|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,329
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,329 |
I have some melodies and lyrics in my head and need some chords for them so I can use them in BIAB. Anyone have any suggestions? I can play guitar and harmonica some but never had enough ability to hear how chords fit with melodies. Any ideas appreciated.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 6 |
I am not a specialist of harmony, but may be a first advice could help ?
Can you enter the melody of your song in Band in a Box ? You have to choose a tonality first. In C major and A minor there are no flats and sharps (except a G# often found in A minor). Il you choose another tonality, band in a box indicates the flats or sharps at the beginning of the score.
Enter the melody and try to decide what are the most important notes Inside every bar. Normally, these notes belong to the chord played at the same time as an accompaniement.
Try to enter some simple major or minor chords and observe the score of an instrument like the piano or the guitar. Il you can read music, you will see if there are notes of the chord that correspond to notes in the melody.
Normally, sharps of flats in chords are the same as in the melody. Pay attention to major and minor chords so that all the notes of the chord belong to the scale .
The last important topic is the place of the chord in the scale . For instance if the song is in C major, C is the first note(I) and G is the fifth (V). Band in a box can display IIm-V7_I instead of Dm-G7-C. (a very popular chord progression).Most important chords are I,IV and V7 in a major tonality. Then IIm and VIm may be used to vary the accompaniement. In minor tonalities it is a bit more complex (I tell you later) .
Also observe simple songs if you cant get a ready for use Band in a box file of them .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827 |
You can also try Microsoft Songsmith, it use PG styles and saves to a midi file that you can open in BB, there is also a free Academic version.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,750
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,750 |
I have some melodies and lyrics in my head and need some chords for them so I can use them in BIAB. Anyone have any suggestions?
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 99
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 99 |
Hi Solidrock,
Does BIAB recognize the chord progression that Songsmith created or do you need to use the ACW for this purpose?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032 |
In C major and A minor there are no flats and sharps (except a G# often found in A minor). There are actually 3 minor scales (excluding modes). Your G# in Am is the harmonic minor scale which is the same as the natural minor (no sharps or flats in C) except that the seventh degree is raised by one semitone (G#), making an augmented second between the sixth and seventh degrees. A nice sound by the way (listen to Summertime by Janice Joplin) But never mind that, I am afraid the OP is over simplifying the point. Countless Melodies hide within the very same chord progressions. Otherwise, every I IV V would sound the same. So no simple answer (at least from me) on how you turn a melody into a chord progression. But that is a actually a good thing, cause a simple progression can be used to cover all those melodies. Start with an instrument (assuming you play and if you don't pick up a guitar and take a fell lessons on how to play simple chords), strum them as you sing the melody and let you ear tell you where to go. A bit of similar discussion going on regarding this very topic: http://forum.cockos.com/showthread.php?t=140607My conclusion (and what do I know) - There's no quick formula to circumvent experience. What you need is lot's familiarity with music theory and/or a lot of experience, and a real good ear.
Last edited by jazzmandan; 05/25/14 05:43 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827 |
Hi Solidrock,
Does BIAB recognize the chord progression that Songsmith created or do you need to use the ACW for this purpose? Microsoft Songsmith saves to a midi file that you can open in BB and you will get the chords. You should be able to copy your BB midi styles to the Songsmith Styles Folder if you want extra or just do it in BB after. Songsmith_Demo1.mid Songsmith_Demo1_Vocal.wma  
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,329
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,329 |
Thanks to all for their ideas, I'll look at all of them for sure! I have never had any luck with Songsmith or ACW. With both I usually get a different chord every measure when I know the song is (or can be) a very easy progression. Most of my stuff is blues based but not just I-IV-V. Many of the songs were done to backing tracks I found on-line, but I don't have access to the authors or know the chords to the backing track. I probably need someone gifted enough to do it for me. I've tried to find people and have offered to pay them, somehow they never have the time. This is a rough version of one song, if anyone is interested. I'm sure there are a lot of chords in it compared with most of mine. It's on youtube: http://youtu.be/mlxWUXBpz8AI've almost given up, but it seems a shame to when BIAB can do so much, and all it asks for is the chords!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 109
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 109 |
1. Pick out a style & tempo that seems to fit - you can change it later.
2. Set the key to 'C' and enter a 'C' chord in bar 1.
3. Press Play and start singing along.
4. If the 1st chord doesn't work, try a different key and select 'yes transpose'
5. Repeat 3 and 4 until you're at least close to the right key.
6. Now listen carefully to each bar to see if it needs a chord change.
If you do this, you will eventually be able to hear where changes need to be
and you'll be able to pick out the right chords pretty quickly.
In the meantime, there are sites online that can help you with basic music theory
which will speed up the process immensely.
Hope this helps.
Boyd
Win10 - 16GB-RAM - BiaB 2019 - Mixbus 4 - Slate Bundle - Komplete 10 - Ozone 8 - Neutron 2 - Waves Gold
Ample Sound Guitars & Basses - Pianoteq 6 - SSD5 - SD3 - JamStix 4 - Omnisphere - UVI Falcon - EastWest Play
Sonarworks Reference 4 -
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
The following approach helps me most of the times.
1. Write the melody.
2. Determine the last tone of the melody -- often it is the root of the key of the music. Let's assume "C".
3. Take the first note of the melody. Let's assume "E".
4. The most important basic chords in the key of "C" are C (C, E, G), F (F, A, C), and G (G, B, D). (These three chords contain all notes of the given major scale.)
5. Now the first chord is probably a C-chord.
6. Play the first measure using that chord. Does it sound ok.? If yes leave it that way for a start. If no, try one of the other chords and decide on the least unpleasing sound as ok for a start.
7. Repeat that with each subsequent measure.
8. Play the chord progression only -- listen to it carefully to figure out whether it is flowing or rough, too many changes (hectic) or too few (boring).
9. Get to know some theory about chords: Which tones are the color tones 4, 6, 7, 9.
10. Does it improve if you start a 3. again replacing some of the chords (for example C) by a C6 or C7?
(11. For further improvements you could change the chord mid-measure.)
This work is repetitive and needs ear training. You might start with an already existing simple song. Most children's songs are in that category. Write down the melody, invent the chords, listen and compare to existing examples of the available arrangements of the song.
(I'm sorry but I can only give examples to German songs: Alle meine Entchen; Fuchs, du hast die Gans gestohlen; Kuckuck, kuckuck ruft's aus dem Wald; Summ Summ Summ, Bienchen summ herum. Search for them on the internet, if they are unfamiliar to you they make a good start.)
Good luck.
Guido
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
.
You have asked a really big question. You can get some pretty good results with simple melodies and chords just by experimenting. The ability to write more complex melodies and apply a complete set of harmonic tools can take years to learn completely. Either way, BiaB is the best learning tool you can have, second only to a good teacher.
I have tried a number of other composing tools, songsmith among them. Some are good, some are easy, but I always come back to Biab. It will continue to be useful, even challenging, no matter how good you get. I dont think the effort of learning some other program will pay off in terms of making you better at music.
A hint: Look in your BiaB folder for a folder called "50 Songs." There is a god selection there for beginners to analyze and learn from.
Best of Luck!
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 430
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 430 |
I generally find all my chords for the covers that I play on the internet ....just google for "<songname> chords tabs " .
Works for me!
I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....
I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)
BIAB 2026W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4
Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,329
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,329 |
Thanks again to all for so many good responses! I've got a lot to work with here, I'll report back after I've tried everything. I had a close friend who could come up with chords for melodies almost instantaneously but sadly, he's all but gone to the world now. Do things while you can, that's for sure.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1 |
Hi Solidrock,
Does BIAB recognize the chord progression that Songsmith created or do you need to use the ACW for this purpose? What is ACW?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633 |
Hi yeto,
Welcome to the forums.
It stands for Audio Chord Wizard and is a BIAB tool that helps analyse the chords of an audio recording.
If you go to YouTube and search for 'PG Music Inc Audio Chord Wizard', you'll find a clip that will show how it works.
Regards
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280 |
Holy necro-threading, Batman!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,436
Posts805,087
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean