Hi, I wish BIAB had two new notation entry mode features.
Snap to Chord Stack entry mode (turned on with a toggle button). Here while in ether editable notation mode as you move your mouse pointer over the staff it would show you what snap to current chord stack note was going to be placed if you left click. It would automatically know the chord to use for the current stack.
Snap to selected scale stack entry mode (turned on with a toggle button however you select the scale). Here while in ether editable notation mode as you move your mouse pointer over the staff it would show you what snap to current scale note was going to be placed if you left click. In this case you would need to make sure the appropriate scale was in effect at the time.
I think I understand the second, but I'm not understanding the first. Does the first assume you already entered the chord, and if so, what is the benefit you see when the notes in the chord are already there? I wonder if you could elaborate, because this sounds intriguing. Thanks.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Hi Matt, in the 1st the user may not know much theory and this not know the root, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, etc of the chord. So the chord symbol is already entered and BIAB (while in chord snap mode as the user hovers over the staff) will, somehow show the closest chord note in some sort of colour, maybe sound it, maybe display (root, 3rd, +5th, +5th, whatever) and if the user clicks the left button the note is actually placed at that pitch location where ever the user has the cursor located relative to the vertical timing lines.
Something similar could be done with the scale they have selected but it would probably need to display the text description of the current scale so they know to potentially change it with the next chord.
I'm also guessing on the actual function, but I'm interpreting that it means to show an indicator of the projected note position (a hover hint?) so that when the user mouse-clicks, it delivers the note at the intending location.
I must admit that I'm not familiar with the 'stack' terminology and how it relates to note entry.
Would be more than pleased to get further elaboration.
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.
Yeah, chord stack is my invented term for the stack of notes that make up a chord building from the root and up. However in this case the term stack is note of much use I suppose since BIAB would be displaying the closest chord note and indicating what part of the chord it is.
I'm really liking the idea of hovering over a note and seeing its function in the chord (3rd, flat 9th etc.). Very educational. If that's what you mean...
Terminology: I think what may throw some musicians reading your request is the term 'chord stack'. It's fine in this usage but to me, a stacked chord is another way of referring to a polychord, i.e., stacking a triad on top of another triad. Example EMaj9/Cm7
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Yes, the educational component is the idea. I got the idea when I was creating the attached picture to help one of the the vocalists in my Jazz Jams Group who sings well, does not know much theory and could use BIAB for learning to harmonize and scat sing.
I just did a test of entering the notes in editable notation mode to see what pressing shift and ctrl do. Unfortunately they alter the placement by 1 semitone up or down. The question becomes "Would it be better to have Shift represent snap to the closest scale note and ctrl be snap to the closest chord note". Maybe BIAB could be improved such that we users could personalize BIAB to have these keys serve the function I am suggesting instead seeing as I wonder how many need to have the current semi-tone adjustment. Snap to scale or chord makes more sense to me in that I bet it would get a lot more use. It might make sense to have a floating reminder appear when ctrl or shift are pressed such as this.
When you press Ctrl - "A7 (A root, C# 3rd, E 5th, G 7th)"
When you press shift - "C melodic major (C, D, Eb, F, G, A, B)"
Maybe where the note will snap to first gets a ghost note before you left click and maybe if even sounds.
This snap feature applies to all notes that BIAB is capable of sounding.
Now this Idea I would also suggest. Maybe improvisers could enter the scales they wish to focus on improvising with for the whole song before hand and even have them print as well. These would be the shift key scale snap to notes. These scales would change with a song transpose (so useful). To do this the root of the scale would be entered to transpose and there would be a comment attached that prints with the root of the scale. In my case I enter F melodic major as F-3 and F Harmonic major as F-6 and F harmonic minor as F-3-6. Only the F transposes and the rest is the comment. I place the scales next to the chord like this E7\C-6 then once all scales are marked on the print out I go back and highlight the scale portion with green highlight. Having this built right in to BIAB and optionally printable would allow members of my jam group to download the PDF and know what scales I am using (many do not know how to select scales to use for improvising). Again the scales transposing would be s o useful for me because vocalists have joined the jam group and I am doing a lot of transposing for my improvising.
These are refinement ideas not written in stone but clearly I would immediately upgrade if this feature was in place (especially the last one).
Maybe a better idea would be to have two function keys. One for chords and one for scales. The chord function key would toggle on and off a stack of chord notes on the notation vertically colour coded to indicate 1, 3, 5, 7. These would be stacked wherever there is room for them or maybe they would temporarily cover notes already entered. And again the chord symbol is used to know the chord. When toggled-on as the user moves the mouse pointer over to the next chord it switches automatically allowing the user to quickly toggle back and forth between chords. The required sharps or flats would show in the stack. Note formations should be smaller than normal to make it easier to decipher the close proximity of the 7th and root. Maybe the alt, ctrl and shift keys could change it from showing notes to showing parts (1,3,5,7) to showing letters (C, E, G, Bb) all located against the correct notation lines and spaces. If at a line it would need to hide the line behind so it can be easily read. I think this would be better than having the letters and parts listed above. The reason to have the Function key be a toggle is so the hands are free to move the mouse. Once toggled-on another key (shift, ctrl, alt, whatever) could change the stack to (letters or parts or notes). Maybe a single key could do this cycling.
This feature would be active on any of the 7 tracks.
This feature would allow people just learning these basics to compose harmonies before they had full mastery of these skills. These could be people who learn songs by ear. They write their harmonies this way ensuring they write close to the chord tones then play it back and if they like it they learn to sing it. Once they learn to choose the scale for the in between tones they want they may decide to do the same thing for the scale.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean