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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
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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
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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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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 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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 Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
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