Sorry for asking so many questions. I have googled and read the BIAB help-files, but I can't figure this one out.
I made a simple midi-file with one-finger-notes in place of the song's chords.
So playing a simple C-note for a C-chord, an A-note for an A-chord, etc.
Only one note at a time, no overlaps.
I then tried the 'import chords from midi-file', but no matter how I alter the options I can't get a correct interpretation.
Is it even possible to do this, or must the midi-file contain actual multi-note chords (as a normal song would) before BIAB can interpret it?
I have attached 3 files to this post, in case somebody wants to try it out.
File "01" is an image of the midi-file, showing the notes.
File "02" is how the chord-sheet is supposed to look in BIAB to match the song correctly (I entered this manually. The first C should be a D, but ignore that )
And this link is to the actual midi-file I am attempting to load into BIAB (the midi from image 01): midi-file
BIAB will certainly do it's best to interpret a single note as a chord. That being said, though, the output will probably be unsatisfactory.
The reason for this is that it takes three notes to define a chord.
For example, when you press C, you are thinking of a C chord. BIAB, however, doesn't think like this. The note C can belong to many chords.... F, C, Am, D7, G7sus4, Ab, B7b9.... these are only a few of a list goes on for quite a while. Because of these possibilities, BIAB has the potential to choose many variations other than the one you are after.
What you might find better, is to use the Nashville number system when you enter chords. To do this, assign each note in the scale a number from 1 to 7 starting with 1 as the root note. Using the C scale as an example, this will give (note the Key must be set correctly for this to work properly)...
C = 1 D = 2 E = 3 F = 4 G = 5 A = 6 B = 7
Now, on the chord sheet, put the cursor on beat 1, bar 1 and type 1 then press <enter>; BIAB will show C. Move the cursor to beat 1, bar 2 and type 6m + <enter>; BIAB will now show Am... etc.
Thus, if I want to enter D, G, Em7, A7 in the key of D...
1) Set the key to D
2) Type 1 <enter>, 4 <enter>, 2m7 <enter>, 57 <enter>...
This method of chord entry might be useful for you.
Manual chord-entry is no problem. I can do that, but it just takes me a lot of time to do
I just can't seem to import the single midi-notes into simple chords, such that a single C-note from the midi-file becomes the chord you get when entering a C in BIAB.
Chord-types (major, minor, 7th, etc) are not important for me during import. I would manually set those up after import anyway.
My goal at this point is only to be able to import the single base-notes into simple chords automatically to get the song-timing/chord-placement/song-layout correct.
I used a default js plugin that converts each note into a 3-note chord.
Method using Reaper for conversion (if somebody else needs to do this someday )
#1: Put the plugin on the track with the single-notes midi-file and then apply track-fx as new midi-take (works like freeze, so no need to re-record ) #2: Save new midi-file and import it into BIAB as chords from midi-file. #3: Tidy up chords.
Works like a charm
(Of course it would still be easier if BIAB could use single notes in a midi-file to create the song-progression. But it works when there are 3 notes, so that'll have to do for now)
I'm hoping you will take the time to make the request to input one note midi as chords. That is a nice idea for a feature BiaB or RB presently do not have.
Also you can refer to this message thread to provide an example of how the feature works in Reaper and how you would like for it to work here.
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.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
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