Okj so the title caught your attention, and I confess its not strictly true, but I am having quite a bit of success with this, so.....
It all started with getting bored with "textbook" work. I know my scales and modes well enough and trotting them out became boring. Boriong boring boring.
I wanted to merge the exercise work with my improvising. When I learnt my first piece of Bach I noticed that even though I played in G the phrases used in the Minuet, never seemed to come out in other settings. Somehow they were lost in a miscateregorisation of the mind.
So, I decided to strip things back. I took simply folk tunes and Played them through all keys (on keyboard). After a while I could not remember what key was the "base" key anymore, and my playing started to incorporate all those strong changes into the fingers.
The thing is, as I see it, folk tunes get to be folk tunes because they exploit changes that have strong character.
Whilst doing this I began to discover a different set of changes at work than the modes- a sort of sub species of modes, using only the strongest.
Let me explain.
Take a major scale (C) starting from the octave.
Supply a melody note C. What is the strongest chord you can put under that note? Obviously it's C - right?
Next note down is B. What is the strongest chord you can put under this note? Well that would be a G7 chord. Note: the Locrian mode would be the first inversion of this chord. So, we have two melody notes, a C and a B, and we have a V,I. Next step What would be the strongest chord you can put under an A. Modally, this would be an a minor, but we could put a F major here. This would be the four chord which chord again would be stronger than the relative/aolian minor.
Next note is G. Obviuosly we go back to G7 here.
F comes next step down melodically, Here we use the F major (Lydian) chord.
Next is E. Instead of using the weak minor (Phrygian), we again go for the strongest chord possible and play a C major. Aftr this we have the melody note D. Instead of playing the relatively weak D minor (dorian) we play a G7 - which includes the D as it's fifth.
So, for each melody note of the scale we have a chord. Each chord is the strongest possible and is either a 1 chord a 4 chord, or a five chord.
I will call this the "strong chord progression".
I found that most of the folk tunes (85% ish) used these ideas, or were often closely related to them.
At the end of the day this "strong progression" selection - chord for melody note, is just another tool, but I am currently finding it very useful. It often indicated the harmony better than using all the modes. You can use these changes in many ways, ascending and descending. Triadic notes from the partner chord, tend to fall in strong positions. This provides good starting blocks, good foundations.
Here are the melody notes/chords in ascending order;
C(melody note) +C major (chord) - melody note is root D+G7 - melody note is fifth E+C major - melody note is third F+F major - melody note is root G+G7 - melody note is root A+F major - melody note is third B+G7 - melody note is third
Note: you can invert the chords if you wish. I find sometimes using second inversion chords ghelps these strong voicings - depending on key (muddiness)
Yes, the title got me intrigued. It's great to explore all of the variations and inversions. And I remember my music teacher once making an amazing statement: all music is created from 7 notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G). You can sharpen and flatten them, change octaves and positions where they are played, but there's still only 7 notes...
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Yes, the title got me intrigued. It's great to explore all of the variations and inversions. And I remember my music teacher once making an amazing statement: all music is created from 7 notes (A, B, C, D, E, F, G). You can sharpen and flatten them, change octaves and positions where they are played, but there's still only 7 notes...
Interesting! My trumpet and French horn teacher said there are only 12 notes in the western scale. Learn the chromatic scale and you will have all those notes under your fingers.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Hi Mario Yes, I agree that there are 12 notes in the equal tempered scale, where the interval is the 12th root of 2, but in this case I was only paraphrasing my piano teacher's comment. (I don't think she understood the math behind it. ) Trev
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
There are 12 semitones, but 7 "names". An "A#", an "A" and an "Ab" are all A's. When spelling chords or scales one uses the correct name.
E.G. a "C" triad is C, E and G. One could spell it C, Fb and G but then, even though it's still the same notes, it is no longer considered a 1, 3, 5 triad, it's a 1, b4, 5 triad...
Seems silly I know, but then consider a diminished 7 chord: 1, b3, b5, bb7 This equates to: 1, b3, b5, 6 but technically that would be a half dim6 chord rather than a full diminshed 7 chord...
Confused yet?
"Correct" spelling is why you will see ## and bb notes in orchestral scores. I've often seen things like an A folowed by a Bbb - keeps the chord spelling right even though it's the same note.
Technically correct, but it doesn't help when playing - sometimes it's just plain confusing until you see the relationship.
Another example: I'm currently in rehearsals for Mary Poppins. there is one point in the score where there is an attaca segue from the end of one song into the next. My part has a series of 3 tied semibreves (whole notes). The first two are Ab's in the last 2 bars of the first song, tied together and also tied to the first note of the second song which is in a different key, and written as a G#.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--
Yes, double flats and double sharp notes are dependent on the key signature, and written as accidentals so that they don't alter the notes used by the key signature (and we are never allowed to do that, are we!)
A classic example that comes to mind is Moonlight Sonata, Opus 27 by Beethoven. Several bars have notes such a F double-sharp and B sharp because it is incorrect to change the notes of the key signature (C#min) Trev
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Yes, double flats and double sharp notes are dependent on the key signature, and written as accidentals so that they don't alter the notes used by the key signature (and we are never allowed to do that, are we!)
A classic example that comes to mind is Moonlight Sonata, Opus 27 by Beethoven. Several bars have notes such a F double-sharp and B sharp because it is incorrect to change the notes of the key signature (C#min) Trev
Hmm, not quite sure I agree with you I would suggest instead that it is less the key signature in control here and more the current chord.
In your example, the left hand is playing octave G#'s. This suggests that either a G#m chord, or much more likely a C#m/G# chord is being played. Now, despite the key sig, a G nat. cannot exist in either a G#m or C#m chord because you can't have a G AND a G# - the chord ends up being mispelled, so you hve an F## instead because you CAN have an F in the chord. Then there's the A#, the G#m and C#m chords have a B nat. in them, they can't have a Bb too, so an A# must be used.
In the second bar, it looks to me like the chord is definitely a C#m on a G# bass, so the chord spellings still need to follow the same rules, Can't have a C AND a C#, so we have a B# instead, and the A nat. is fine.
Of course, because those 2 bars are both likely in C#m and thus match the key sig, it looks like we're trying to preserve key sig spellings, when it's actually the chord spelling that we're maintaining.
You see this a little more clearly in jazz numbers where the key centre can change every couple of bars without a corresponding key signature change.
In that case you keep an eye out for V7 chords 'cos they help identify the current key centre. Then you can end up with V of V chords...
Getting far too complex for this reply and there are better theorists on this forum than me anyhow.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--
Hi Mario Yes, I agree that there are 12 notes in the equal tempered scale, where the interval is the 12th root of 2, but in this case I was only paraphrasing my piano teacher's comment. (I don't think she understood the math behind it. ) Trev
Hi Trev, I was only trying to point out that our teachers were actually saying the same thing, just different ways.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
This thread also underscores the need to support B#, Cb, E# and Fb. It's in the Wishlist.
Yes, good point Matt. I forgot about that. I think this has been asked for quite a few times...
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Hi Mario Yes, I agree that there are 12 notes in the equal tempered scale, where the interval is the 12th root of 2, but in this case I was only paraphrasing my piano teacher's comment. (I don't think she understood the math behind it. ) Trev
Hi Trev, I was only trying to point out that our teachers were actually saying the same thing, just different ways.
Hi Mario Sorry, I missed your reply. Yes, all good. We're both working from the same page (sheet music page, that is)! Trev
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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.
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)
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!
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!
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!
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!
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 Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows 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!
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
)
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean