Welcome and hello!

So, I never use the BB intro function.

I always create my own intro.... I use the "unfold into one big Chorus" function and then remove the existing chords and colored markers. By unfolding, you do not need to use repeats, You do however have to have a start to finish chord pattern for the song. This is the ONLY way I work. I can customize the song 100% to what I want.

You didn't mention it, but I do use the BB ending with a 2 measure ending. It works better than trying to make my own endings. I sometimes have to "customize" the measures to make it sound correct.



I set up the intro like I want. It can be 2 measures, 4, 6, 8, or more...if I want. I use the blue/green markers to indicate the verses and choruses.

As far as styles.... man that's a personal choice. I normally only work from the RT indicated styles in BB... ones with real tracks in them. They are the ones that are at the top of the various style lists when you open them and there is a RT's only list in each genre too.

I use the melodist to create songs from time to time. Some of the jazz and Bluegrass stuff was started this way and then I went in and edited it. It has limitations and when I write something original I do not use it. The "crazy jam" you described is typical of what I have found with it so I don't use it when working on my songs.

Once you create something with the melodist, yes, initially, you can only choose from a few dozen preset styles.... BUT, once you have created something with it, you can click on the STYLE and change it to any of the more than 3000 styles in the program.

So, to do a cover of the old classic songs.... open a new song file, unfold the chorus, select the tempo and key, erase the chords in it and remove the blue markers by clicking them until that clear off, then, start inputing the chords to the song...measure by measure. Most of the classics follow a strict structure so once you have the verse and chorus, you can copy and paste to add the following verses and choruses. insert and delete measures if needed, edit the chorus to make a tag and creating a cover song can be done in a few minutes. Select the style you think is close to the original and have fun.

have a listen to some of my music. use the link at the bottom of this post. It was all done in the manner I described above.

If you have more questions, just ask.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 09/11/13 05:49 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.