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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I had BIAB 12 which I used to create some bass and drum tracks that I would pull into Cakewalk and build tracks from there. I recently upgraded to BIAB 2015.....wow! things sure have changed. I have watched all the videos and played around a bit but I am still climbing the learning curve. I am surprised there isn't a "newbie" section to this forum so that is why I am posting this here. I am working on a duet act with my SO and she plays keyboard and I play guitar/guitar synth. I want to make backing tracks that are mostly bass and drums with some added instruments to fill out the sound....don't want to go overboard so it sounds too fake. I have been using free midi files and many of them work okay but can't find all that I want.
Finally to my question what is the best workflow to make backing tracks for a cover tune? Import already done MIDI file or type in chords by hand? Use basic midi sounds to pick a style first?
Just interested in how the experienced BIAB user goes about creating backing tracks for cover tunes. I got the basic upgrade and it looks like I need to upgrade to the Mega any reason to get more than that for what I am doing?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,852
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,852 |
Honestly, if all you are doing is using BIAB as a glorified MIDI player to extract an already created bass and drum part, then I'm not sure why need BIAB at all.
You do realize that RealTracks sound great, but they won't play MIDI notes, because they are already recorded phrases.
And in the MIDI realm, the styles are the strength of BIAB, but they won't sound like the riffs in the song you are doing the cover for. Which brings you back to using BIAB as a glorified MIDI player.
Now, if you are looking for a more original sound, you can use BIAB to generate unique parts until you find something you like, and then enhance it with a MIDI melody or solo over which you have full control, as well as RealTracks and RealDrums, etc..
Maybe provide a little more information as to exactly what you are trying to accomplish. Are you looking for your cover songs to sound just like the original, or are you looking to put a more personal spin on them?
And by the way, BIAB will create the chord progression for you (not perfectly, but very close) when you import a MIDI file, assuming there are enough notes to establish the chord. It has to analyze the notes being played to figure out the progression. It does NOT have a database of progressions based on the song title.
Give us some more info and we can help you out.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
This all started when I was looking at the Digitech Trio which is a all in one pedal that uses BIAB to create drum and bass patterns. You play chords in and it "learns" the chords and builds a bass and drum part. Except for the entry method BIAB will do everything that the Trio will do and much more.
I am not looking for exact copies of the songs but don't want to venture off so far that it not recognizable. If all I use is bass and drums we will play the parts that make the song. It would be nice to add some embellishments like strings, pedal steel, etc. I have full version of SampleTank workstation so I have plenty of sounds. The Real tracks sound great and I can think of plenty of uses for them.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096 |
Good question since using BIAB is all about establishing a "workflow".
Unfortunately, it is something you have to discover on your own. In my case as guitarist, I comp the chords to standard jazz tunes so I need at minimum bass and drum. The piano sounds always find a place in my mix since they are just to good to do without. I may switch to lead for the melody or solo and let the piano cover the chords for a bit. Then trading fours with a horn can add a nice touch.
I almost always enter the chords and adjust the arrangements.
Over the years I have had many "workflows". The discovery is half the fun.
Good luck.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I have been playing around with some simple tunes and I am loving what I can do with BIAB. The reason I went for the BIAB upgrade is I watched someone do Sultan's of Swing and the backing track done was really nice and with the proper lead lines and vocals. My expectations aren't for perfection just reasonably close. The other thing I noticed is the Real Tracks are really great. I got the standard upgrade but I went ahead and upgraded to the mega pak.....is it going to be painful to upgrade?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
"I watched someone do Sultan's of Swing". I saw that video too, I thought it was an outstanding video. As for upgrades: http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htmor contact PG Music for a quick answer. The higher the upgrade, the more you get. DE
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
OK I am about a month into this now and I have gone thru all the tutorials and bought the tutorial videos. I am getting pretty good results but I want to get better. Workflow wise it seems easier to build the song in BIAB then import it to RB? So here is the question: I was working on a specific song (Old Time Rock and Roll)and pretty much have it all together as it is only a three chord song. How would you guys handle the intro? I could record it as an audio file and then put it in at the beginning of the song. I can play the piano part with my guitar synth but I think if I added the notes with a bass that would keep me in time with the song start and wouldn't be that noticeable.
Is this easiest to do in RB? Also is there anyway to insert drum fills without putting in a part marker? For this song the intro is the most recognizable part after that what I have will work fine.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,671
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,671 |
Is this easiest to do in RB? For my workflow; yes, most definitely. is there anyway to insert drum fills without putting in a part marker? Highlight the section in RB and regenerate to your hearts delight. Better yet, highlight it and generate new drum parts on another empty track until you get what you are shooting for. Or use the Multiriff feature to regenerate multiple takes at a time .. then choose what you want and cut/paste to fit. When in the 'generate selection' window pay attention to the options on the right side; sometimes more options are available than the standard A/B part marker offers, and can be implemented selectively here ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
I had BIAB 12 which I used to create some bass and drum tracks that I would pull into Cakewalk and build tracks from there. I recently upgraded to BIAB 2015.....wow! things sure have changed. I have watched all the videos and played around a bit but I am still climbing the learning curve. I am surprised there isn't a "newbie" section to this forum so that is why I am posting this here. I am working on a duet act with my SO and she plays keyboard and I play guitar/guitar synth. I want to make backing tracks that are mostly bass and drums with some added instruments to fill out the sound....don't want to go overboard so it sounds too fake. I have been using free midi files and many of them work okay but can't find all that I want.
Finally to my question what is the best workflow to make backing tracks for a cover tune? Import already done MIDI file or type in chords by hand? Use basic midi sounds to pick a style first?
Just interested in how the experienced BIAB user goes about creating backing tracks for cover tunes. I got the basic upgrade and it looks like I need to upgrade to the Mega any reason to get more than that for what I am doing? Just in case no one mentioned this; You can freeze your Biab instrument parts and they won't regenerate when you press the play button. If you have midi files that you like, you can simply use them or add in some Real Track parts or fills and play along with them on a gig. Once you've got your song where you like all the parts, freeze the tracks and save each as a file and it should be good to go on a gig. Good luck and YES, Biab 2015 is AMAZING now. Trax
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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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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!
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