|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577 |
I thought it might be useful to have some kind of tool built-in to BIAB to aid with composition.
For example, I am writing a Pop Ballad and have decided on the key of Em. I have entered the first chord Am and would like to play around with different ideas for the next chord. Based on the key and style when I hover the mouse to enter the next chord BIAB could automatically display possible chords based on various rules (chord wheel, style etc) which could then be selected by the user or maybe even generated randomly.
I can imagine a more complex development on the random option where this could be used to generate an entire verse, chorus or even song. A dialog box would pop up and allows the user to set the degree of randomness of various parameters e.g. how many bars, how often to change chords (maybe based on a list of patterns), type of chords - simple, jazzy, extreme (!), random.
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK, CbB, Studio One 5 Pro, Fender USA Tele, Harley Benton Fusion & others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 647 |
Have you tried Melodist?
Having set the key to Em, and the style to POPBal or equivalent, let BIAB generate some songs for you. You might find something you like
BIAB for Windows Version 2019 (643)
Windows 10 (1909)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,578
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,578 |
There are also the reharmonist and chord substitution options where-in BIAB will take an existing melody and offer suggested chords based on the melody and key signature.
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,564
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,564 |
Along the lines of the above answers, take a look at the Window menu. You will see:
Chord Substitution Dialog
Auto-Generate Chord Substitutions
Chord Reharmonist Dialog
Auto-Generate Chord Reharmonization
This is the way it looks in BIAB version 2014. The chord substitution has been in BIAB for over a decade at least. You enter a simple chord progression and it will suggest alternatives. Some are quite advanced. Very powerful tool.
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577 |
Thanks for all of the replies which are very helpful.
I should have said that I don't yet own BIAB as I am waiting for the December sales/BIAB 2015. I did buy it many many years ago when it was a much simpler program (I think it was version 5) but it is almost unrecognizable now. I certainly didn't realise that it already had many of the features mentioned in your replies.
By the way, some great work on your compositions Noel96 and Matt Finley.
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK, CbB, Studio One 5 Pro, Fender USA Tele, Harley Benton Fusion & others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,564
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,564 |
By the way, some great work on your compositions Noel96 and Matt Finley. Much appreciated! And, you will be amazed at the improvements to BIAB if you haven't used it in some years. There are several levels of purchase now. Be sure to get as much as you can afford, so you get lots of RealTracks.
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; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,858
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,858 |
Yes, Melodist is a real cool feature. I used to use it a lot back when I first got BB several years back. I used it to create quite a few pretty cool songs. Of course, it works best when you go in after it does what it does, and edit the chords and song structure a bit. I think I've only used one or two songs that Melodist created straight out of the box.... (pun in ten did) .... but in all, it's a really good way to see what BB can do, and it's so easy..... if you don't like the results.... just click on Melodist again. Here is one of those songs: EMERALD EYES I added live guitar and some real tracks (trumpet)
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 11/14/14 03:07 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 174
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 174 |
Guitarhacker: really nice song. Congrads.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827 |
I thought it might be useful to have some kind of tool built-in .... Based on the key and style when I hover the mouse to enter the next chord BIAB could automatically display possible chords based on various rules (chord wheel, style etc)...
The Keyless Entry option sounds great ! especially if you are on a tablet. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577 |
I thought it might be useful to have some kind of tool built-in .... Based on the key and style when I hover the mouse to enter the next chord BIAB could automatically display possible chords based on various rules (chord wheel, style etc)...
The Keyless Entry option sounds great ! especially if you are on a tablet. Hey solidrock that looks great - is it a mock-up that you have created in a drawing package or an existing piece of software? If the former then I hope PG use it as part of their new features in BIAB 2015 (you should also get commission)! Nice work on Emerald Eyes guitarhacker - the guitar/trumpet combination works great. I would never have guessed about it's BIAB roots.
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK, CbB, Studio One 5 Pro, Fender USA Tele, Harley Benton Fusion & others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6 |
A built in Chord Wheel is a great idea!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,578
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,578 |
By the way, some great work on your compositions Noel96 and Matt Finley. Thanks receder. I didn't see this comment until just now. Apologies for that. I hope you're having fun with BIAB! Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 11 |
This is where a small amount of music theory can set loose your creativity. In about 30 minutes of googling "chord progression theory" or "diatonic chord progressions" or "circle of fifths chord progression" will generate all kinds of ideas for you. And the great thing is that Band-in-a-Box will give your ears immediate feedback on whether your idea works.
Another good starting place is to use some of the demo songs included with Band in a Box as a starting point. Erase the melody, transpose to a different key and start writing melodies. You can't copyright a chord progression, so you can even take your favorite group's songs, erase the melody and use their progression as a starting point to write your song. It is a great way to learn what works in almost any genre of music.
Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Last edited by ZeroZero; 01/04/15 08:53 PM.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,093
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,093 |
ZZ, I like the new Avatar. Works well!
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 577 |
By the way, some great work on your compositions Noel96 and Matt Finley. Thanks receder. I didn't see this comment until just now. Apologies for that. I hope you're having fun with BIAB! Noel Sorry Noel, I hadn't looked at this thread in a while. Yes the more I use it the more I find out and these forums are a goldmine of information. I also thought my music theory was pretty good but I am finding out new things from these forums and using BIAB. Just saw another thread here where you mention Nashville Notation in BIAB which also looks v useful. This is where a small amount of music theory can set loose your creativity. In about 30 minutes of googling "chord progression theory" or "diatonic chord progressions" or "circle of fifths chord progression" will generate all kinds of ideas for you. And the great thing is that Band-in-a-Box will give your ears immediate feedback on whether your idea works.
Another good starting place is to use some of the demo songs included with Band in a Box as a starting point. Erase the melody, transpose to a different key and start writing melodies. You can't copyright a chord progression, so you can even take your favorite group's songs, erase the melody and use their progression as a starting point to write your song. It is a great way to learn what works in almost any genre of music.
Good luck. Some great ideas thanks songwriterbob. Interesting, thanks ZeroZero. Cubase has certainly improved since the last version I used a long time ago! Rec
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK, CbB, Studio One 5 Pro, Fender USA Tele, Harley Benton Fusion & others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,191
Posts801,757
Members40,063
| |
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