|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 20 |
Can anyone tell me if there is a systematic training program for BIAB? I would like something that starts with the basics (and doesn't assume the student knows the terminology) and progresses to most of the advanced processes.
I have looked through youtube and PG Music's website. While there are a lot of good tutorials out there, nothing is laid out systematically. I also feel I am trying to learn a foreign language!
Thanks!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
If Music Terminology as used (properly, I might add which is a great thing about Band in a Box) is new to you, things like Fake Chords (Use of letters and numbers to denote a chord, such as "Cm7" or the likes), or certain terms about Rhythm and Time Signatures, or perhaps "Feel" as in SWing feel vs EVen feel, perhaps looking into the various reading resources that are readily available concerning the subjects would help.
And -- You've hit the nail on the head by noticing that it is like trying to learn a foreign language, for it IS another language, the Language of Music.
However, this particular language uses an alphabet that consists of only 12 letters, A thru G. Think of it that way and it does not seem nearly so daunting.
Also consider the idea of getting some personal music lessons near you, that can surely help the novice to wade thru these things in some sort of orderly and bite-size fashion.
I hope this is what you are referring to, if not, please elaborate.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
Mac's correct in that music is another language, after years of study I can barely say "Hello!" LOL
If you are referring to something along the lines of a "How To Use BiaB" like creating Styles, Cut-Copy-Paste Parts around the song, etc, I have not run across any that go thru the program like this. You can piece together a set of tutorials from around the net, but most are out-dated. Even the supplied BiaB Tutorials range from 2006 thru 2012, and they are not "All Encompassing" either....
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Funny thing, everybody asks for a book on the subject, awhile back many seemed to be trying to push yours truly into writing said book, but when I investigated the issue, come to find out that the included .pdf manuals from PGMusic for Band in a Box are exactly what everyone seemed to be clamoring for. A book on how to use the program.
That, and the fact that there are typically two upgrades a year, with "over 50 new features" deems any book that I could put together obsolete before it could be published...
In short, the .pdf Manuals and Upgrade Manuals that install inside your BB folder are a wealth of information.
But don't expect the study of them to be a quick process. Band in a Box is much like a musical instrument in that you cannot expect to dazzle people with your playing in the first month of owning your first guitar.
But, a John C. pointed out awhile back, if Band in a Box could be fully learned in a couple of sessions, the program would not be worth the trouble.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365 |
Hi Gravel, In addition to what's been said above, and just in case you haven't yet stumbled across these, there's also a whole heap of video tutorials found at the link below. http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htmIf you scroll to the bottom of the webpage, you'll find some older, archived tutorials as well. Even though these might not say 2013, they are still relevant to today's version and worth watching. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
I think the OP was referring to BIAB "How To" and not music theory.
That being the case, there are few who are greater admirers of BIAB in every respect than I am.
But I would have to say that a SYSTEMATIC....Square 1 through Square whatever...video tutorial library would be a MAJOR addition to PG's customer support.
I for ONE...and only ONE...would prefer that PG spent its time evolving such a SYSTEMATIC AND CONSOLIDATED video library rather than adding a SINGLE new feature.
I'm sure you "pros" will SHRIEK at such a suggestion. But remember, everything is easy when you know what you're doing!!! But new users...the life blood of PG's FUTURE don't know JACK...and trying to parse the manual and fairly "unconsolidated" library of video tutorials is just flat DAUNTING.
SUGGESTION:
Get a brand new IT type employee who knows NOTHING about BIAB...but who is at least somewhat knowledgable of music to spend a few hours a week with an in-house PRO...going through Page 1 of the Manual to the end and evolving a video tutorial as they go.
Even go outside the company if need be to find such a person for what would be...I would imagine...about a 3 month project.
AND I for ONE would be FINE with PAYING EXTRA for the "UPGRADED VIDEO TUTORIAL MANUAL"!
How much? $50.00 in a heartbeat. For all other more intrepid souls...there will be MONTHS of FUN....AND FRUSTRATION as you try to "go deep" with the software.
Just my 2 cents.
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 20 |
My issues are more of the "how to" in BIAB. For example, last night I wanted to have a four measure (bar) ending to my song. BIAB makes it easy to add a 2 measure ending complete with fading the dynamics (velocity?) and holding the last chord. But, "how-to" add two additional measures, and change the chord pattern, to the inserted ending while maintaining the fade and hold properties eludes me! Pretend you know nothing about BAIB, then try to find instructions on making endings longer than 2 measures. I still haven't been able to find the solution to this specific problem.....
While I am not an expert in reading music, I do know, or at least I am familiar with, music terminology if you take the "computer" out of it. It is terms like "DAW", "Nudge", "event", etc. that have me searching forever.
Actually, since writing the above post, I have found that much of the terminology seems more related to the world of music software/hardware in general rather than BIAB specific. I have gotten some help in the area of terminology by reading midi glossaries on line.
However, like Jim, I would be willing to pay some extra money for a well written systematic teaching program for BIAB. The learning curve on the program would be greatly reduced for people like me!
Like, I am willing to bet, a lot of you, I work full time and play gigs on the side. After adding in family life and practice time with band mates, there just isn't a lot of time left over to be spent on the learning curve for a piece of software. Therefore, anything that considerably reduces that curve is very valuable to me.
BTW: I bought BIAB in order to create backing tracks for my live playing. I am more interested in playing live music then learning programing! All that said and done, I will admit that BIAB is "suggesting" new possibilities for this old dog!
Tony
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365 |
Gravel,
I'm not sure if you are aware of this so I'll mention it just in case you have not yet found them. Under the "Help" there are also a number of very useful tutorials. I found these useful when I was starting out.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I have never understood the viewpoint that use of the computer for music endeavors as anything other than some sort of easy "one-button-and-its-a-great-finished-product" is problematic.
**The day you bought or were given your first instrument, could you just pick it up and instantly make wonderful music that other people applauded?**
Or did you have to spend some time learning a few new things, new names, nomenclature, etc. before you could play the doggone thing?
Band in a Box is much the same. Treat it like a brand new musical instrument that is indeed rather complicated as compared to any single instrument. After all, most are suddenly encountering aspects of playing instruments *other* than the instrument that they've been trying to master. The Drummer may have some things to learn about the Melodic Instruments, the player of a Melodic Instrument may have to learn a few things about Drums and Percussion, all may have to learn about things such as MIDI, at least to the extent that the foundation behind Band in a Box, whether you choose all Realtracks or not, is MIDI-based.
Along the way, Band in a Box will make you a better musician...
The key to getting there as fast as possible lies in spending an ordinate and typically small amount of time with the program on a daily basis.
Didn't learn to play the Piano, the Trumpet and then the Guitar overnight.
But, in the process I've learned to enjoy The Journey.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
Quote:
Even go outside the company if need be to find such a person for what would be...I would imagine...about a 3 month project.
Groove3 would be a good one for this, out of all the "video instruction" companies out there I find their instruction the best...at least IMHO... 
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300 |
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=216747Ray Thomas has a "BIAB Made Easy" available on DVD for $5.00. I have one & it is an excellent Tutorial for anyone starting out with Band in a Box.. Check it out.. It is a DVD started by Rick Campbell, & was sold, but now available for free, but the $5 covers cost of the disk & shipping..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
Quote:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=216747
Ray Thomas has a "BIAB Made Easy" available on DVD for $5.00. I have one & it is an excellent Tutorial for anyone starting out with Band in a Box..
Check it out.. It is a DVD started by Rick Campbell, & was sold, but now available for free, but the $5 covers cost of the disk & shipping..
Great tip...THANKS. The only issue is that it must be at least a year old.
SUGGESTION #2
PG might consider acquiring the rights for a nominal sum to the DVD Ray Thomas is giving away and then update it...and continue to do so as changes are made.
Doing so would save PG at LEAST 75% of the cost of developing the sequential...all in one place...Video Tutorial Manual.
Personally, I think that it is decidedly to PG's advantage to get their user base to go as deep as possible into BIAB's functionality. Do so would just make people REALIZE how superior the product is and widen the competitive "moat" surrounding the software.
(-:
Jim
(-:
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,365 |
PG Music have these add-ons for sale, too. I haven't seen them but from reading through the description, they sound excellent. http://www.pgmusic.com/addons.tutorials.php?os=winRegards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
The "Band In A Box Made Easy Free DVD" can be seen on You Tube in 16 Parts.... https://www.youtube.com/user/tenic/videos?query=BIAB+Made+EasyHope This Helps!!
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 20 |
True, I did not learn to play my guitar overnight. But, I did have a music instructor who taught me in a systematic manner. My instructor first taught me the basic nomenclature of the guitar. Then he started teaching me how to hold the guitar. Then how to fret one note and get a clean sound. Each lesson was followed by a lot of practice!
I hoped my new "instrument" would also have a systematic (the key word - systematic) learning system provided by the makers or a third party.
I have used all the help sections mentioned in this thread (and greatly appreciate the help!), but there is nothing systematic about them.
I will check out the DVD as mentioned!
Thanks to all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300 |
Quote:
Quote:
http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=216747
Ray Thomas has a "BIAB Made Easy" available on DVD for $5.00. I have one & it is an excellent Tutorial for anyone starting out with Band in a Box..
Check it out.. It is a DVD started by Rick Campbell, & was sold, but now available for free, but the $5 covers cost of the disk & shipping..
Great tip...THANKS. The only issue is that it must be at least a year old.
SUGGESTION #2
PG might consider acquiring the rights for a nominal sum to the DVD Ray Thomas is giving away and then update it...and continue to do so as changes are made.
Doing so would save PG at LEAST 75% of the cost of developing the sequential...all in one place...Video Tutorial Manual.
Personally, I think that it is decidedly to PG's advantage to get their user base to go as deep as possible into BIAB's functionality. Do so would just make people REALIZE how superior the product is and widen the competitive "moat" surrounding the software.
(-:
Jim
(-:
Jim
Actually it isn't Ray Thomas that made the DVD. It was Rick Campbell, & all credits should be given to him.. He had this DVD for sale for a nominal price, & after he recouped his costs he made it Public Domain. Ray Thomas then made this DVD available for the cost of the disk plus S&H which is $5.. I did buy it when Rick had it for sale, & well worth the money for any body starting with BIAB.. Yes the DVD is available on You Tube, but for $5 it's nice to have it at your fingertips, & saves the hassle of downloading from you tube, then burning it to DVD..
That's about the price of a drink at a Club..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
johnnyo34, is the DVD in a higher quality format? YT has it at 480p tops, and judging from the title of the sections they were originally in the .wma format. The reason I ask is because I have grabbed videos before from YT or Viemo, liked them a lot, and ordered a copy just to get the SAME bit/frame rate as the download. 
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 20 |
I have watched most of the Rick Campbell videos on youtube and found them very helpful (and systematic!).
Has anyone used the "add on" that Noel mentioned? I agree with Noel, the descriptions sound very promising, but it would be nice to hear from some who has actually purchased and used these tools before I spend more money.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300 |
Quote:
johnnyo34, is the DVD in a higher quality format? YT has it at 480p tops, and judging from the title of the sections they were originally in the .wma format.
The reason I ask is because I have grabbed videos before from YT or Viemo, liked them a lot, and ordered a copy just to get the SAME bit/frame rate as the download.
I think the Video is in WMA... Mine is good quality.... I'll dig it out & let you know.. I'm in Tx now for the winter & I think I have a copy of it here too.. Will post later when I find it..
A quick email to Rick or Ray would confirm ..
Last edited by johnnyo34; 12/28/12 07:07 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 178
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 178 |
I was lucky got started with 2004 ver. and a freind who gave me probaly 1000 songs or ver. of some of the same songs. with that i saw how others were doing things I found styles that I liked. I rearanged songs for my liking. I would like to see if we could share biab songs that we could download them. just a thought?
John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,750
Posts795,768
Members39,950
| |
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