|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 50
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 50 |
I have a question for our musically-educated and gifted friends about using the "transposing" instruments (saxes, horns, clarinets, etc.) and how I should attempt to add them to my simple, chord-based Rock and Country BIAB tunes.
Please understand that I'm a barnyard picker whose last brush with traditional music theory was back before I was booted out of 5th grade band class around 54 years ago (it's long story and I still maintain I was innocent).
I managed to get through many years of playing live R&R and Country music while not seriously interfacing with any sax, horn or woodwind players. I made decent $$$$ over the years, but didn't get a very well-rounded musical education. We had the occasional sax player sit in with us over the years, but all I ever did was tell him/her "OK, this is a 1-4-5 rock tune in E" and he/she handled it from that point... and they often handled it very well too!
The only charts I ever used over the years were Nashville numbers notation charts - so the sharps and flats in the staff and all the other "real" musician stuff out there is unfortunately lost on me. The total extent of my knowledge over the years was that certain instruments were referred to as Bb or Eb instruments - and their operators generally appreciated some prior knowledge regarding the key a song was played in...
I am aware of the Opt>Pref>Display>Transpose aspect of BIAB, but I'm not 100% clear as to the exact process of adding these transposing instruments into my simple, chord-based 1-4-5 (with an occasional 2 or 6) R&R or Country-based tunes.
Typically I create the song's chording structure first and attempt add the sax, horn or clarinet part at the very end of the process. At that point, I go into the Opt>Pref>Display>Transpose interface and select the type instrument I'm generating for my tune. After selection, the chords all change accordingly in BIAB, and then I go to my Real Tracks gallery and start auditioning my chosen instrument(s). Is this the correct procedure? Is there a better way to do this?
I'm asking for clarification/direction here because a lot of time when I try to add a transposed instrument to my stuff, the result is not pleasant at all - as if the instrument I'm adding is playing in an entirely different key center than the song I'm trying to add it to...
As a fair-to-middlin' guitar/bass/keyboard player, I seldom create anything in a flat keys, sticking mainly to C-G-D-E-A major or minor keys. Are these bad keys for saxes, horns, etc.?
Typically I'm looking to have the sax, or horn, or clarinet play a secondary role in my tunes, stepping to the front for brief solos between verses, etc. (using the F5 key process to bring it in and out of the song).
I like the new horn sections in my 2014 BIAB Everything Pack (I upgraded from 2012 Everything Pack last month)... but they just don't fit in with everything...
Any suggestions/help would be greatly appreciated - and thank you in advance!
just an old analog dog tryin' to learn new tricks...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
When adding any of the transposing horns to a BB tune, either via MIDI or RealTracks, you don't have to worry about the Transposing, just invoke the horn of choice and it will be generated to sound correctly according to the Key Signature you set in the main Keysig block and the Chords you entered on the Chord Sheet.
Easy, and no problem.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,507
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,507 |
...sticking mainly to C-G-D-E-A major or minor keys. Are these bad keys for saxes, horns, etc.? Depends on who is playing, I guess. As a sideman for CDs by guitarists, I rather expect to be playing a lot in those keys. If you mean for the RealTrack players, no problem. Even if the RealTracks were not recorded in a specific key, BIAB has the Elastique algorithm to shift the pitch without any problem.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 50
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 50 |
Thank you Gentlemen for the prompt and concise responses... Guess I was thinking this one too hard! 
just an old analog dog tryin' to learn new tricks...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
The transposing function is for creating charts for non concert key instruments like most horns. If you had a tenor sax player and you want him to play an exact specific part that's in your Biab song you click on tenor sax in the transpose window. That changes the notation for a tenor sax. You print out the tenor chart and then change the transpose back to concert.
It's when you get interrupted in the middle of this, save the song and forget to change the transpose that will cause you all kinds of grief three months later.
Ask me how I know this...
And yes a good sax player can play in any key just like you should be able to as well. They certainly have their favorites though, usually the flat keys, F, Bb, Eb, Ab and Db. If you have a choice and don't care yourself you'll make them happier if you're in those keys. These are also the jazz keys because of all the legendary jazz horn players.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,807
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,807 |
What Mac said.
I've done quite a few songs in the past using RB to render the tracks and with horns and sax, I've never had an issue with keys. The software did all the right stuff.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 01/07/14 06:23 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,074
Posts799,760
Members40,027
| |
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