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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9 |
I've had BIAB V12 for Macintosh for a while now and I'm finally getting serious about learning the software. However, when I sit down at the computer, I'm overwhelmed by the complexity and flexibility of the program. So, any suggestions about the best way to absorb what the software has to offer? My projected usage is as follows:
I am interested in improving my jazz improvisational skills (I'm a trumpet player). A friend gave me a series of BIAB chord files that match the published RealBook jazz fake book. I'd like to play melody against the chord progressions (figured out how to do this much), and also would like to have the software generate solos (in Bb) that I can play off the computer screen to learn phrasing, get ideas, etc. If something really good develops from the generated solo I might want to print out a few bars for reference, but in general I see myself listening to a generated solo, playing along with the progression on-screen (solo audio muted, but notation still visible), then finally trying something original on my own.
I've figured out how to get a solo to play, swap it to the melody line so that I can hear it, try a few different styles, but I'm still unable to figure out how to get the solo line transposed so that its in the correct key for me to play along (Bb) while the computer is putting music out in C.
I feel like I'm stumbling around and am getting slight frustrated with my inefficiency.
Art
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,839
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,839 |
You've done really well to get where you are at! I suggest you go to PGMusic's video tutorial page and work your way through some of the many videos. You'll find that these make a whole lot more sense now that you can understand the product a bit better. tutorials/demos link
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9 |
thanks for the encouragement - I'll check out the link provided
Art
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 29
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 29 |
Yep, it is overwhelming when you consider all it will do. However, treat it like an instrument. Just because you're a guitar player doesn't mean you know every guitar lick and every song. The good thing about BIAB is that you can make some really good music without knowing all the deep details of the program. I use the basics and every now and then something comes along that forces me to learn something new. Have fun with it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70 |
Is there a site where one can download BIAB files for jazz standards?
There are some standards in the songs module (for example the first bossa one is Night at the Carnival), but they have different names. Does anyone know what they are?
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Welcome C1802362,
There are more than a few trumpet players here on the forums to help you along. A couple that come to mind are Mac, and Matt Finley. They really know this program and you can see many posts by them. I also make my living using my Trumpet and Band in a Box. I use BIAB to make my sequences for performance, as well as practice and for my students. First, you might want to get real comfortable just entering the various jazz chords. The best way to do this is to open the help menu, go to "Chord List", print that list out, and then tape it next to your computer/piano so you can reference it whenever its needed.
Next, I can't recommend enough that you learn to use the shortcut keys to enter chords, this will save you a lot of time.
To answer your question on transposition, after opening the notation window, you need to go into the options menu (Upper left hand corner next to the little 8th note.) From the "Lead Sheet Options" menu, Choose "Notation Options". Right in the middle you will see "Transpose Options". Use the pull down menu to select "Trumpet +2".
Here are a few tips about how I use BIAB for Jazz practice.
1. First, Make a folder on your Desktop called "BIAB jazz practice". All of your various jazz exercises and tunes should be available to you there, nice and fast.
2. Create a new folder in the jazz practice folder called "Scale practice". (Or "Solos", iim7-V7-IM7, or whatever your goals are.)
3. Open BIAB, choose your style, tempo, key and number of choruses. Then type in your chords, using shortcut keys wherever possible.
4. Now, listen to your song, make sure it sounds and looks correct, make corrections, name and save the file in the folder of your choice.
5. Practice your scales, or patterns at a slow tempo with lot's of repetitions. For example, If I'm going to work on my major 7 Be Bop scales, I will type my progression>Bar1 CMaj7 (CJ), Bar2 Dm7/G. then I copy those 2 bars a few times, then set the chorus to repeat 25 times after bar 8. I end up playing those scales 100 times very slow. That's on Monday, on Tuesday I open the saved file, and then transpose it to F, Wendsday is Bb, etc. There are endless variations. Make sure you experiment with different stlyes.
Now, here is where it gets good>
I find that the Soloist is one of the coolest things about BIAB. So when I want to get some good ideas going over a new set of chord changes, I will do all the above until number 4. Next, I do the following>
1. Make sure you have a 4 to 8 bar chord progression to start with.
2. After you have your progression, open the soloist and choose>Pat Martino 16th soloist. I don't know how it was put together, but the lines that come out of this soloist are AMAZING. And I can promise you a good hard harmonic workout in playing these lines.
2. Now open the Notation window (Not the Leadsheet window!)
3. Click on "S" to see the soloist (You should change the transposition and octaves in the Leadsheet options as above)
4. Listen to the solo, when you hear a lick or pattern that you like, click "LoopScn". This loops the current bars so you can hear the line over and over.
5. I then slow it down to 50, and work that line for a least an hour a day. I gradually will increase the tempo until I can play that line at tempo with no errors or hesitation. In fact, I will right click and mute the solo part to make sure I sound good. Since you saved the file, you can open it everyday at the new tempo, and then start to work on the next pattern or lick.
I have collected a ton of pattern and lick books, which I make into folders of tunes. I then play in the exercise using my midi keyboard. Depending on if I want sight reading or pattern/scale practice, I will open 1 folder a day in the Jukebox, and let er rip! It's good because I never know what's coming next. This is also great for learning/playing/transposing Tunes, I now have over 17,000 BIAB files.
Good luck, sorry for the long post, hope this helps someone, PM me if you need more info,
Ed
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Excellent approach, Ed!
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I play horns Bflat, and keys, the keyboard and program is set to (in the practice window), transpose to Bflat. In order to get a good key to play in I often use keys so the song ends up in C, D E flat, F, G, or Aflat. But I can play in any key unless we are talking 6 flats or sharps. The program can make you much better on the horn, keep transposing up....build the chops.. I started the horn (baritone and trombone) at 52, and am going stronger all the time....
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70 |
How do you save the tune with the solo and sty intact? I tried the Save+, but it lost the solo. Pretty annoying when you're trying to practice something over and over again!
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
If the Solo is a MIDI instrument, try using the "Save with Patches and Harmony" command under the file menu.
RealTracks are another story, though. Until the Mac version gets its own Audio track, I'm afraid the only choice is to Render the entire song to AIFF or compressed mp file or put up with the Solo regenerating when you load the song.
--Mac
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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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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