Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#198182 03/14/13 09:58 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
a friend asked me to make some background music for his chinese restaurant.

I have a bunch of chinese instruments VSTi plugins

erhu, guanzi, guqin, hulu, pipa, sheng, suona, yangqin, matouqin, ...

is there a way to have BIAB generate soft chinese music ?

is there a "style" for that, or how should I do this ?

I noticed that generating a "normal" western song and replacing the instruments isn't a solution, because they sound off-key

the note scale is different in Chinese style, I think ...

please somebody help me ...

Thanks

Dirk

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
))) is there a "style" for that, or how should I do this ?

Possibly. Please give us a YouTube link to an example song.


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
F
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
I have created some Chinese music using sample libraries such as EW Silk. Its all been done however using the Pentatonic scale ( e.g. the black notes on a piano ) in various combinations together with drums, cymbals etc programmed directly into Sonar. I would imagine chords would need to be made up from that scale but chords as such are not generally used so probably BIAB is not suitable software you can use at present.

FrankK #198185 03/17/13 06:41 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
F
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
http://youtu.be/7apji-hg5j4

this is the kind of stuff that I need ...

I need to make it myself, as we don't want to pay fees to copyright societies ...

that's why I'm looking into this ...

anybody can help ?

Last edited by Dirk Renders; 03/19/13 04:55 AM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281
Not sure about the chinese scale, but I know there are such a thing as a specific keyboard for middle east music, i guess they also use a different scale. I'll be interested (rather curious) about an style that can come close.

Good luck

Mike B.


Music should be part of your life
http://www.soundclick.com/blackcatjazzcafeband
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Dirk,

Prior to the introduction of Real Tracks, i.e., in MIDI-only days, the sorcery of BIAB lay in the Stylemaker. It is still there and fully functional. It allows you to create unique BIAB Styles of your own. You can also create what are called Hybrid Styles which combine elements of existing Styles. Check out the video "Secrets of the Stylemaker" (available on the PG Music website and, I believe, with copies of BIAB) as well as reading up on all of the documentation available to you. If you are musically knowledgeable and determined it can be done. There is at least one resident expert here who may be willing to help you.

Richard

Last edited by Ryszard; 03/20/13 11:34 PM.

"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
cubanpete #198189 03/20/13 10:25 AM
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:

Not sure about the chinese scale, but I know there are such a thing as a specific keyboard for middle east music, i guess they also use a different scale. I'll be interested (rather curious) about an style that can come close.

Good luck

Mike B.




The example youtube song posted above does not use any quarter tones or the likes, it is based on the Western Tempered Scale, in this case the Pentatonic Minor, with a few excursions through the Natural Minor Scale. In key of A minor. Then it modulates up a step to the B penta and minor, into the B Major to F# and into F# pentatonic with a few natural minor scale runs and out.

--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
F
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
Quote:

http://youtu.be/7apji-hg5j4

this is the kind of stuff that I need ...

I need to make it myself, as we don't want to pay fees to copyright societies ...

that's why I'm looking into this ...

anybody can help ?




In the interim Dirk I would experiment with the following BIAB style :

THESWAMP Oriental New Age, w Swamp loop

It has some pleasant sound effects built in. There maybe others. But somehow I think you are looking for a complete generation of midi parts that you can assign to your sample library instruments ?

FrankK #198191 03/21/13 12:34 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
F
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
F
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 196
Just an interesting bit of info trivia about the Pentatonic scale. Although it is the most common scale of 5 notes used throughout the world and “sounds” Chinese played “randomly” it is also the basis of the notes used exclusively in the following well-known Western tunes and riff: (and therefore possibly to be avoided)

Robbie Burns’s - Auld Lang Syne
Rod Stewarts - Sailing
Willis’ – Sweet Low Sweet Chariot
McCartneys’ – Mull of Kintyre
Led Zepplins’ Riff – Whole Lotta Love

Thanks to Howard Goodall’s program series “ How Music Works” for pointing this out. Worth watching all the series parts for PGMusic users:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnbOWi6f_IM

FrankK #204905 05/31/13 08:01 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
I'm still not any further with this ...

who can help me ?

pleaaaaaaase

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
... or maybe is somebody willing to make some chinese "muzak" for me (using BiaB or other) ?

I'm prepared to pay for it ... not going through the roof, but still ...

but it definately needs to be "rightsfree" ...

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134
R
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
R
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 134

After reading Mac's reply, I thought I'd give it a try around guitar solos.

This is just for fun. Just an example.

How I did this one.

Let the melodist create a song, I picked "No Form" as this is just an example. The "style" doesn't matter as you'll replace tracks with realstyles - well the midi from realstyles.

Add a realtrack guitar Solo, like a Brent Mason Ballad guitar solo.
1168:Guitar, Electric, Soloist RockBalladBrent Ev 065 (Bluesy)

These kind of tracks have midi. Then Edit -> Copy Track to another track.

I did this twice. Then I added VSTi instruments to those tracks that sounded ethnic to me. One said "Koto", the other some flute thing.

I slowed the tempo down to 30. This is as slow as I could get. Therefore why it ended up being so long.

It sounds interesting. smile
https://soundcloud.com/raintalk-1/instinctive-daydream-render Instinctive Daydream

To fill in I added strings and bambo sticks.

The strings are the High-Q Sampletank ones that come with BIAB.

You can create a wave file with the same name as the Song and BIAB will play it. I added some ambient windy chime thing. And put this on the same track as the piano.

There is some distortion so in real life check the levels.
Have fun - this is all fun!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Raintalk,

I used your trick copying realtracks to soloist, a bit working on melody not below. Using mandolin solo at half time. Not what i want yet.
The solo/melody is vital, so not changing the other midi voicing yet.

Dirk
By pure coincidence I'm tinkering with New age oriental music.
This link has some number of pseudo sounding chord progressions.
Used few of them for the VERY MUCH W.I.P on this song.

Groups of chord progressions.
http://www.ibreathemusic.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-9084.html

Used the Lotus1.sty

JoyBeach.SGU link....again W.I.P. working on adding melody. Still
need to change part chords... but gives you an idea.

http://www.mp3cloud.mobi/JoyBeach.SGU


Last edited by seeker; 06/06/13 07:09 PM.

FrankB

Down The Street vs2015 12-03-2014
Win7, AMD QuadA8-5500,16GB,2TeraHD, Komplete 10
PG Ultra Plus 2016,Alesis 12USB, Sonar Platinum
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,976
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,976
Look at the NEW AGE styles in BB... they would probably come the closest of any.

You could use them as backing by muting the undesired tracks/instruments and by using synths to play oriental and world instruments you could easily cobble together some music that would work well in that situation.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
... or maybe is somebody willing to make some chinese "muzak" for me (using BiaB or other) ?

I'm prepared to pay for it ... not going through the roof, but still ...

but it definately needs to be "rightsfree" ...

... contact me in PM

Last edited by Dirk Renders; 07/08/13 01:11 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
anybody out there want to help me with this ?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Dirk,

I have found this to be the most friendly and helpful forum around. Your request has been seen. If no one has answered by now it's probably because, for whatever reason, no one is able to help you. BIAB is certainly capable of doing what you want, but it would take specific knowledge of the style or styles you want to create, plus experience with BIAB's Stylemaker, and knowing where to find samples or virtual instruments representing the sounds you want to use.

It has been said that success happens where opportunity and preparedness meet. I realize that there is probably a significant opportunity that is being missed here. I have eaten in a local Vietnamese restaurant where music was being played that certainly could have been created in BIAB; I have no idea whether it was or not. My guess is that no one here is familiar enough with the Chinese styles and instruments you have in mind.

Personally, I think you have a great idea. Your choice would appear to be either to learn how to do this yourself, which sounds like quite an undertaking, or to keep looking for someone who could do it for you. My fear in the latter case is that if someone else got the idea, they would do it for themself and leave you out of the loop.

However you decide to proceed, I wish you the best of luck.

Richard


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
D
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
D
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7
Well,

I don't need the most complicated oriental schemes and stuff, just some background muzak with an oriental touch, to accord with the atmosphere in my friend's restaurant ...

so should I learn how to do it ?
how should I proceed my learning journey ?

or can/will somebody help ?

looking forward to hearing from all you expert guys ...

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
.
The intro to this song has a kind of "Chinesey" sound to it. I could have made it more specifically Chinese if I had wanted to.

I got the sound using a major pentatonic scale and regular GM instruments. From Coyote, if I recall...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVxy5uuP9U0&feature=c4-overview&list=UU1HIjytygskt35Kk2JGe9tw

It switches to a Western major mode after the first 28 bars.


Flatfoot sez: Call me when 'Talent-in-a-Box' is ready to ship! -- [8{>

Got some tunes on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/flatfoot50
.
My BiaB lesson site:
http://jdwolfe0.wixsite.com/learnbiab
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
Topics86,436
Posts805,095
Members40,121
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys, Bloc
40,121 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 130
DC Ron 100
rsdean 96
WaoBand 82
vicarn 67
Today's Birthdays
Saxfred
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5