Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
I've used BIAB for awhile and have the 2011 Everything Pak. I'm just starting to learn the ukulele and am wondering if it's possible to get the tab or chord diagram to show in the leadsheet or notation window. I've had the guitar window and can see the notes being played there after using the add chords feature. The chords show as stacked notes but no diagrams in the leadsheet window. I seem to recall seeing the diagrams, such as are on a fake book leadsheet, but can't recall where. Maybe it was in a different program? Thanks for any help.

Stan


Cornet Curmudgeon
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
No uke players out there? Guess it's not as popular as I thought. Lot's of fun though.

Stan


Cornet Curmudgeon
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,207
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,207
Hi Stan,

I just tried to see if I could help you and I think you can get the chord diagrams for a ukulele.
Once in the main chord screen in Band In a Box go to the notation icon (the one with the single note)
When you are in that screen go to the Opt icon (over on the left side of the screen)
When the Notations Options screen opens you will see (just below the bars/screen) the Guitar Chord Diagrams drop down box.
Just click on that box and you will be able to select Ukulele.

I have just loaded a midi style song and you can indeed see the tab and chords for a ukulele.

Be aware that I can't play the Ukulele and what I see may be right or wrong....Go try it and let me know.

Best regards
George


Windows 11 64 bit, Biab 2026 (1237), Realband 2026 (10)
i7 Desktop Computer 16Gb Memory

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
You can use the guitar tab and play only the the first four high strings of guitar (E,B,G,D) ,Uke and guitar have the same intervals of tune. Lead works but you will have an octave higher when playing the guitar "D" string ,still will sound OK .

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
By GEORGE,I think you've got it! Sorry, I couldn't resist the line from "My Fair Lady." Your solution does put some uke chords in, but most don't match up with the chord chart I have. That's certainly no doing of yours though. It's interesting that only a couple of frets are shown and they show the fret number. One showed as the 7th fret. I couldn't find any chords on the chart with that pattern. It could be an alternate fingering though. I'm just beginning the uke and you should never allow a trumpet player to get close to a stringed instrument.:) Serves me right for being lazy and not learning the chords shown on the leadsheet. Thanks for the help.

Stan


Cornet Curmudgeon
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
Hi Stan,
There is lots of ukulele support in BB. Here are 2 videos that describe what you can do from a ukulele perspective in Band-in-a-Box. (This same approach applies to other instruments like guitar, mandolin, violin, 5-string banjo, and guitars with non-standard tunings)

See more info, and the videos here: http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=319940&an=0&page=0#Post319940


Topics covered in the videos include...

Ukulele with Band-in-a-Box Part 1
1. Using the “Tutor” to see ukulele chords on fretboard in any style
2. Playing a Ukulele style (MIDI) to see and hear ukulele chords

Part 2 of video on Ukulele
3. Ukulele Chord Diagrams (with any song any style_
4. Real Ukulele! RealStyles (e.g. Ukes140.sty) that have a Real Ukulele


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
There are a lot of Uke chords that use open strings .

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Wow! I guess I didn't look deep enough. Many thanks Peter and Tommyc. I'm thinking that BIAB will be a real help in learning.

Stan


Cornet Curmudgeon
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,275
L
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,275
"You know you're getting old when..."

My first musical instrument was a ukulele, back in 1954.
In those days, it was tuned thus:

********************************************************************************

"Re-entrant D-tuning
a,D,F#,B

Used to be more popular than it is now. Most of the old song sheets from the ukulele heyday are in D-tuning. Nowadays, the only place I really see it used often is with Formby acolytes."

***********************************************************************************

In all my old uke books, the chords are shown with this tuning.
Is there a way to set up BIAB to use this tuning instead of the "new standard"
of "gCEA" or "GCEA"?

(I'm not at home right now and don't have access to BIAB)

Thanks!
LLOYD S

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
A
Anonymous
Unregistered
Anonymous
Unregistered
A
The beauty of these forums. I had a uke once and tuned it like the top 4 strings of a guitar. E-B-G-D. Then again when I played around with a banjo I did the same thing. And a mandolin... It's the neck and fingerings I know, so....

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
<<In all my old uke books, the chords are shown with this tuning.
Is there a way to set up BIAB to use this tuning instead of the "new standard"
of "gCEA" or "GCEA"? >>

When I was a kid, maybe 10, I recall the tuning being GCEA (my dog has fleas). I'm 71 now so the tuning you are talking is something new to me.

Stan

Last edited by Shastastan; 06/17/11 07:27 PM.

Cornet Curmudgeon
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
BOTH tunings are the "My Dog Has Fleas" mnemonic.

The older tuning is just one step lower all around.

A,D,F#,B => G,C,E,A

Fingerings would be identical, but, of course the actual pitch would change by one whole step.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Quote:

The beauty of these forums. I had a uke once and tuned it like the top 4 strings of a guitar. E-B-G-D. Then again when I played around with a banjo I did the same thing. And a mandolin... It's the neck and fingerings I know, so....




Also known as "The Tedesco Trick" after the late great session man, Tommy Tedesco, who did the same thing with those instruments and even famously on a Balalaika for movie soundtrack work - the more instruments you could cover on those union gigs, the higher the payscale earned. So Tommy bought a trunk full of used stringed instruments and tuned 'em all like his guitar...


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Quote:

BOTH tunings are the "My Dog Has Fleas" mnemonic.

The older tuning is just one step lower all around.

A,D,F#,B => G,C,E,A

Fingerings would be identical, but, of course the actual pitch would change by one whole step.


--Mac




When you put it that way, Mac, it's more clear for me. I can't recall that it was not, in fact, two intervals higher "back in the olden days.":)

stan


Cornet Curmudgeon
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,275
L
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,275
So to my question:

"Is there a way to set up BIAB to use this tuning (aDF#B) instead of the "new standard"
of "gCEA" or "GCEA"?"

Am I missing something or is it just not possible?
Item for the Wish List?

Thanks!
LLOYD

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
Hi Lloyd

There isn't a way to have custom tunings in BB. One reason is that the fretboards have chord voicings, and these aren't calculated, they are actual voicings that are used.


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,275
L
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,275
OK, thanks Peter!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1
J
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
J
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1
I'm new to the BIAB Forum and have a ukulele question. Is it still impossible with the new add-ons to have a ukulele with "low G" tuning? This is the most popular tuning for jazz ukulele playing. Also, if it is possible, how do I do it and how do I get the ukulele fretboasrd display to show it. It shows the gCEQA (re-entrant) tuning where the G string is the G above middle C and "Kow G" tuning demands that it to be the G below middle C. Thanks to the fourm and any help I can get. Blessings

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
I think you should add this to the Wishlist Forum as a future request possibility.

I've been sort of campaigning for a *User Definable* stringed instrument course/fretboard view for some time now. Instead of long lists of fixed choices.

That way, *any* Scordatura and reasonable number of string courses could be programmed by the user, named and saved.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
I have a low G string on my tenor uke and I just play the same as I do from any other chord chart. I've never seen a chord chart that's any different, but I don't use mine for jazz either. Have you checked the website of Gerald Ross? Sorry I don't have the url, but he does lots of jazz uke stuff.

Stan


Cornet Curmudgeon
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

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!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,392
Posts804,250
Members40,110
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
sgsdgsg, bill.mccall, SuperMario20, Jonas Karlsson, Johnj
40,110 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 125
rsdean 92
DC Ron 84
vicarn 82
WaoBand 78
dcuny 66
Today's Birthdays
Gudrun
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5