i am looking for any tips you may have in your song creation process within BIAB to differentiate the different sections of a song. I have just been using the A and B parts BIAB alternatives and have gotten feedback that i dont have enough contrast in the chorus.
Try using Multiriffs. Multiriffs are very popular with PG staff developers that create the BIAB demos. I have around 9,000 styles listed in StylePicker and nearly 1,000 are PG Multiriffs. To search the StylePicker for Multiriffs, type the + into the search bar. Many PG Multiriffs are midi indicating they've been around for a long time. BIAB songs can have up to 24 MultiStyles in them. Users can use pre-made PG Music MultiStyles or create their own.
When using RealTracks, dynamics and more complex arrangements can be done using the RealTracks Medley Maker. The Medley Maker allows you to change out instruments on a track and program them to play in many different ways. Instruments can be played using alternating patterns determined by number of bars, chorus numbers, whether to play sequentially or to play simultaneously.
Another tip is to increase the Chorus tempo by one or two beats and then revert back to the normal tempo when another verse begins.
This is a good question. I was thinking of this just today as I work on a new project. But while playiang style can be a big part of this, my thoughts are more on Chord Structure. There must me some "theory" regarding how the chorus should be structured compared to a verse. And while we are on this topic how about the bridge or other song parts. What are strategies for chord selection to add contrast to differentiate this parts. Lets see what Mother Google has to say about this topic.
Add instruments in chorus. Maybe even use the same RealTracks again on additional tracks.
Sing at the lower end of your range in verse, at a lower level then sing at the higher end of your range and belt it out in the chorus.
I read somewhere that the best approach is to build your chorus first with lots of instruments, volume, fx, etc. Then remove stuff for the verses.
Another suggested technique is to have steps/levels of building your song. The steps/levels just refer to overall energy/volume/complexity/etc.
So, your first verse might be level 1 and your first chorus level 6. Then verse 2 is level 3 and chorus is level 8. Then bridge might drop all the way back down to level 2 while the final chorus goes to 10.
There must me some "theory" regarding how the chorus should be structured compared to a verse.
No, there is not. Listen to as many different styles and variations as you can till it becomes one of those things you know when you hear it. I mean everything — Bach, Gilbert & Sullivan, Blues, John Philip Sousa where he goes to the Trio, Wagner, Puccini, Gershwin, Beatles, Disco…
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The best way to differentiate the verses and the chorus is in the chords and rhythm you use in each part.
So for example.... the verses might start on the 1 chord.... (root) and use the 1, 4, 5, chords in it... and it might have a slow meter to the melody line.
When you enter the chorus, start on the 4 chord and make the melody line a faster meter. Deliver the words with a more rapid feel.... Here's an example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKSNHcsqqKM Bellamy Bros, Let your love flow. Note the chorus starting on 4 and the different meter between the verses and the chorus.
Essentially you want to make the 2 parts sound like they are different while still retaining the cohesiveness of being one song.
I like to write the chorus in such a way that repeating it fits the different stories told in the verses.... a great example of this is Tim McGraw - Don't Take The Girl. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vn6QdqxK3g
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
There must me some "theory" regarding how the chorus should be structured compared to a verse.
No, there is not.
If there was, it might be quite a good idea to do something different anyway, rather than following convention. Surprises are good.
BTW, I presume you realise that you can change style for yourself for the chorus (well, anywhere really). You don't have to stick within the A-B or within the built-in MultiStyles. F5.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Yeah, exactly. Why even bother with a chorus... Just use the old tried and true AAA writing method. It worked extremely well for Robert Zimmerman on a ton of songs. In his case it was often AAAAAAAAAA
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 01/01/2204:41 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Yeah, exactly. Why even bother with a chorus... Just use the old tried and true AAA writing method. It worked extremely well for Robert Zimmerman on a ton of songs. In his case it was often AAAAAAAAAA
Do I sense something is blowin' in the wind here?
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i am looking for any tips you may have in your song creation process within BIAB to differentiate the different sections of a song. I have just been using the A and B parts BIAB alternatives and have gotten feedback that i dont have enough contrast in the chorus.
I got one advice from an Instagram profile I follow (Cosmisacademy) - make your Chorus "GRAND", make it sound good and make sure it stands out.
...and I always add - make your Chorus memorable. Make sure that the first thing you remember of your own song, is the Chorus. As a listener you should always be absolutely certain when you are listening to a Chorus.
One thing you can test when you arrange your song - how many times can you sing or listen to each part of your song, before you feel that it's time to move on. My rule of thumb is, that you should be able to repeat your chorus far more times, than ny other part of the song, without getting bored or growing tired of it. Having said that, I usually limit myself to a max of 3 Chorus per song (and max repeating the Chorus 3 times before or during Outro).
...and as pointed out elsewhere - just make it sound good.
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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.
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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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