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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I was thinking about mentioning Nashville notation but that wasn't the question.
Joda wasn't asking about chords in a song he's asking about the chords themselves not in the context of the key sig. Joda, what I'm talking about is the relationship of the chords to the key sig of the song. When someone says "chord tones" or "scale tones" what they're usually referring to is the numbered position of the chord as part of the scale of the song based on the key sig. Example, key of C and a basic 3 chord song. The 3 chords usually are C7, F7 and G7 or commonly known as a 1-4-5 progression. In Ab it's Ab7, Db7 and Eb7. Counting the notes in the C major scale yields 1=C, 4=F and 5=G. Those are not notes in a chord, they're chords in a song and that's what Nashville notation is all about. A 1-4-5 is written in Nashville notation as I-IV-V. As long as you know the key sig and your basic major scales then you can play that progression in any key no need for the chord itself to be written, I-IV-5 is all you need. There's only 12 scales and beginner or not I will say you must learn those. No arguments, just do it. But Nashville notation has nothing to do with you figuring out what the notes are in any particular chord. The notes in any chord also comes from knowing the scales because the numbers are the same. Scale tones equals the note numbers. Notes in any chord also equals the note numbers in the scale of the chord based on the key sig.
Hope this makes sense.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
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Hi again, jodaboda, Band in a Box has a rather excellent feature that should really help the aspiring saxophonist along these lines. Or any other instrumentalist who is looking to learn what notes to play over a given chord, for that matter. Take a look in the Help section of BiaB, selsct the "Topic Search" and type "Generate Scales" without the quotes into the Search slot at the top left. This command is found under the Soloist menu, "Generate and play a scale..." -- the second command down from the top of the Soloist menu. Then doubleclick on Generate Scales in the LH results pane and see how to invoke the Scale Wizard. Quote:
This Scale Wizard allows you to easily generate scales, which appear as notation on the Soloist track. Options include Instrument Range, Patch Selection, Jazzy Mode (will use Lydian dominant scales for some 7th chords), and Diatonic Mode (keeps scales relative to the song key).
Menu items on the Soloist menu allow you to generate scales for a certain song, or auto-generate them for all loaded songs. View the scales in the notation or the on-screen guitar and piano.
When the Generate Scales menu command is selected it opens the Use Jazz Scales dialog. In this dialog you can set a number of options for the scales that are generated.
The neat thing about this feature is that you can, with one mouseclick, generate notes in scalar fashion that will appear on the Soloist track. The notes chosen will already be the appropriate basic scale and key for each chord in ANY songfile you have.
At first, just practice playing those scales along with BiaB, at perhaps a lowered Tempo. Rinse, repeat, as practice is really only repetition, right?
After a bit, maybe sleep on it overnight, the next session, try Muting the BiaB soloist so you don't also hear the scales as the song plays, and use your own instrument to read the scales and play them as they go by. Always try to play everything MUSICALLY, don't let the practice turn into just a bad sounding thang with scales going up and down. For example, apply your own dynamics at the same time, playing some of the bars pianissimo - as soft as you can - others you might play a bit louder, some you might build to a Crescendo, etc. as you practice the scales over the chords for each particular song.
This is a very cool feature and a real timesaver over the old method that I had to do way back in music school when the only tools we had were pencils and staff paper and that gray stuff between the ears.
After becoming familiar enough with each scale for each chord in whatever songfile, try playing them using *every other note* in the scale generated, like the 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc. odd numbered notes in the scale, which, in most cases, would be the arpeggio for the scale. At any rate, any of the notes generated for the chord will always be "right" notes.
Take notice of any accidentals for the scales for each chord as well. Try to figure out which Key that invokes, for it is often the case in jazz songs that the song itself goes through Transpositions internally, even though the Main Key Sig is written. Unlike Classical Music, we don't write a new key signature for every time that happens. Which is a good thing IMO. Instead, we learn to recognize those transitions. Most of them will be ii-V7-I situations that serve to modulate to a new key temporarily inside the song, but will soon return the thing back to the original key.
And never forget the most important part of practicing -- which is tightly associated with the unofficial Band in a Box motto.
Don't "drill".
Instead, always strive to "Have Fun" -- the fastest way to get "there".
HAVE FUN,
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Thanks Mac! That's pretty much exactly what I wanted. You might want to consider adding an option for chord tones only in there (rather than the whole scale), but it is great as-is as well.
Thanks again-- I don't think I would have found that on my own in a YEAR of using BIAB!
I'm certainly "having fun"... way more fun than rote endless scale practice. I've done that since I started playing sax and things just don't get internalized that way (I still mess up simple things like a minor scale sometimes, even after doing it a gazillion times). I think you can get to a sort-of hybrid thinking/motor-reflex playing with that method of study, but with BIAB learning I'm developing my ear/listening and timing at the same time, and also having fun! Before I would force myself to do half an hour of scales, and suffer through it. Now I turn on BIAB and play, and the HOURS fly by!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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To work with chordtones and arpeggios, try just playing *EVERY OTHER NOTE* in the given scales.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
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Quote:
You might want to consider adding an option for chord tones only in there (rather than the whole scale), but it is great as-is as well.
This is just a user forum, nobody here but us chickens (users). We don't consider adding anything, a request like that goes into the Wishlist forum and the powers-that-be read it and maybe act on it if it's a worthy suggestion.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 11
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OP
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Okay thanks Bob. I assumed someone with the "PG Music" avatar was a company rep or something. I guess not; good to know.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
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For the record, I am not a pgmusic rep.
Use the Wishlist forum for these kind of addon requests, because that is the place where the development staff is most likely to look when it comes time for them to ascertain what possible new features they might attempt to make so.
Over the years I've seen *many* new features that started out as Wishlist items actually get implemented. But its only the ones that don't get implemented that garner the most notice on these forums.
--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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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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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