|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
hi,how do I set BB so that it will play the chords exactly as written? (i.e. with no extensions or alterations)
If I type Cmaj7 and Abmaj7 , it will play an annoying augmented fourth (F#) on the first chord and a ninth (Bb) on the second chord, even if I tick off 'Allow embellishments of chords' in the Song Settings.
How do I get BB to play the chords without any extra notes whatsoever? Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275 |
If memory serves, a few years back here on the forum Peter thought of adding an option to enforce literal voicings. Alas, up to now unchecking 'Allow embellishments of chords' still throws in some embellishments with no way to choose literal voicings.
Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
wow...so there is no current solution to that? That's a real problem then. If I write a Cmaj7 ,and F in the melody as a quick passing note and BB instead plays F# in the chord,that will sound like a real bad mess,because only one or the other will work. And in a ny cases, Cmaj7 with a sharp fourth is a Lydian chord. It should be an option,not something that we are forced to use. I am really bummered  thanks for your reply,though,at least I won't waste my time hitting the wall with my head for nothing. You saved me time. Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Try another Style, likely the particular style must be the culprit forcing the sour notes.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486 |
Hi,
The only way I have got some sense into this problem is to use the feature - Jazz Down - the chords under Edit at least it helps
jazzman
BIAB - RealBand - 2022
Windows 10 64
Zoo computer with 7i processor- SSD 1TB -2TB HDD
Roland keyboards
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Do ya need a Countryfry ma song ma button? 3 chords only?
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
this is crazy. I have opened the same file and pressed 'play' about 25 times to cause BB to play new chord voicings every time,and it did not play one single Fsharp. Mac, ok will keep it in mind for next time,thanks Jazzman, the option you mention totally escaped my attention. The only problem with that is that it will 'jazz down' even the chords that ARE supposed to have extensions or alterations. Maybe I could write the progression, 'jazz it down' and then rewrite the chords that are supposed to be extended or altered. Maybe that will at least not cause unwanted notes on the chords that have to be entirely diatonic. Better than a kick in the teeth,I guess.....thanks for the tip BB is very jazz oriented.....the sharpened fourth thing is jazz theory so it makes sense.... I understand what it's for,but it would be better to allow complete control over each chord. I hope to see more buttons about how 'literally' chords are supposed to play 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
this is crazy. I have opened the same file and pressed 'play' about 25 times to cause BB to play new chord voicings every time,and it did not play one single Fsharp.
Likely a stuck bit or resources got squirrelly, usually restarting BB can clear up things or sometimes a reboot of the puter, just glad you got it sorted.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
Quote:
Do ya need a Countryfry ma song ma button? 3 chords only?
3 chords is fine ,as long as they get played the way I want 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
hi,how do I set BB so that it will play the chords exactly as written? (i.e. with no extensions or alterations)
It never has and it's doubtful it ever will, that's not it's function. It's designed to be very flexible in creating backing tracks and tries to duplicate what real players would do by giving you a slightly different version of the chords every time you hit play. The styles control this as well as the "simplify chords" function. I've never gotten into creating my own styles but I believe you can open up the offending style and tell it what chord types to play, then save it as a renamed user style. When you open up a style, you see how it works. You assign "weighting" to different chords and that's where the beauty of the program lies.
Or, this is yet another one of the many reasons you should start using Real Band because one answer to your question has always been to export the tracks to a sequencer and there you can edit the chords in midi using the piano roll. But Real Band creates Biab tracks too so you're already in a world class midi editor. You can open up that track and change the note to take out that #9 or whatever it is. If you really like the whole style but it's just that one note, this is what I would do. Still, you're now only using Biab/RB to create a static sequence and you're losing all the flexibility. The really cool thing about RB is it lets you recreate that one track using a different style from the others. That means if you like the arrangement but the piano or guitar is the offending track that's giving you those chords you don't like but all the other tracks are good, you can audition every style there is for that one track until you find one that gives you the right chords. It could be a latin rock style is great for the overall feel the but a country style gives you the piano part you need. In RB you can literally have a different style for each instrument, a different style for the bridge vs the verse, vs the solo, vs the ending or whatever. You've got 48 tracks, go crazy with them. When you think about that for a minute, you begin to realize the incredible creative possibilities here. With all those instruments and tracks you still have all the neat Biab stuff, you can change the chords, rearrange the whole song if you want yet all those different style tracks will get regenerated to give you a whole new thing.
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: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
Jazzmammal,thanks for your thoughtful reply,but I disagree. If by 'It's designed to be flexible' means that a computer program will actually replace real knowledge by real musicians,well it is only this the only thing that will never,ever happen. It won't. What you say maybe applies to people who are confused by music theory or don't use much of it and just make music. I have nothing against that. But like many others here, I worked my butt off to learn music theory,I still do, it's my best musical asset ,it will continue to be for the rest of my life, it will always be,and it helps me greatly to pursue my only goal: to learn to write good music. I only use about 10 per cent of all the features of BB. The only reasons I use it, are maybe two or three. It offers something that no other program offers: the ability to write and hear,quickly,your ideas. The good music database of songs and styles,which I examine from time to time to learn and compare things. But I never use this magic wizard who comes up with a title,the one that can improvise,the one that comes up with a melody,the one that comes up with chords substitution,etc. This is stuff for beginners. That's great, I wish there was something like that when I started out with music.But it won't suit people who already know how to write a decent melody. I never allow BB to change my arrangement. What's the point? If I want how to change my chords or their notes,I can do it myself. BB is a tool to compose music with. It should be flexible in that it helps me to reach my goal,not the other way around. Just my opinion. Peace
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
Quote:
Quote:
You've got 48 tracks, go crazy with them. When you think about that for a minute, you begin to realize the incredible creative possibilities here.
Bob
Bob, it could have 30.000 tracks and then some. But if it does not help me to reach my goal,there's no point. I am writing my music and I want to use BB to write my music. I love the sound of a major chord with a sharp fourth in certain specific progressions. The Lydian colour can sound very beautiful in certain cases. In others,there has to be a standard major chord in there, no sharpened fourth. No ifs and no buts. If your progression has more of a classical 18th century sound, a sharpened fourth will sound out of place if you just play it the jazz way. And anyways. The melody I wrote has an F in there,not an F#
How many tracks I can use has nothing to do with the fact that not being able to specify your progression down to important details, is a serious limitation.
It's a paradox. I would trade 25 of BB great frills to have a 'play chord literally' option. There are things about BB that keeps me away from other programs, like the instructional add-ons, the Realtracks,etc.
But I think there is still room for improvement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
Quote:
Quote:
this is crazy. I have opened the same file and pressed 'play' about 25 times to cause BB to play new chord voicings every time,and it did not play one single Fsharp.
Likely a stuck bit or resources got squirrelly, usually restarting BB can clear up things or sometimes a reboot of the puter, just glad you got it sorted.
--Mac
well I would not say that it's sorted....even without the 'embellishment' option, BB always throws a ninth here and there
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
Quote:
The styles control this as well as the "simplify chords" function. I've never gotten into creating my own styles but I believe you can open up the offending style and tell it what chord types to play, then save it as a renamed user style. When you open up a style, you see how it works. You assign "weighting" to different chords and that's where the beauty of the program lies.
Or, this is yet another one of the many reasons you should start using Real Band because one answer to your question has always been to export the tracks to a sequencer and there you can edit the chords in midi using the piano roll.
Bob
I would have to live up to 140 years to have all the time and energy to do all that. All that work,to be able to play your progression? It would be far faster just to forget about it. I am talking about making music, man....not about sitting there editing styles and this and that. Too ridicolously long winded,too unnecessarily overcomplicated. I'd rather learn a new song,or learn something else.
Unless we get a video by PG Music that shows us how to do what you mentioned,of course. Then I'll sit down and work this out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
by the way, Bob.
Now that you mentioned editing styles,I already did that because I had problems with voice leading (upper part of the chords jumping about and not following the shortest way,which can make any good progression sounds bad). Well, I even SAT down and edited the patterns one by one,but I am afraid it did not work well. For some reasons the upper voice was still jumping about,although maybe to a less extent.
Now I would have to edit all that stuff to play chords as intended? Forget it.....
I love BB, but these are shortcomings that put me off. I hope that they will be fixed in future versions. Then I will be really ,really impressed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275 |
The StyleMaker provides the opportunity to create new and to edit existing styles. Entering chord voicings manually does make the pattern play the entered pattern. If there are no embellishing notes, the style won't play embellished chords.
However, PG Music styles make extensive use of so called macro notes in the StyleMaker. Such macro notes create voicings that are hard-wired in the BiaB code. Those voicings may create trouble and warrant the cited option *really* switching off embellishments.
... has anybody figured out what exactly the checkbox 'Allow Embellishment of Chords' really does achieve? It doesn't seem to make any difference here whether this checkbox is ticked or not. The style macro note E(88) creates a C7 voicing with a b3 and #11, irrespectively of whether embellishments are allowed or not.
Sure looks like a bug ...
Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
I would have to live up to 140 years to have all the time and energy to do all that. All that work,to be able to play your progression? It would be far faster just to forget about it. I am talking about making music, man....not about sitting there editing styles and this and that.
Don't know what to tell you, perhaps Biab/RB is not for you. Afaik this is not it's purpose or design, but before you give up, send a detailed query to tech support, maybe we're all missing something.
You might try Jammer Pro, perhaps it does that or get one of the newer hot arranger keyboards. Those things are awesome. A friend just got a Roland G70 and what a blast that thing is to play. I can't even begin to describe what that board can do and how good it sounds. Because of that, I just bought a used Korg Pax1 Pro because I can't afford the G70. The sounds are comparable to my Kurzweil plus it's a killer arranger as well. There's a big tutorial on their forum about how to load Biab styles into the Korg and that's my next project. The problem is of course these keyboards are around 3 grand new while Biab is a few hundred. Good luck,
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: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,275 |
It would be great to read some comment from PG Music -> maybe just a bug acknowledgement?
Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,826
Posts796,670
Members39,968
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean