Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Song is in 4/4. Every once in a while I need a 6/4 bar for only one bar.

I follow the manual - select (shift-click) the bar to become 6/4, then Edit, Song form, Set time signature for a range of bars. The dialog box comes up and I choose 6/4 and click OK. A short, red, horizontal line appears at the beginning of the selected bar, chord symbol unchanged.

But upon playback the bar I tried to make into 6/4 now leaves out 2 beats of the chords. i.e. i get 4 C chords out of 6 beats... The subsequent bars all have empty beats even though they are in 4/4...at least i think they are...

If I only specify one measure to be 6/4 must I specify the next measure to go back to 4/4?

Here is what I'm trying to achieve: dot = beat

|4/4 C . . . |6/4 C . . . G .|4/4 F . . . | etc.

Is there a more precise and foolproof way to do this?

What about inserting a 2/4 bar. Like,

|4/4 C . . .|2/4 C .|4/4 C . G .|F . . .| the musical result is the same....I'm in Country swing style...

Confused, me. Why is the chart basically destroyed by changing the time sig in just one bar?

Thanks in advance,

Dave


Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,026
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,026
I think you'll find that you cannot add more beats to a bar, however, you can take some away.

The way I do this is to use two bars: one with 2 beats and the other with 4 beats. Set either the first or second bar to only play two beats by highlighting the bar and pressing Function key <F5> and setting that bar to two beats, as shown. Do let us know if this helps.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2021-02-02_16-17-38.jpg (94.83 KB, 150 downloads)

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.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,372
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,372
Hi Dave,

I do the same as Trevor... that is, use two bars: 1 x 4 beats and 1 x 2 beats. I generally put the 2-beat bar after the 4-beat bar (but that depends on the song and where the 2-beat feel feels best).

If you go to the link below, you'll see the chordsheet play for a song that I wrote.

https://vimeo.com/143978481

This song has that 6/4 combination Trevor and I are talking about. Bar 12 is 4-beats and bar 13 is 2-beats. It happens again at bars 21/22, 39/40 (and a couple of other places).

Also, notice the red square around the bars that have 2-beats. This red square is saying that there are bar changes at the location.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,292
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,292
Dave, go to the wish list forum and ask for time signatures other than 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4 be added. I have been screaming for time signatures for 6/8, 5/4, 12/8, etc for years.


Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
thanks fellows. But nothing works. I set up a song and just typed in a whole bunch of C chords for 8 bars. Then I highlighted the second bar and did the "2-beats" as shown above. Press 'play'....That 2nd bar did have 2 beats but the subsequent bars also all had two beats and the chords missing entirely from alternate bars. If I highlight the third bar and tell it 4 beats the song reverts to 4/4 but then there are two empty beats in bar 3 and then the 4/4 feel is 2 beats out of synch with the bar lines...

It occurs to me I could solve my problem by having the song be in 2/4 time to begin with and then entering an extra bar of 2/4 where I want it.

But the software doesnt seem to allow me to create a song in 2/4...

Wish list here I come...

Thanks for the help...

Dave


Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,974
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,974
Dave cross posted his issue in the +++ BiaB Wishlist Forum +++.

Dave indicated in that post he is using BiaB for Mac. Dave also said he can not access F5 Bar Settings. I posted multiple ways in that thread that Dave can use to access the F5 Bar Settings.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1224) RB (Build 7) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
I have also phoned the 1-800 number for help. they have asked me to send an SGU file showing what happens when i try to a) change from 4/4 to 2/4 and back to 4/4 and b) set up a song in 2/4 that has no time signature changes at all. I sent it.

Noel 96 (thanks for posting your song) seems to have conquered the problem of the inserted 2/4 bar but he's on a PC platform. It may be that my MAC version of BIB is the problem....

Frustrating.... thanks to all for trying to help.

Dave


Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,372
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,372
Dave,

After you set the 2-beat bar, it's necessary to move to the next bar and use Bar Settings to set it to 4-beats.

For example, if you want only bar 10 to be 2 beats...

1. click on bar 10

2. right click on the chordsheet and choose Bar Settings

3. set the number of beats to 2

4. now click on bar 11 and enter into Bar Settings

5. set the number of beats to 4

BIAB is designed like sheet music in that when a new time signature is added on the music, that time signature stays in effect until it encounters another time signature.

Hope this helps,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
I tried this. Still leaves out beats. Weird.

I have a reply from PG after I sent in an SGU of what is happening.

They call it a "glitch" and are working on it...

Dave


Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Originally Posted By: Cotts
I tried this. Still leaves out beats. Weird.

I have a reply from PG after I sent in an SGU of what is happening.

They call it a "glitch" and are working on it...

Dave


Yup, it's a bug for sure. I've reported it to the development team so they can fix it.


I work here
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
Cotts Offline OP
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 21
I appreciate the support from the developer.

Dave


Taylor T5, Epiphone Masterbilt Frontier, iMac, MacBook Pro.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1
T
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
T
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1
I think I am hitting this bug. Is there a patch for it?

Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Originally Posted By: Tim G
I think I am hitting this bug. Is there a patch for it?


Not yet, but we're working on it!


I work here
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,756
Posts795,878
Members39,952
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
nncytrnod04, Tigerlily, BB Wilbur, anonymously, TinaLBZ
39,952 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 169
DC Ron 109
Noel96 106
rsdean 105
dcuny 100
DrDan 86
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5