One reason that I invested in BIAB was the hope it could give me some controllable way to generate solos. Say you work on Rhythm Changes - the tune has two chords to the beat so the simplest way to outline harmony is to play half note chord tones - one per chord. Not the most exciting solo but gives you solid connection to how harmony moves, where you are etc. Then try mixing in quarter-notes. Then eight-notes. I tried to force BIAB to create such very simple solo "outlines" but no luck. I would appreciate any pointers on the subject.
Hello woland99, I do not see a way to force both the soloist and the melodist to create just quarter or half note lines. The simplest musical figure is two eights notes, so even if you set phrase lenght to 1, force 1 note per beat and pause lenght to 1 beat you will always get phrases of two eigths notes, as the style options just offer 1/8, 1/16 in either swing or even or waltz feeling.
Your proposal would be a great idea for Band in a Box' feature wish list. Such a feature would really increase the value of Band in a Box as a learning tool for many people.
Biab/RB latest build, German Language Pak, Win 10/64 Pro, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM. Notation SW Finale, StaffPad, SmartsScore – Playing Double Bass, Guitar, Piano
This is actually possible by design if you want to use MIDI instruments by generating phrases to your desired length section by section via the Soloist dialogue (see screenshot), and is also possible to approximate for RTs as well through a slightly more complicated process that I figured out as a sort of 'hack.'
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
Hello DeaconBlues09, Have you tried this? Even with the entry "1 note per beat" and a phrase lenghth of 1 the soloist creates phrases of two notes, an eighth and a quarter note. I tried this with a lot of different style settings and did not get any "one note per beat" solos (screenshot is from my localised Band in a Box, so options are labeled in German language). Could it be that it depends on the .ST2 chosen as the "style knowledge base"?
May be this is a question for PGMusics new FAQ or tutorial video forums.
Biab/RB latest build, German Language Pak, Win 10/64 Pro, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM. Notation SW Finale, StaffPad, SmartsScore – Playing Double Bass, Guitar, Piano
So I've tried it and, while I did manage to get one note per beat, I don't believe that actually addresses OP's issue in retrospect, as one note per beat (4 quarter notes per measure) is actually more notes per beat than I would want in a solo that builds up gradually (in which case a long sustained note here or there could be tastefully played over even a couple of measures.
I also tried messing around with the phrase length setting, but the results were a disaster (although that may just be an issue with me not setting the parameters properly).
BTW, note that there is an option under the preferences settings for RTs to allow solos to crescendo (see screenshot), so make sure you have that checked (I do, and IME, it does not afford the flexibility and scope as envisioned by OP).
It would be great if PG Music could make a video about this by all means!
FWIW, there are amazing things that could be done under the hood in BIAB with RTs. I had my mind absolutely blown out of the water when I managed to generate a medley of RTs jamming out the solo for Hotel California using a saxophone, piano, jazz guitar, fiddle and slide guitar. The RTs I used (and you could listen to the "raw data" for said tracks as they sit in a BB sub-folder) had absolutely no hint of said melody, yet the program put it all together with the right parameters tweaked, which I consider to be the most insanely awesome thing about this program I've ever discovered. The implications and possibilities hinted at here are boundless.
I had hoped to get one note per bar by putting different pause values between the phrases. This reduces it to one phrase per bar, but I still always get phrases with two notes. I will actually put a request in the new video tutorial forum. What you wrote about the crescendo switch I'm gonna try. Your example sounds really good.
Biab/RB latest build, German Language Pak, Win 10/64 Pro, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM. Notation SW Finale, StaffPad, SmartsScore – Playing Double Bass, Guitar, Piano
There is an very old video in the tutorial area of PGMusics website. It's funny that this video explains and shows the option "One note per beat" (at about 7:20 min), but the then generated solo still contains complex lines of 16th and 8th notes (at about 7:37 min).
Biab/RB latest build, German Language Pak, Win 10/64 Pro, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM. Notation SW Finale, StaffPad, SmartsScore – Playing Double Bass, Guitar, Piano
..... the most insanely awesome thing about this program I've ever discovered. The implications and possibilities hinted at here are boundless. .......
Agree, but drives me nuts, like riding a horse with 12 legs upside-down. The interface's layout is not laid out very user friendly IMO. Probably the results of keeping existing tweakable settings while adding more and more new features. Maybe a general overhaul of the lot is needed, Could be very useful, for me maybe, but especially for the jazzers .... F
Thanks for all the great answers and apologies for not answering all the post individually - I was away for a while and they accumulated. The tip for selecting max number of notes per beat is very helpful. With 1 I get mostly quarter notes and 2 mostly eight notes. That makes big difference. I guess if you use Scales feature along with max notes set to 2 you get to some degree a logical move - from eight note scales to eight note solos.
The interface's layout is not laid out very user friendly IMO. Probably the results of keeping existing tweakable settings while adding more and more new features. Maybe a general overhaul of the lot is needed, Could be very useful, for me maybe, but especially for the jazzers .... F
Help file does not have a lot of info - mouse-overs actually have more.
... The interface's layout is not laid out very user friendly IMO. Probably the results of keeping existing tweakable settings while adding more and more new features. Maybe a general overhaul of the lot is needed
What version of BiaB are you using?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Woland99. how did you get solos with mostly 1 note per beat? I tried different .ST2 as knowledge base and also many different settings in the solist editor, but never get such simple solos. Almost all generated solis nearly always consist of an eighth note and a quarter note in a row per beat. This is with Band in a Box 2018.
Biab/RB latest build, German Language Pak, Win 10/64 Pro, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM. Notation SW Finale, StaffPad, SmartsScore – Playing Double Bass, Guitar, Piano
Woland99. how did you get solos with mostly 1 note per beat? I tried different .ST2 as knowledge base and also many different settings in the solist editor, but never get such simple solos. Almost all generated solis nearly always consist of an eighth note and a quarter note in a row per beat. This is with Band in a Box 2018.
I think I might have exaggerated - maybe not "mostly" - but a lot of quarter notes. And honestly - those were not very good solos - lotsa "ketchup over brownies" moments (to borrow from Greg Fishman) like eh playing Bb on the beat over E7/B (or B over E7/H if you are in Germany). Stuff that no improviser - even complete beginner would do. I think that setting 1 note per beat might over-constrain the algorithm. Doing 2 notes per beat sound a bit smoother. The whole process is tad frustrating - I am very much NOT a tweaker - no guitar pedals (with small exceptions with more than three knobs. I like playing music not twisting knobs.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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.
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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