|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5 |
I'm sure I'm just overlooking something obvious, but I can't seem to get the chords where I need them to be rhythmically. I'm trying to input a slow song which has an intro with a pickup chord (a-) on beat four, another on the 16th immediately following (G/B), and another chord on the one of the next measure(c-9). I also can't get the bass to follow the slash no matter what I do - it plays A, G, C. What am I missing? Most of my music has a lot of syncopation which absolutely has to be there - I need to learn how to do this ASAP.
Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself. Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015 |
Hello liquidwindows and welcome to the forum.
Put a caret ("^" which is the symbol above the number 7 on the US keyboard) before a chord to push the chord forward by a 16th note or a double caret, ^^, to push the chord forward by an 8th note. I'm not positive but I believe bass slash chords ignore pushes.
Band-in-a-Box allows input of four chords per bar so the program's resolution is quarter notes. This means you can not put more than one chord in the space of a quarter note so, for instance, you can not push one chord an 8th note then add a second chord on the quarter note beat.
It sounds dumb but remember in the Band-in-a-Box chord chart you're programming chords, not notes. You can use the melody or solo tracks to program notes or you can use the audio track to play an audio file.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5 |
Thanks Jim! It sounds as if this can't be done. If I'm limited to four chords per bar, and limited to pushing by an 8th, It won't allow for a chord on 4 and a chord on the next 16th. This is disturbing because everything I write has rhythmic hooks that have often quick, syncopated changes. From a programming standpoint, it is simple math - It's hard to believe it hasn't been written into the program by now.
Last edited by liquidwindows; 08/21/16 07:02 AM.
Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself. Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015 |
Another choice would be to look at Bob Norton's website ++ link to Norton's Music website ++ for additional styles. Bob has some styles that double the bars so you end up with eight chords per bar.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513 |
You can push by a 16th, but yes, there is the restriction that you cannot have a chord on the next beat. In Bob Norton's site, look at Expanded Styles. They allow you to do in two measures what would be done in one (MIDI only).
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5 |
Great! Thanks! It looks like I'll need to learn to write my own styles too since I also change time signatures within songs fairly often. So much to learn. I had hoped I would be able to use this program to very quickly get music into some reasonable demo form. I'll check out Bob Nortons site - there may be something I can use as is.
Last edited by liquidwindows; 08/21/16 07:17 AM.
Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself. Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5 |
Darn, The midi only thing won't work for me. I can't have demos that sound that bad - the real band stuff is what I bought the program for - I can already do midi only arrangments simply by playing all the parts into any multitrack program from a keyboard controller. That's unfortunate. It doesn't look like this program will help me on any but the most simplistic of tunes.
Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself. Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,883
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,883 |
lw, I believe you can use the RealTracks for your demos. But it does require mixing in a DAW (your choice) - after exporting the tracks out of BIAB. You can use pushes to move some chord hits... though you might need to adjust them in your DAW by clipping/cutting/slicing (whatever you want to call it) a chord or section of chords and sliding them where they need to be. I do this but laying down a separate track myself - playing acoustic guitar, but it could be any recordable instrument - with the syncopation that I want. That gives me a reference. I then match up the RealTrack chords to those of my recorded guitar. Here is an example of a song where I did that (a bunch). http://floydjane.com/Songs/Shadow.htm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,513 |
Sometimes with a problem of this sort, I will record the song and take the tracks to my DAW, then freeze all the tracks except one and re-record it with (or without) pushes. Then take that track into the DAW, adjust timings and mix. I often record the drums with pushes but not some of the other tracks, for example. And this is likely easier in RealBand than in BIAB.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
Floyd: That is a "wow" song.
DE
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,495
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,495 |
lw, After reading through this thread, I get the impression that BIAB will do some of what you need but not all of it... not by simply clicking a button, at least. What BIAB will do for you, though, it to provide you with outstanding audio files (Realtracks). As floyd has mentioned, these files can be taken into a suitable DAW and manipulated in any way your imagination takes you. If you listened to floyd's song, you will have discovered that he's a real master at this... one of this site's most highly regarded songwriters and arrangers. To do what you require regarding chords coming in 1/16ths of a beat is very easy in Reaper (the DAW I use). I'd simply insert a stretch marker in the audio file and pull the chord's start position back (or forward) to where I need. With 'snap to beat/grid' on, this would take no more than 4 or 5 seconds per chord. Reaper makes this very easy. It's worth noting also that Reaper uses the same audio stretching/shrinking software that BIAB uses (zplane's élastique). All of us on the forum who attempt to create demo quality material almost always use a DAW to mix and adjust the audio files. In my case, I will spend around one to two weeks in Reaper after having used BIAB to generate the audio files. The bottom line.... ...if you want to create your own demos, BIAB will certainly provide you with any amount audio files that can be used to give top quality results. How you use those audio files is limited only by your imagination. ...if, on the other hand, you want to create a demo simply by clicking a button and have everything done for you without any additional input, BIAB's ability to accomplish what you need is, most likely, going to be limited. If you are interested... Below are a couple of songs that I wrote with fellow BIAB user, Steve Young, a couple of years ago. Steve is one of the best orchestrators on this site. He has used BIAB and some midi to create the below demo quality arrangements. When I Wake Up In The MorningOne More DayRegards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,073 |
Hi liquidwindows
You may find a different style, although similar, that might give you a better result. Just a suggestion.
Also, welcome to the neighborhood.
Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
Noel: nice job.
I envy all you singers (and talented people).
I'd give 5 years of my life to be able to sing.
Oh wait... I don't think I have 5 yrs to spare (ha).
DE
Last edited by DEddy; 08/22/16 08:00 AM. Reason: edited
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,809
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,809 |
Yes... BB is really designed to do the simpler things with music. However, don't let that excuse stop you because you are only limited by your imagination and to a lesser degree the tools you have at your disposal to accomplish the tasks.
If you need something done.... observe what BB can do, and if it can't do that for you, figure out how to get it done in another way. There's always more than one way to do something.
I'm thinking that Melodyne is also a viable option in a nice DAW. Melodyne lets you edit audio data and Melodyne Editor (ME) lets you move entire chords and even change the notes inside of a chord. So sliding it a 1/16th is child's play for ME. And many DAW's also have basic audio editing capabilities as well that will do that.
I guess it all depends on how much work you want to put into a song to get it like you hear it in your head.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,495
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,495 |
Noel: nice job.
I envy all you singers (and talented people).
I'd give 5 years of my life to be able to sing.
Oh wait... I don't think I have 5 yrs to spare (ha).
DE Thanks for having a listen DE. Appreciate it. Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 5 |
Thank you all! I've listened to everything posted and I can see and hear that you all know a lot about this program. Nice music, I can tell you are outside the box thinkers - I enjoyed it very much. I will look into Reaper. I had hoped that I could do everything in this one program, but I suppose that was too much to hope for. I can see that it would be possible to produce decent demos by writing within the limitations of the program, but that isn't my style, or obviously any of yours. It's good to know there is a place to find answers with knowledgeable people.
Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress, but I repeat myself. Mark Twain
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015 |
liquidwindows,
You mentioned you realize you likely will need to go outside the program to create demos of the type of music you prefer to create. With that thought in mind, here's another suggestion, RealBand.
RealBand is a free program included with all Windows editions of Band-in-a-Box. RealBand is a modified daw (digital audio workstation) that accepts Band-in-a-Box files. RealBand has most daw features but also has additional unique features created to compliment Band-in-a-Box.
The most notable unique features (in my mind) are: capability to regenerate partial tracks, multiriff (regenerates a track section up to 8 times simultainiously and then lets you choose the best on or keep as many as you want) and a different mixer that lets you group tracks into subsections so you can be more selective in how you add and use effects.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 6 |
You can also EXPAND the bars in the edit menu - this will give you 8 "slots" for chords/"bar". (a musical bar will now be 2 bars in BB)
The tempo doubles automatically, and could possibly not work with some styles....
But then you could also force a realTrack to Half time....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
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!
Order now!
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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,086
Posts799,962
Members40,030
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean