|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Ok some might see this as a rant (and they would not be wholly wrong)... The more I learn about standard notation the more I realise that it is unnecessarily obscure and makes learning so much harder. For example doesn't the whole idea of Myxolydian augmented 5th sound so complex and confusing, frightening even, it must put off so many learners. I am sitting here looking at the chord symbol A7b9. How many altered notes are there? My first reaction would be to say one a b9? Well, what I have not said, is that this chord appears as the second chord in a 1,6,2,5. The key thought is that the 6th mode in a 1,6,2,5. is an A minor not A Major, so the 3rd of the chord is altered - not just the 9th as indicated. Converting to Roman numerals does no good, the chord simply becomes VI7b9, Nashville is no better. I sort of knew this before, but I have been trying to sight read chords on the piano, and it is plain that one must discern the structure, before one reads - making the whole process harder. There is so much like this in music making our life harder for no good reason - do re mi fa sol .... but what of a minor third in this system? No word at all, much less for a #4. Why not a notation system that actually tells us what we need, in an obvious way!  Z
Last edited by ZeroZero; 01/16/15 08:52 AM.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
A7b9 tells you exactly what you need to know. A C# E G Bb. You're thinking in an abstract way. No one thinks of the chords that way. Experienced players have no problems with standard chord notation. The only chord open to different interpretations would be a chord like C7alt. You just need more basic chord study. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Ray, you could be right, (and I guess your more of a pianist than me) I come from a melodic instrument background and think in scales. I see things like the scale syllabus and find sometimes they call for unusual scales. When I see a chord I also need to know about the inbetween notes. Some people say the flat 9 calls for a diminished starting on the semitone.
But what does Am tell you about a sixth? Would it be a flat 6 or a natural one?
Z
Last edited by ZeroZero; 01/16/15 11:36 AM.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
Generally speaking, the in between notes would be in the key of the song. There are always exceptions though. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716 |
Z
If the 7b9 appears as a VI chord in a I VI II V progression then it's being used as a secondary dominant of IIm7. Jazz is fundamentally a chromatic music and secondary dominants are one of the oldest chromatic devices in music.
Secondary dominants, usually chromatic types as you know are used all the time to lead into diatonic scale degree chords. So the major third leads into the bVII tone of IIm7 by a half step resolution and the root of IIm7 by the same half step in the opposite direction.
They can have the effect of turning the chord they resolve into a temporary tonic; a kind of transient modulation.
You can choose to relate to that temporary tonic or treat the whole 1 6 2 5 sequence as a passage in the key to which the 5 chord resolves.
Jazz works this way melodically as well, with chromatic embellishments or enclosures leading up to or placed around a target chord tone. In each case its a matter of tension and resolution occurring at a high rate in the accompaniment and the improvised line.
HTH
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Generally speaking, the in between notes would be in the key of the song. There are always exceptions though. Ray thank you Ray.. That was my point Ray, the chord symbol does not tell you this, it only tells you some of the notes you need. The other notes need to be derived by looking at the key and working them out. This mental calculation has to take place, where as if we had a symbol that showed the complete preferred scale options, inc 6ths 9ths, fourths... Z
Last edited by ZeroZero; 01/16/15 07:23 PM.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Z
If the 7b9 appears as a VI chord in a I VI II V progression then it's being used as a secondary dominant of IIm7. Jazz is fundamentally a chromatic music and secondary dominants are one of the oldest chromatic devices in music.
Secondary dominants, usually chromatic types as you know are used all the time to lead into diatonic scale degree chords. So the major third leads into the bVII tone of IIm7 by a half step resolution and the root of IIm7 by the same half step in the opposite direction.
They can have the effect of turning the chord they resolve into a temporary tonic; a kind of transient modulation.
You can choose to relate to that temporary tonic or treat the whole 1 6 2 5 sequence as a passage in the key to which the 5 chord resolves.
Jazz works this way melodically as well, with chromatic embellishments or enclosures leading up to or placed around a target chord tone. In each case its a matter of tension and resolution occurring at a high rate in the accompaniment and the improvised line.
HTH
Alan
Yes, Alan, understood, but this does not explain the presence of a flat 9, is this simply a chromatic passing tone? As a function of the IIm functioning as the one its a flat 6th, though this position (IIm) would indicate a dorian minor Just musing...
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
You have to learn what the "avoid" notes are. For instance, a G# in an A7b9 would be played, (generally speaking), as a grace note. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Is there any way to study the "avoid notes" - I seem to find them all the time lol. What I need is a book with some exercises that then asks me "Find the avoid note" - and of course doing this with 'academic studying' will be a far cry from doing so in real time during improvisation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
http://tamingthesaxophone.com/jazz-scales Here's one site for avoid notes. Google is full of them. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716 |
but this does not explain the presence of a flat 9, is this simply a chromatic passing tone? As a function of the IIm functioning as the one its a flat 6th, though this position (IIm) would indicate a dorian minor Z Yes it has no reference to the dorian II other than to provide chromatic voice leading to the II chord. That's my understanding anyway. Ray and Joe I prefer the 'grace note' as opposed to the 'avoid note' explanation and sometimes even that doesn't apply nowadays when there's so many post-bop or neo-bop players playing freely with the chords using interval sequences rather than chords/scales and even stressing tensions on the strong beat(in Dolphy or Brecker style) rather than resolving into consonance. It's certainly still think it's a valid approach for older swing and bop styles though where overt use of stressed or prolonged dissonance is still avoided like the plague. Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
The b9 is there because the composer wanted it there at that particular time and to make sure the improviser plays a b9 instead of a natural 9. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
The b9 is there because the composer wanted it there at that particular time and to make sure the improviser plays a b9 instead of a natural 9. Ray Well, yes that's true, but it does not constitute an explanation of the sound's place in the harmony - maybe there isn't one of course. In early Jazz - Dixie and similar, the fourth was treated like an avoid note, the seventh was also treated with caution, so you get a pentatonic sound. Personally, I like to think of all 12 tones in a chromatic heirarchy in a chord from sonority to dissonance - the more dissonant being treated like passing tones. 'Avoid' notes and even avoid chords can sound great - if - resolved, tension and release Just my opinion. Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Zero Zero,
As a lifelong music student, I've paid much, much, money for lessons - and unfortunately, I don't have a natural musical ear for harmony - melody and rhythm yes, but not harmony.
As I approach 50, I have had one music teacher (the gentleman that publishes the VGEdiciones.com series - Enrique Vargas) who is an absolutely amazing musical analyst (as you can see if you take a look at his books and transcriptions) open my eyes to the level of analysis you describe. Though a flamenco specialist, he has an extensive background in jazz also, and has played with some of the greats.
For years, I thought that 'learning songs' was the thing to do - and I did not progress in learning and applying theory in the context of those songs.
Now, everybody learns differently - but I will say that studying with this great teacher has brought me EXACTLY to the place you are in your thinking and the 'complication' of soloing and understanding the harmony WITH RESPECT TO THE MELODY AND TONAL CENTER.
I'm not sure if this has been so hard for me (and maybe you too) because:
a.) I studied only guitar - and as a positional instrument makes it too easy to play songs without understanding these concepts
b.) I did NOT major or minor in music
c.) I had guitar teachers that were unaware of the importance of this view of harmony/melody
...probably a combination of the above.
But I will say that the point you're making is definitely NOT clearly and directly taught in any of the music theory books I've studied...and I've collected many, many of these books.
I don't think anyone here is disagreeing with your analysis, but I'm not sure they may not think this level of analysis is even necessary.
How about you Ray and Alan - is this level of analysis even important to you ?
Would also love to hear feedback on this one from some of our great musicians and players out there.
Last edited by Joe V; 01/18/15 03:19 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
In a word Joe Yes.
I too began by playing things I did not understand- they often sounded fine but I could not transpose them, or use them in different settings.
One of the things I am trying to achieve at present is the ability to sight read any chord in any key.
In order to do this I ONLY play notes I understand. By understand, I mean something different to the ordinary use of the word, I mean understand musically.
An example:
To 'understand' the concept of a triad
1] Know the intervals involved in terms of names, steps, know the minor, major, diminished and augmented forms.
2] Know how to play these notes in their inversions instantly in any key, in any pattern. This involves muscle memory and the use of different fingers (according to where you come from and where you are going finger placement wise). It involves many different ways of the fingers transversing the keyboard - all this muscle memory must be automatic
3] To know aurally - that is to play a note because one can hear it.
Knowing in this sense is both intellectual and muscle memory. It is a great deal of work (!)
When this is achieved then there is freedom - emotional freedom.
Of course it is possible to achieve all this without learning to read music, but it's the long way to go. It's about mental categorisation and planning.
My first piano piece was a Minuet by Bach. I learnt this piece 'off by heart'. What I noticed was that even though this piece exposed me to muscle memory runs, these runs were not appearing in my improvisation. I figured out there were two reasons. Firstly, I did not know the relationship between the run and the chord, and secondly I was not thinking of this relationship quickly enough to implement it.
Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
As a lifelong music student,....... unfortunately, I don't have a natural musical ear for harmony - melody and rhythm yes, but not harmony. Joe: Have you ever downloaded Earmaster Pro? It really helped me to develop my ear. Be prepared to fall flat on your face for a month or two, but it does grow...the ear that is, just like the callouses on your fingers. You can develop a great ear using this app. I also think that the whole concept of ear training being confined to interval recognition and chord recognition is too limited. Counting beats, feel of styles, the ability to discern an instrument in a mix, all have to be learnt too. I class this as ear training too IMO Z
Last edited by ZeroZero; 01/18/15 03:20 AM.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Yes - downloaded Earmaster Pro over a year ago, and it is sitting there laughing at me. I will try to wipe the smile off its little face by allowing your reminder and encouragement to open it up and start using it. My problem is I 'buy' the things I want to eventually use, while taking years to use them. It should really be the other way around, but I've got this American disease of wanting 'things' I like regardless of if I have an immediate need for them - or maybe there is a better way to describe the condition. (don't be disrespectful on opening I've provided - you know who you are).
Double-Zero, my music teacher and I just had an incredibly passionate discussion about just how much one needs to memorize the things you mention in order to be a good player - and his point was that I'm over-memorizing some things (included in your list) that are overkill and actually counterproductive to your goal, given other things you could be practicing instead. Yours are great goals, but if every player put themselves through such rigor - they may not have become the good players they are. The hard part of getting good at something is learning from the 'greats' at what point you are spinning your wheels with respect to your goal - and this is usually something you don't know you "dont' know". Many of the people that insist you must know these things inside out and consciously are not themselves half the players that actually CAN'T do the things you mention.
Just my two dollars and two cents for the point I'm at in my music learning - yet I still idealize being able to do the things you've mentioned.
Last edited by Joe V; 01/18/15 03:28 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Yes - downloaded Earmaster Pro over a year ago, and it is sitting there laughing at me. I will try to wipe the smile off its little face by allowing your reminder and encouragement to open it up and start using it. My problem is I 'buy' the things I want to eventually use, while taking years to use them. It should really be the other way around, but I've got this American disease of wanting 'things' I like regardless of if I have an immediate need for them - or maybe there is a better way to describe the condition. (don't be disrespectful on opening I've provided - you know who you are).
Double-Zero, my music teacher and I just had an incredibly passionate discussion about just how much one needs to memorize the things you mention in order to be a good player - and his point was that I'm over-memorizing some things (included in your list) that are overkill and actually counterproductive to your goal, given other things you could be practicing instead. Yours are great goals, but if every player put themselves through such rigor - they may not have become the good players they are. The hard part of getting good at something is learning from the 'greats' at what point you are spinning your wheels with respect to your goal - and this is usually something you don't know you "dont' know". Many of the people that insist you must know these things inside out and consciously are not themselves half the players that actually CAN'T do the things you mention.
Good luck with Earmaster, ten minutes a day with no results for at least a month, was my start. My aim is different to many, I consciously intend to make all 12 notes available, in all keys, at all times. I am currently about two thirds there IMO. I am not really interested in playing like the 'greats', not that these studies are not absolutely legit. I do have a teacher, do learn some jazz standards, though. At present I am focussing whole on technique, but that's ok for now, for me.
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Good luck with Earmaster, ten minutes a day with no results for at least a month, was my start.
My aim is different to many, I consciously intend to make all 12 notes available, in all keys, at all times. I am currently about two thirds there IMO. I am not really interested in playing like the 'greats', not that these studies are not absolutely legit. I do have a teacher, do learn some jazz standards, though. At present I am focussing whole on technique, but that's ok for now, for me.
Just curious Zero, my ultimate aim is to actually be able to more easily play with others, learn new tunes, and accelerate the rate at which it takes me to learn new tunes and improvise. I've thought that doing exactly what you stated would get me there - but for me this became an end in itself to the neglect of enjoying music and playing songs - sort of like losing the forest... Is yours and end goal in itself, simply for the matter of the pure pleasure of saying "I can do this"...or is it a means to an end more similar to those I've created ? Just curious at what motivates different people to spend long hours practicing monotonous music studies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Woodshedding - Learning to Play!
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
My aim is similar to yours. I took up piano late after playing saxand other instruments.
I once asked my sax teacher what chords to learn first, he just said 'them all, your going to need them all'.
When you think about it, if yo were teaching a math student multiplication tables and they asked the same question, the answer would be the same.
I had a bass player visit my studio the other day, a pro. He got out the Real Book sight read a few songs, first recording a bass part, then recorded a harmony track (all on the bass!) then a melody track - using bass again (upper register). He did this without even thinking about it, without making errors and without breaking a sweat.
Playing with bands (on sax) I remember being laughed at for asking the key (with good players) I was expected to hear it and jump in. Baptism by fire, I know, and there are other bands that would not do this.
The key to all this is to keep it simple, learn something within your grasp, but something you can use as a building block in a methodical way. Always play with feel and accuracy - this is where BIAB is so useful. I use it three to eight hours a day, I want to achieve freedom on the piano, I am in my seventh year. I do play tunes, I memorise them all. This hampers my sight reading for the piano, but I dont really need this except for Real Book level. I find that it also pays to work on a tune down to its very core, not only the straight melody as played, but also lots of variations based on theory. I learn a lot this way.
When I was young I played trumpet and cornet. I used to sight read everything and I got really fast at it. I remember doing all of the Beethoven Symphonies and lots of the competition pieces for Brass bands, however I could not play a note without a sheet of paper. I always wanted to play freely, from the heart, without barriers. None of my Band members (well respected players - some of them world cornet champions brass band style) could improvise. Its a different culture, the classical training, I believe it robs the player of creativity.
On sax, my reading is mediocre (and jazz is harder to read than classical because of syncopation) but my impro skills are fine now. I play hundreds of standards.
Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,221
Posts802,038
Members40,070
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean