Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 50
A
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 50
I am trying to create Bass and drums backing tracks for some Jazz standards. I am playing piano. Drums can be BIAB generated for the whole tune but I want the bass to be my own notes for the Head and the Out but BIAB generated for the blowing section. I have Powertracks pro for recording the bass Head and Out sections. What is the best process for achieving this?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
You'llhave to mute the bass and enter your bass line in the melody track using the bass pf ypur choice then use the regular bass track for the solos. Ray


Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 50
A
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 50
Thanks Ray

I plan to freeze and render to mp3. I presume the muted bass sections won't turn up in the mp3.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,005
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,005
There are times where I don't especially like the bass tracks BB or RB creates, so on these occasions I simply mute the BB/RB tracks.

Understand that at this point in the process I have imported all the RB tracks into my SONAR DAW software.

I simply set up a soft synth in Sonar X1 and play the part on my Yamaha DX-27S keyboard. I assign the patch or sample to it and it's done.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,517
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,517
I have been making backing tracks since the 1980s and with BiaB since it was a pre-Windows DOS program.

I play in a duo with over 500 songs, I've done my own backing tracks for all of them.

I've been asked this question many times, and rather than re-post it again and again, I wrote a web page on how I make the backing tracks and how I use them on stage.

To read how I do it, go to http://www.nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.html

Keep in mind there is more than one right way to do most anything in music. This is the way that works best for me and is the sum total of my almost 30 years of making tracks.

Feel free to take what you want and leave the rest.

Notes


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,015
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,015
There are a couple of ways to achieve this.

One is to bring the MIDI bass file into your DAW, delete the parts you do not want, use the punch in and out function and record that bass parts you want. This of course assumes that you have MIDI keyboard.

Two, again if it is a MIDI bass track you can open the edit notation window in BIAB, erase the notes you do not want then write your parts. Be sure to freeze the bass track when you are finish otherwise the entire line will be lost if you press regenerate.

Three, if the bass is a RealTrack bring the wav into your DAW, delete the parts and on another track use the MIDI process in #1 trying to match the RT bass sound and style as closely as you can.

Four, I believe that in RealBand you can regenerate only the parts that you want, I don’t use RB so I’m not positive about this. This process should work for both MIDI and RT parts.

Good luck.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Hi Andrew10,

What you want to do is possible, I have quite a few BiaB songfiles that I use in that fashion for live performance.

The one caveat is that we cannot assign notes to a Realtracks file, as the Realtracks must choose from phrases played by live players.

We have to use the MIDI for our own entered notes.

I have found that with a good MIDI synth available, one that has a great sounding Bass Patch or several available, that entering my preferred Bassline on the Melody or Soloist track of BB (I greatly prefer Playing it in from MIDI keyboard in realtime and using the MIDI Record method as vs the Step Entry notation method, as playing it and recording it instantly yields a lot more of the subtle timing, velocity, etc. nuances).

The Melody or Soloist tracks are the only two tracks that are "static" in BiaB, meaning that the Autoaccompaniment style file won't overwrite any attempts to edit or force our own notes every time the song is loaded.

I then use the Bar Settings dialog window to Mute the Autoaccompaniment Bass Track in the areas where I want my own Bass notes to play, also for Muting the track with my own notes and unMuting the autoaccompaniment Bass during those bars or repeats where I want the automatic Bassline to play.

I have found that, with a good MIDI synth that has a good sounding Acoustic Bass Patch in it, selecting from the available to try to match whatever Bass sound is in the Realtrack file selected, that the transition between the two goes unnoticed by my audiences.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 50
A
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 50
Thanks to all! Some really great info from everyone! Knew I could count on the BIAB forum experts for advice.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane

zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!

Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.

Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music

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.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

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!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,580
Posts807,015
Members40,161
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Veng, Erikotop, brndaolsen53, Amen Ptah Ra, joe read
40,161 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 93
rsdean 83
WaoBand 70
DrDan 44
Finna 43
Today's Birthdays
Darald Wieneke
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5