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Joined: Feb 2016
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Hello to Biab users. I have the BaiB 2010 edition, and I must admit I Really haven't used it much, being not a real skilled computer person, or particularly gifted musician.
However, I have been working diligently on sight reading and can play and read classical music (guitar) up to a grade 4 level, although I do struggle with some pieces.
After all this time I really want to learn Band in a Box as this program has so much to offer, it's a shame that I can't utilize it to it's full potential. Initially I bought this as a tool to use as accompaniment as I don't have other musicians to play with
on a regular basis. I have played in several bands through the years, usually as Bass guitarist in country dance bands.
Any advice on how to get up and running with my BiaB, gratefully appreciated.
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,330
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Joined: Jan 2013
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Well....I'm no BIAB aficionado so I'd say start here: http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htmDig in and others will chime in to assist. Carry on....
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Joined: Dec 2003
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chulaivet1966 nailed it!
First off, a hardy and sincere Welcome!
I'm not a great book-learner so I offer similar advice. Just jump in with both feet and know that you are among the most wonderful, knowledgeable, musicians on the planet who hang their egos at the door.
First step: acquaint yourself with the GUI (Graphical User Interface) to learn the buttons and controls and what each one does.
Step 2: Enter some favo(u)rite (Canadian spelling) chords.
Step 3: Hit PLAY (or Space-bar) to start/stop.
Step 4: Experiment with different Styles from the Style Picker dialogue menu.
Wahoo! You're a composer!
If you hit a wall, shout out and someone will throw out a lifeline.
We've all been in your shoes at square #1 and won't flame you. That's something that sets these forums miles apart from others I frequent.
Again, welcome!
"Have fun!" - Dr. Peter Gannon
Don
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Welcome to the forum. You may want to try this.
If you have trouble deciding on chord progressions, keys and tempos, rather than worry with that, choose a style you enjoy and load the demo for the style. It will load the chord progression, key and tempo as well as choose your 'band'.
You can mute the instrument that you play live if it is included in the band - and begin playing along immediately.
You can also woodshed the song. There is a tutorial for this in the PGMusic news feed dated 2/16/16.
PGMusic explains it as follows:
"Woodshedding (defined as Slang; to practice a musical instrument assiduously and with a specific goal in mind) is easy with Band-in-a-Box!"
"The idea is that you start off with a slow tempo, playing the part perfectly, and keep this up as the song tempo increases - what a great way to learn!"
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Joined: Feb 2016
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Joined: Feb 2016
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Thanks for the response everyone. I have figured out a few simple things so far. As an example I put in the chords I want for a song like Minor Swing, then pick the style, Django swing, then play this in a loop while practicing how to improvise over the chord changes. I generally pick a tune that has few chord changes as it gives me a bit more time to work in an arpeggio or scale into the melody. One thing I was wondering about was creating my own score using the tools in Real Band. My music writing ability as per notation is weak, very slow at best. My understanding is that BaiB, can create a musical score if you input via midi. I don't have a midi keyboard and I don't play keyboard anyway, so I am wondering how to adapt this to guitar. In effect turning a guitar into a midi device? The Godin Multiac guitar comes with builtin midi, but does that mean you can plug directly to the computer or do you need to go through another interface, such as Roland synthesizer? Does anyone have experience with this? By the way, I only found there was a BIAB forum today. Only then because I registered my product after a re-install, and noticed the forum box on the homepage. (6 years late) Thanks for this link. It's great. http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htm
Last edited by offgridguy; 02/24/16 01:18 PM.
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I have very little experience with MIDI but have done several soundtracks to accompany slideshows for friends. Version 2016 has several beautiful soundtracks to chose from. Is this similar to your goal? https://youtu.be/sfSRdG7Xc_Mhttps://youtu.be/r0e_VGQPT7cDon
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Thanks for the reply. I realize now I probably didn't clarify my post very well, my apologies.
My situation is this; I write a lot of songs, both instrumental and with lyrics. Because of my lack of proficiency in writing musical notation it is a struggle to get it onto paper in the proper format. I believe there are some musical notation software programs that will take an audio file and transpose it to a musical score for you. I believe Forte 7 will do this, though I could be wrong. I don't know if BIAB has this function,
however I was told that if you played a piece on a keyboard that was midi compatible and connected to BIAB then it would indeed transpose it to a written musical score as midi recognizes the piano keystrokes as a note and attaches the proper note value to it. I am not sure what equipment is required to accomplish the same thing with a guitar. I am certainly intrigued with the Godin Multiac though as it's the only guitar I know that comes wired with midi outlet.
If this worked it would mean I could play one of my tunes and have BIAB transpose it to a musical score.
I hope it's possible, even if I need some additional equipment
to make it work.
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Yes, you can use any midi controller to input midi information. Many people use a midi keyboard but there are a number of forum members that use a guitar midi controller such as the You Rock controller or Roland 13 pin system. There are a few people that use wind controllers.
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Welcome OffGridGuy
BiaB became my other 'Band To Have' because whenever we had scheduled a jam in the real world, the bass player never couldn't make it at the last minute, and the drummer never had to cancel because his sister's mother-in-law had a hairdresser appointment and no one else could drive her there. Are you with me?
And everyone could read the charts, and they could keep time. You still with me?
You'll love this. Stay patient. Lots to do in the future... Small steps, stay patient. This program has an enormous amount to offer, and can take you to where you might never have thought possible.
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
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BB is the absolute BEST BAND I've ever had the pleasure to play with.
They say if you want to get better, you have to play with folks who are better then you. BB is all the best players in the musical world.
Take your time and learn the program. Post songs, ask questions, and participate in the forums and you will learn.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
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I do exactly what you want to do with a MIDI guitar controller, a wind controller and a keyboard controller. The process is simple just input the chords into BiaB. Pick your style; I would use MIDI styles to start with as some RTs do not have MIDI transcripts. Then record your MIDI. Then save your file as either a MIDI file or a XML file. If you just want your lead and chord IDs then you can print everything out in BiaB. If you want a full score then get the free Musescore2: https://musescore.org/If you want to input more that one guitar part then you would use a DAW. BiaB come with a DAW called RealBand, as previously mentioned. RTs are audio files and audio can not be directly printed, then must be changed to MIDI. Some RTs do have the MIDI transcripts so these will not be a problem, however some do not have them. You can convert audio to MIDI and the best way to do that is with Melodyne, however the polyphonic version that you would need is expensive. You might not need to buy a MIDI controller. Jam Origin: http://www.jamorigin.com/products/midi-guitar/is a $100 USD program that a lot of people are raving about. It converts your guitar parts to MIDI. I don't own it yet but it is on my must get list. I hope this helps and good luck.
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
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Thank You to everyone. This is very helpful information, I thought it could be done, but didn't know how.
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Did you realize that you can edit MIDI in BIAB's Piano Roll view?
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Did you realize that you can edit MIDI in BIAB's Piano Roll view? Nope, I've got a lot to learn, thanks.
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I've been browsing through this site. http://www.pgmusic.com/videos.bbwin.htmThe amount of info here is mind boggling, but well presented, clear and concise, I'm off to a good start. Thank you chulaivet1966.
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I have sent you a PM - check mailbox
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Welcome.
Don't overlook Mario's instruction, that you can play guitar and input MIDI that way.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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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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Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
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!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
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