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Joined: Feb 2016
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Joined: Feb 2016
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Hello to Biab users. I have the BaiB 2010 edition, and I must admit I Really haven't used it much, being not a real skilled computer person, or particularly gifted musician.
However, I have been working diligently on sight reading and can play and read classical music (guitar) up to a grade 4 level, although I do struggle with some pieces.
After all this time I really want to learn Band in a Box as this program has so much to offer, it's a shame that I can't utilize it to it's full potential. Initially I bought this as a tool to use as accompaniment as I don't have other musicians to play with
on a regular basis. I have played in several bands through the years, usually as Bass guitarist in country dance bands.
Any advice on how to get up and running with my BiaB, gratefully appreciated.
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333 |
Well....I'm no BIAB aficionado so I'd say start here: http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htmDig in and others will chime in to assist. Carry on....
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Joined: Dec 2003
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chulaivet1966 nailed it!
First off, a hardy and sincere Welcome!
I'm not a great book-learner so I offer similar advice. Just jump in with both feet and know that you are among the most wonderful, knowledgeable, musicians on the planet who hang their egos at the door.
First step: acquaint yourself with the GUI (Graphical User Interface) to learn the buttons and controls and what each one does.
Step 2: Enter some favo(u)rite (Canadian spelling) chords.
Step 3: Hit PLAY (or Space-bar) to start/stop.
Step 4: Experiment with different Styles from the Style Picker dialogue menu.
Wahoo! You're a composer!
If you hit a wall, shout out and someone will throw out a lifeline.
We've all been in your shoes at square #1 and won't flame you. That's something that sets these forums miles apart from others I frequent.
Again, welcome!
"Have fun!" - Dr. Peter Gannon
Don
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Joined: Apr 2013
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Welcome to the forum. You may want to try this.
If you have trouble deciding on chord progressions, keys and tempos, rather than worry with that, choose a style you enjoy and load the demo for the style. It will load the chord progression, key and tempo as well as choose your 'band'.
You can mute the instrument that you play live if it is included in the band - and begin playing along immediately.
You can also woodshed the song. There is a tutorial for this in the PGMusic news feed dated 2/16/16.
PGMusic explains it as follows:
"Woodshedding (defined as Slang; to practice a musical instrument assiduously and with a specific goal in mind) is easy with Band-in-a-Box!"
"The idea is that you start off with a slow tempo, playing the part perfectly, and keep this up as the song tempo increases - what a great way to learn!"
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Joined: Feb 2016
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10 |
Thanks for the response everyone. I have figured out a few simple things so far. As an example I put in the chords I want for a song like Minor Swing, then pick the style, Django swing, then play this in a loop while practicing how to improvise over the chord changes. I generally pick a tune that has few chord changes as it gives me a bit more time to work in an arpeggio or scale into the melody. One thing I was wondering about was creating my own score using the tools in Real Band. My music writing ability as per notation is weak, very slow at best. My understanding is that BaiB, can create a musical score if you input via midi. I don't have a midi keyboard and I don't play keyboard anyway, so I am wondering how to adapt this to guitar. In effect turning a guitar into a midi device? The Godin Multiac guitar comes with builtin midi, but does that mean you can plug directly to the computer or do you need to go through another interface, such as Roland synthesizer? Does anyone have experience with this? By the way, I only found there was a BIAB forum today. Only then because I registered my product after a re-install, and noticed the forum box on the homepage. (6 years late) Thanks for this link. It's great. http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htm
Last edited by offgridguy; 02/24/16 01:18 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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I have very little experience with MIDI but have done several soundtracks to accompany slideshows for friends. Version 2016 has several beautiful soundtracks to chose from. Is this similar to your goal? https://youtu.be/sfSRdG7Xc_Mhttps://youtu.be/r0e_VGQPT7cDon
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Joined: Feb 2016
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Thanks for the reply. I realize now I probably didn't clarify my post very well, my apologies.
My situation is this; I write a lot of songs, both instrumental and with lyrics. Because of my lack of proficiency in writing musical notation it is a struggle to get it onto paper in the proper format. I believe there are some musical notation software programs that will take an audio file and transpose it to a musical score for you. I believe Forte 7 will do this, though I could be wrong. I don't know if BIAB has this function,
however I was told that if you played a piece on a keyboard that was midi compatible and connected to BIAB then it would indeed transpose it to a written musical score as midi recognizes the piano keystrokes as a note and attaches the proper note value to it. I am not sure what equipment is required to accomplish the same thing with a guitar. I am certainly intrigued with the Godin Multiac though as it's the only guitar I know that comes wired with midi outlet.
If this worked it would mean I could play one of my tunes and have BIAB transpose it to a musical score.
I hope it's possible, even if I need some additional equipment
to make it work.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Yes, you can use any midi controller to input midi information. Many people use a midi keyboard but there are a number of forum members that use a guitar midi controller such as the You Rock controller or Roland 13 pin system. There are a few people that use wind controllers.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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Welcome OffGridGuy
BiaB became my other 'Band To Have' because whenever we had scheduled a jam in the real world, the bass player never couldn't make it at the last minute, and the drummer never had to cancel because his sister's mother-in-law had a hairdresser appointment and no one else could drive her there. Are you with me?
And everyone could read the charts, and they could keep time. You still with me?
You'll love this. Stay patient. Lots to do in the future... Small steps, stay patient. This program has an enormous amount to offer, and can take you to where you might never have thought possible.
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.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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BB is the absolute BEST BAND I've ever had the pleasure to play with.
They say if you want to get better, you have to play with folks who are better then you. BB is all the best players in the musical world.
Take your time and learn the program. Post songs, ask questions, and participate in the forums and you will learn.
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.
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I do exactly what you want to do with a MIDI guitar controller, a wind controller and a keyboard controller. The process is simple just input the chords into BiaB. Pick your style; I would use MIDI styles to start with as some RTs do not have MIDI transcripts. Then record your MIDI. Then save your file as either a MIDI file or a XML file. If you just want your lead and chord IDs then you can print everything out in BiaB. If you want a full score then get the free Musescore2: https://musescore.org/If you want to input more that one guitar part then you would use a DAW. BiaB come with a DAW called RealBand, as previously mentioned. RTs are audio files and audio can not be directly printed, then must be changed to MIDI. Some RTs do have the MIDI transcripts so these will not be a problem, however some do not have them. You can convert audio to MIDI and the best way to do that is with Melodyne, however the polyphonic version that you would need is expensive. You might not need to buy a MIDI controller. Jam Origin: http://www.jamorigin.com/products/midi-guitar/is a $100 USD program that a lot of people are raving about. It converts your guitar parts to MIDI. I don't own it yet but it is on my must get list. I hope this helps and good luck.
Love is grand.
Divorce is twenty grand!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Thank You to everyone. This is very helpful information, I thought it could be done, but didn't know how.
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Did you realize that you can edit MIDI in BIAB's Piano Roll view?
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Did you realize that you can edit MIDI in BIAB's Piano Roll view? Nope, I've got a lot to learn, thanks.
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I've been browsing through this site. http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htmThe amount of info here is mind boggling, but well presented, clear and concise, I'm off to a good start. Thank you chulaivet1966.
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I have sent you a PM - check mailbox
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Welcome.
Don't overlook Mario's instruction, that you can play guitar and input MIDI that way.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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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.
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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
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!
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