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Beginners Forum
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2 |
Hello everyone
A little about myself
I'm retired and decided to learn to play guitar...I have bought a electric and an acoustic. Learning to play both....
I have a Roland amp with 3 channels ... just bought BIAB for windows 2018.
Only play for family and friends..but want to be the best I can...don't have a lot of money ..on a pension but we are comfortable... ...
my questions are:
After i get the track I want ..the equipment I need to use it live... switches etc....the different types mp3 etc I should use.
As you can tell I'm a complete newbie
I appreciate any help you can offer.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950 |
Not sure exactly what your question is? Also, to be the old guy around here you got to be in your 80's. I suspect you will have to clarify your question. Exactly what advice are you soliciting? You are not asking how to start a career in music, are you?  BTW, welcome to the forum.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 728
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 728 |
Welcome to the PG Music forums. You're learning a lot at one time, an instrument, AND Band-In-A-Box (BIAB) so I'd suggest you start with the BIAB videos that come with the program. Also there are tons of videos on on the PG Music website and YouTube on different aspects of using the software. You don't need to play an instrument to learn to use BIAB. You can create music with the players on RealTracks and do quite a fine job. However, you do need a bit of music theory to create your own songs in BIAB, which I assume you'll get as you study your instrument. If you're getting lessons your instructor can help you get going with some music theory, or you can buy a book on the subject. A little bit of knowledge in that area goes a long way. Your learning curve will be pretty steep at first. So don't get discouraged. Just carry on and learn a little each day, and also practice your instrument daily. It will be rewarding to watch things come together over time. Have fun! Bob 
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 2 |
I have to be in my 80's...changing my name to young guy...LOL
sorry should have been more precise...actually I must have done something wrong submitting my question ..dang I'm going to need help with everything..Maybe my mind is 80...hmmmmm
Thanks for your reply...you made me laugh..always a good thing
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 117
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 117 |
Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on your purchase. I only wish BIAB was one of the first things I purchased, so I think you're in good company.
The programs are packed with a lot of useful features, and the people in the forum are very helpful.
It's a lot to take in but at the same time you'll also learn a lot. Have lots of fun, and don't be shy about using the search function on this site to search for tips and solutions. You'll find some really good stuff to help catch you up to speed! :-)
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,604
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,604 |
For family and friends, you may be able to simply play your BiaB file through speakers and play along on your guitars and sing in the room.
If you want to mix it all together ahead of time, and play them a recording, you may need more stuff. As mentioned above clarify your end goal. Even if it may change.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
Once you have the basics down on how Biab operates, you can dive into using the "Conductor" feature for using Biab live.
Biab is a very powerful tool for making music/playing along with in real time.
If you have any questions or get stuck, this forum is the best place to get answers.
Trax
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
The Old Guy. Haha, this whole forum is mostly old guys as in 70ish. I'm 72. There are younger folks around but alas not a whole lot at least on this forum, I don't know about the wider customer base.
Anyway to your questions. No need for mp3's as long as you have a sound system to plug the output of your computer into. NOT your Roland guitar amp. That's for guitars only, it sounds like crap if you try to play a CD through it for example. Like lots of old guys are you a stereo person, did you have a good system back in the day? You need something like that to play Biab through. A modern home theater system can work too. Or of course, powered studio monitors but that's a whole different discussion.
Do you know anything about music at all? Do you know what a chord chart is? Do you know what 1-4-5 means? Do you know what a 12 bar blues is? Do you know the difference between C7 and Cm? These questions are as basic as it gets. If your answer to these questions is no, then you really do need some musical help because you need at least that much info in order to create a new song in Biab but don't worry, those questions are pretty easy to learn. When you start a new song in Biab you're creating a chord chart (Biab calls it a chord grid, same thing) which is why you need to know those basics.
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.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7 |
Hello everyone. I am also new to the forum and this site. I look forward to gaining wisdom and insight from the forum and possibly add my opinion every once in a while.
During my younger times, I struggled at times playing solo until bands were formed and went from there. During break-ups of bands was when I first learned of backing tracks and BIAB. I used BIAB when the first editions came out because I was solo at that time, but migrated away from it once another band of the day was formed. So now that I am solo again and retired (looks like I resemble that pseudo "Old Man" genre at 63...LOL).
I do have all the stage equipment and in past doing solo performances I have been using my Yamaha with highly modified MIDI files for my accompaniment, to which I normally play my LP's and Tak's to. I carry my entire library (677 files) around with me on two USB flash drives (once one breaks at a performance, you learn really quickly to have a back-up, which that night I didn't...VERY awkward indeed).
Anyhow, I look forward to all your posts and comments. Thanking you all in advance for any insight.
Cheers,
Don
BIAB 2018 Mega Pak
Takamine elec/acous 12-string G-series
Takamine elec/acous 6-string G-series
Les Paul 6-string Classic Signature Series
Les Paul 6-string (in open G tuning only)
Les Paul 12-string Classic
Yamaha PSR-S710 keyboard
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038 |
Don,
Welcome to the forum and once again to Band-in-a-Box!
Band-in-a-Box has added many features since it's beginning. I hope you enjoy the changes.
I hope you'll post links to your compositions in the User's Showcase so everyone will have an opportunity to hear your songs.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 7 |
Hi Jim,
Thanks for the warm welcome. Yes, you are quite right, things have changed not quite a bit...but IMMENSELY, since I used BIAB years ago.
Looks like I will have to go through all the tutorials and videos and go 'back to school' again to learn how to effectively use this new 2018 version.
Sure, I will post to the users forum with songs once I get onto getting some good and worthwhile music outta this...lol. It does appear there is a plethora of info available from all fronts on how to get moving and composing with BIAB 2018. Hopefully the process wont be too lengthy.
Take good care Jim..hope to talk and share with you more in future.
Cheers,
Don
BIAB 2018 Mega Pak
Takamine elec/acous 12-string G-series
Takamine elec/acous 6-string G-series
Les Paul 6-string Classic Signature Series
Les Paul 6-string (in open G tuning only)
Les Paul 12-string Classic
Yamaha PSR-S710 keyboard
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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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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.
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