|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
As a newbie, I'm still trying to learn everything involved in completing a chord sheet.
I've figured out how to enter chords onto the correct beats, but still don't undrstand how to differentiate between various parts of a song. For example, I'm working on entering the Beatles "Yesterday". Part one is 7 measures, which gets repeated twice. Part 2 consists of 15 measures which also repeat twice. Finally, the ending consists of 2 measures. I've figured out how to enter Part 1, but have problems after that. Here are my specific questions:
1. How do I set up The repeat in Part 2, without undoing the repeat that I set up for Part 1?
2. Although I've entered chords into gray measures, they don't get played. I know that the measures need to be white. How do I make them white so they are played?
3. How do I enter the double bar to show the end of the song?
I hope that I'm using the correct terminology and that my questions are clear..... Any help with this would be appreciated.
P.S. I searched thru the printed manual before posting here, but couldn't find my answers. The index isn't real specific, and the section on the chord entry, on page 54, didn't cover these specific questions. So, if someone could point me to a more step-by-step part of the manual, or to a simple tutorial, that would be great.
Thanks.
Bert
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
Probably the easiest way is to not use any repeats. Write it out as one chorus, 7-7-8-7. Set the length of one chorus to 29 bars and as many repeats of the chorus as you want. Put your 2 bar ending at the end of the chorus. Click on the S to the right of the song title and set your ending there. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
Newbert, unfold the chord sheet and type in all the chords with no repeats. Use your part markers blue for verses, green for chorus. You can also use these for drum fills where you want them. Set how many bars you want and then a 2 bar ending. You can also add or delete bars if you need to do that.
Hope that helps.
Josie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
Newbert, unfold the chord sheet and type in all the chords with no repeats. Use your part markers blue for verses, green for chorus. You can also use these for drum fills where you want them. Set how many bars you want and then a 2 bar ending. You can also add or delete bars if you need to do that.
Hope that helps.
Josie
Josie,
I followed yours and Ray's advice and re-entered the chords using no repeats. That helped a lot.
However, as a complete BIAB newbie, I sometimes need step-by-step instructions for the simplest things, so:
1. How do I insert the various part markers? (Blue and Green, etc). And... Once all chords are entered with no repeats, what's the point of adding the part markers?
2. With regard to the ending, I figured out how to get BIAB to generate a 2-bar ending. But "Yesterday" doesn't actually require one. How do simply get a song to end after the last bar where I input chords (without adding two bars)?
3. Finally, for future reference -- Exactly how does one add or delete individula bard, if necessary?
Thanks for all the help! Slowly, but surely, I'll get there!
Bert
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,458
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,458 |
Hey there and welcome!
1. Right-click on the bar number, and you'll have the option to place an "a" or "b" part (or other parts if available, or delete the part marker). The part markers, besides being very helpful as visual layout tools, indicate different levels of activity for MIDI parts and RealDrums -- for example, in many styles the "a" part is more suited to a verse, while "b" is busier and better for the chorus or bridge.
2. Reverse what you did to get the 2-bar ending -- that is, uncheck that box in the Song Settings. You might also want to add a few extra bars with rests, just to get a cleaner version of the actual song ending.
3. "individula bard"? If you mean "individual bars", click on any given bar, then go to the Edit menu and select Insert Bars. However many bars you want to insert will be put in before the bar you clicked on.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 142
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 142 |
On re-entering bars. I just highlight the bars by selecting the first one then click and drag to highlight the section. After that you can use the Windows commands CTRL-C, CTRL-V to copy and paste the bars. Much faster than typing on all the bars.
The harder I work the luckier I get.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
Hey there and welcome!
1. Right-click on the bar number, and you'll have the option to place an "a" or "b" part (or other parts if available, or delete the part marker). The part markers, besides being very helpful as visual layout tools, indicate different levels of activity for MIDI parts and RealDrums -- for example, in many styles the "a" part is more suited to a verse, while "b" is busier and better for the chorus or bridge.
2. Reverse what you did to get the 2-bar ending -- that is, uncheck that box in the Song Settings. You might also want to add a few extra bars with rests, just to get a cleaner version of the actual song ending.
3. "individula bard"? If you mean "individual bars", click on any given bar, then go to the Edit menu and select Insert Bars. However many bars you want to insert will be put in before the bar you clicked on.
Thanks for the quick replies, Tom. ...And I see that you speak "Typo-code".  Typing accurately when I'm on my iPad is next to impossible!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
Hey there and welcome!
1. Right-click on the bar number, and you'll have the option to place an "a" or "b" part (or other parts if available, or delete the part marker). The part markers, besides being very helpful as visual layout tools, indicate different levels of activity for MIDI parts and RealDrums -- for example, in many styles the "a" part is more suited to a verse, while "b" is busier and better for the chorus or bridge.
2. Reverse what you did to get the 2-bar ending -- that is, uncheck that box in the Song Settings. You might also want to add a few extra bars with rests, just to get a cleaner version of the actual song ending.
3. "individula bard"? If you mean "individual bars", click on any given bar, then go to the Edit menu and select Insert Bars. However many bars you want to insert will be put in before the bar you clicked on.
OK. I've got almost all of this figured out, except ...... How do I add rests to the final few bars?
Thanks again!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,487
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,487 |
Hi Bert,
Do you mean rests in the melody or the accompaniment? If you mean accompaniment, do you mean all instruments or simply one or two?
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
Hi Bert,
Do you mean rests in the melody or the accompaniment? If you mean accompaniment, do you mean all instruments or simply one or two?
Regards,
Noel
In an earlier post, Tom Smith suggested that I "might also want to add a few extra bars with rests, just to get a cleaner version of the actual song ending".
At this point, that's what I'm looking to accomplish. So, to clarify -- all instruments.
Thanks.
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,487
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,487 |
When you're in chord-sheet view, right click on a unfilled part of the sheet and select "Chord Settings". This will give you the screen below.  Experiment with the settings in here. The things I have marked in yellow are the parts that will do the job you want. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,458
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,458 |
Or, when typing in the chord, follow it with a single period. Two periods indicates a shot, and three periods is a hold. (You can also type "b" for bass, "p" for piano, etc., indicating which parts you don't want to have rested, shot, or held. Try 'em out to hear what everything sounds like.)
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Thanks you, Tom and Noel! Both of your answers were very helpful in getting me to complete the entries onto the chordsheet. I'm really learning a lot from the responses here.
But, of course, now I want to "improve" what I'm doing, so I have questions about changing instrumentation "on the fly". Rather than change the topic of this thread, I'll start a new thread covering those questions....
Thanks again!
Last edited by newbert; 01/17/12 01:31 PM.
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
It'll be worth it to buy a hard copy of the manual from PG Music. Almost all of your questions are answered in the manual. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Quote:
It'll be worth it to buy a hard copy of the manual from PG Music. Almost all of your questions are answered in the manual. Later, Ray
I already have a hard copy of the 298 Page spiral-bound User's Guide, Ray. Is that what you refer to as the manual, or is there a more comprehensive book?
I find that, although the User's Guide has lots of info, the index could be better. It's not always easy to find the exact answer to my questions in the User Guide. That's why I'm happy to have this forum. The help here to get me started has been great!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,050
Posts799,403
Members40,018
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean