Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Beginners Forum
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
My song has 4/4 time. A couple measures have two beats of Eb Min and two beats of B7.

In EACH of those measures the B7 is greyed out.

What does that mean? And how do I keep it from happening?

Thanks.

Michael


AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Can you take a screen capture and attach it using the File Manager link in your reply?

I tried and it worked fine here.

What exact Version and Build of BiaB are you running (Help > About)

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2021-03-01_7-43-49.jpg (51.66 KB, 94 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: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
The difference between mine and yours is I tried to select 2/4 time. All the measures got a red line under them. The band in the box thing says it’s in four four time. The notation says it said 2/4 time. My B7 is grayed out and does not play.


AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Everything is working as designed. The red line indicates you used F5 (bar settings) to make a change.

In BIAB, you will still have a cell for chord entry with two halves of that cell, and you can still enter a chord in the right-hand half. If you start a song in 4/4 but change to 2/4, anything in the second half of that cell (and those after) will not play. That's why it's greyed out. Perhaps you need to go to a measure after the 2/4 measure and do F5 and restore four beats per bar. Without knowing the song, I can't be sure.



BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Originally Posted By: goofeyfoot
The difference between mine and yours is I tried to select 2/4 time. All the measures got a red line under them. The band in the box thing says it’s in four four time. The notation says it said 2/4 time. My B7 is grayed out and does not play.


I believe that you just answered your own question. You didn't mention 2/4 time signature previously. If the bar only allows two beats then I would expect the chord on beats 3&4 to be disabled.

Consider placing the B7 on the next bar?

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2021-03-01_7-56-14.jpg (51.49 KB, 81 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: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
If you want the B7 to play, place it on the next bar.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2021-03-01_7-58-58.jpg (68.69 KB, 78 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: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
So what you’re saying is that the program can’t handle a chord change that lasts only one beat?

I’m not writing this song. Someone else did. So I can’t just change the music to suit the program. So how can I get their tempo? Or can I?


AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Originally Posted By: goofeyfoot
So what you’re saying is that the program can’t handle a chord change that lasts only one beat?

I’m not writing this song. Someone else did. So I can’t just change the music to suit the program. So how can I get their tempo? Or can I?

Previously you mentioned 2 beats, and now mention 1 beat so I'm a little confused. The program can handle 1 beat bars. Select the bar and press <F5> and set the number of beats to 1 (or 2), then on a required following bar, press <F5> again and set the number of beats to 2 or 3 or 4, based on whatever is required.

But now you also mentioned tempo, which doesn't change with the number of beats in a bar. You can change the tempo using several different methods, i.e. for the entire song or only for certain bars.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2021-03-01_8-16-22.jpg (49.47 KB, 74 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: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 162

OK what I’m trying to say is this.

This song is in two four time. Which I guess means there’s two beats per measure. One of the measures has a chord on the first beat and a different chord on the second beat. It’s that second chord that is the B7 that won’t play and that is grayed out. I didn’t know about the F5 thing or whether that would solve my issue. I mistakenly referenced tempo. I was talking about time signature the whole time.


AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Originally Posted By: goofeyfoot

OK what I’m trying to say is this.

This song is in two four time. Which I guess means there’s two beats per measure. One of the measures has a chord on the first beat and a different chord on the second beat. It’s that second chord that is the B7 that won’t play and that is grayed out. I didn’t know about the F5 thing or whether that would solve my issue. I mistakenly referenced tempo. I was talking about time signature the whole time.


If you want two chords across only two beats, (i.e. beats 1 & 2) enter the two chords separated with a comma, e.g. Ebm,B7

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2021-03-01_8-27-06.jpg (9.32 KB, 70 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: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
OK. Two/four time signature. Two beat measure. Beat one is a E flat minor. Beat 2 is a B7. How do you write that?

Last edited by goofeyfoot; 02/28/21 11:33 AM.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,892
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,892
Quote:
enter the two chords separated with a comma, e.g. Ebm,B7


BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,503
This question has changed considerably but it appears to be answered.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Originally Posted By: goofeyfoot
OK. Two/four time signature. Two beat measure. Beat one is a E flat minor. Beat 2 is a B7. How do you write that?

I thought I had answered it previously with this statement and a screen capture.
Quote:
If you want two chords across only two beats, (i.e. beats 1 & 2) enter the two chords separated with a comma, e.g. Ebm,B7

Has this answered your question(s)?


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: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
I think so. Have not tried yet.

Thanks.

Michael


AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
You can also enter different chords on different beats of the measure using Chord Settings (right-click on the chord):

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2021-03-01_11-08-49.jpg (55.34 KB, 57 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: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Click on the bar. Enter Ebm comma B7 like this [Ebm,B7]. The comma allows you to place the chord on the 2nd beat. This works whether you have a chord on the 1st beat or not. As in [ __,B7] ( no underscore needed, just enter comma-B7 ). If you were in 4/4 the comma also allows you to place the chord on the 4th beat.


Does the noise in your head bother me ?
Beginners Forum
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 162
Yes. I used the comma method and it worked.

Thanks again.

Michael


AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,070
Great.
Perhaps consider going back to your first post and marking it as Resolved. There's a button for that. This can assist others in the future.


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.
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® 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.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

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

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,021
Posts799,033
Members40,011
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
973Cig, TimTom420, drodger, GTRRO, harshitsharmamusic
40,011 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 153
DC Ron 105
rsdean 102
DrDan 76
Noel96 66
Today's Birthdays
ANDREW YELLEN, carlyDepp1, ib nielsen
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5