simplifying a chart...perhaps one change per bar or something like that...Ive seen a lot of fake books just do it a little differently. Some hang on a chord for a couple of bars where another chart might have a 2-5 between each tonal center and shift around a lot ....You hard core jazz guys out there I'm sure have made your own arrangements a lot.. what can be done w/out sounding like a simpleton? ..Thanks in advance for your input:)
...........Jeff......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Not sure I get what you want, but I just practice each tune until I can play the changes and then its no problem anymore.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 809 |
What Mac says it true. Practice is a great key. But there are times when you have to make changes There's no way you can hit every chord on some of those fast charts that have changes on every beat. Especially if they are piano charts and you are trying to play them on guitar. What you have to do is get the major changes ei. the 1st and 3rd beats. There are also chords substitutions you can google them if you want some simpler chords if that's what you are looking for until you can get your playing level up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253 |
Thanks for the replies. I guess my question has more to do with the arranging of the charts for playing piano and singing @ the same time...even listening to some of the biab styles the piano is not playing on every half note although the changes are 2 to the bar. The player seems to know when to play and when not to...I guess it is just practice...I know what you mean about the practice...I've got a few charts that I can play or I can sing but not both...And I'm wanting to work up the charts to do a single.( using some biab bass lines and maybe some horns/strings or something) I thought maybe there is an option of doing more sparse comping while singing and there were some rules as far as what I could leave out and what must be included in the changes in order to be hip:)
...........Jeff......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 479 |
Hi Jeff - I find I often make multiple charts for the same song. The first is for BIAB where I'll load it up with all the changes, and pay attention to slash chords to give some control of base lines, etc. I'll usually try different changes in the various "a" sections for experimentation. Then I may make another leadsheet with less clutter that I use as I learn the tune on keyboard, using it more as a leadsheet. By then I'll be working out my own base lines, 2 and 4 -beat subtleties, etc. The more my arrangement develops, the less I need to see the fine stuff. And if I'm making a leadsheet for someone else, I may make and even simpler bare-bones chart.
There is not a way in BIAB to have a different set of such charts in the same file. I suppose you could copy one choruses after another and edit each chorus for each purpose - but I sure don't like that idea.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253 |
Thanks for the idea Kelso:
I think that is where I'm at...Some jazz standards Ive been working on for a while can get a little more complex while tunes I'm just learning need to be kind of bare bones until I'm fluent w/them....
...........Jeff......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Ah, the art of "chord skipping" -- hey, its jazz.
Not only can you simply not play chords in a dense section, but if you listen hard to the comping of many great jazz guitar (and piano) players, you will find that they often play the SAME chord where the chart specifies another. There are rules to this, the ear is the final determining factor, though.
In Jazz forms, learn the tritone subs and also the "shell" fingerings for the guitar, most of which are based on the "inside chord" fingerings.
You don't have to play a full course six-note chord (or 5...) and as a matter of fact, in jazz it is umdesirable to do so most of the time. Two, Three and four note chords that don't contain any more information that is needed to imply the chord is the word of the day.
For example, when I come across a C7 chord and am reading on guitar, a comping section, I might just grab a Bb and an E, the flat 7th and 3rd of the chord. The bass is likely handling the root, so having two stringed instruments play the root is too heavy for jazz work and redundant besides.
Less is more.
OF COURSE, there are study guides and lessons available on this style of comping, highly recommended. Some are likely to be postee online somewhere for free and can get one started on that path, others may cost money.
The PGMusic Jazz Guitar series is EXCELLENT, BTW, well worth the small amount of money it costs, and like having a live jazz guitar teacher at your beck and call 24/7 if you take the time to work with the program it will pay off.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 253 |
Thanks Mac....I'll be playing some guitar too so this will be real handy....at the moment I'm doing these on piano. I'm guessing the same comping rules apply? Shells possibly roots and shells and kind of relax the rhythm and don't try to get every single change in there?...I'm gonna play with it...Ive been playing pop and country for a long time and I'm working to stop my thumb from grabbing roots all of the time...and the church lady dominant 7ths in root position have got to go L.O.L. I just bought the pg music keyboard chord computer hoping I'll learn some more hip voicings:)
...........Jeff......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,821
Posts796,634
Members39,968
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean