|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10 |
Not sure if this belongs in this category but will ask anyway.
I am trying to learn how to use Band in a Box to write my own
music.
The tutorial I found was not very helpful, so a couple of questions.
Anyone know of a detailed tutorial?
How do you input accidentals into the score?
I am using BaiB 2010, does 2016 offer any significant improvement in this area of writing notation.
I write for guitar and wish it was possible to have the score in treble clef only, although I can read and enter notes in both treble and bass clef, it is difficult for most guitar players to read it in both.
If someone can point me I the right direction, I would
appreciate it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,834
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,834 |
BIAB has it's own unique notation editor. While it has a number of features, it's really there more as a convenience to the users, as dedicated notation editing is not the purpose of BIAB. I personally use a separate notation program, and then just export MIDI from my notation program and then import MIDI into BIAB when I want the notes in BIAB. My go to program is Noteworthy Composer (while not as full featured as the big boys, still has a lot of ability and was one of the first that I learned). It costs $49. You can also get MuseScore for free. I also use Notion, Finale, and Sibelius, as the need arises, but they are not free. That being said, in BIAB, it will honor your key signature, so be sure to set the key of the song before entering notes (so in the key of D, all C's and F's will be sharped). You won't see the sharps on the notes themselves (because they are in the key signature), but the notes are correct. However, if you have true accidentals, you can just right click on the note and use the "Force Accidental" box, where you can choose sharp or flat or natural. If you haven't, you should read through the section in the user's manual. Just bring up the PDF and search for "Editable Notation". BIAB has a unique input method where you click on the staff and it enters a very long note. This doesn't mean that your first note is 6 beats long, because all you have to do is enter the next next and it shortens the first not accordingly. If you want to enter a hard rest, just click on the "rest" checkbox and click on the staff and it will again shorten the not that's there and enter a rest. Once you use it a few times, you do get the hang of it, but it's unlike any other notation program. Here are some links to Notation videos that PGMusic has produced (which unfortunately I did not have time to preview, but will hopefully help and not take up much of your time): http://youtu.be/Twyl0qNMhBohttp://youtu.be/uIv3fRmhlsQhttp://youtu.be/NolLEQNl_FM
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,491
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,491 |
I concur with the above solid advice by John.
About accidentals, yes, set the key signature first. But you can also use the left mouse button in Editable Notation Mode to drag a note up and down in pitch by half-steps. The accidental will be added as needed. Then, if you prefer a different enharmonic accidental (like A# instead of Bb) you can use the Force Accidental as John mentioned.
Also, I would like to add answers to your two specific questions at the end of your post:
First, no, the method of notation entry in BIAB has not changed significantly, to my knowledge, since version 2010.
Second, about the clef, a guitar is a transposing instrument in that it sounds an octave below what is written. Thus you might consider transposing your melody and/or soloist tracks up one octave to compensate, and that might eliminate notes appearing on the bass clef stave. If you need to know how to do that, there are at least two methods and we can help you.
Finally, I have used many notation software programs over three decades, even serving as a beta tester for one, and I absolutely love the initial note entry method in BIAB. As John described, it does have a few things that seem odd at first, but that prove to be tremendously powerful. As a composer and arranger, I enter ALL my songs into BIAB, and then move the MIDI into a notation program or a DAW as needed, which should tell you how much I like BIAB for note entry. PG Music asked a few weeks ago what feature we liked best in BIAB, and notation entry was my choice.
You might tell us what tutorial you used, if it's different from the links John gave.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590 |
You would be better off looking at the free version of noteflight. I used to have a paid version but gave it up for BIAB as I no longer transcribe stuff.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10 |
Thank you for the response. Looking over these comments, I am
thinking of a separate notation program.
I have been using Forte 7, basic version, I upgraded to the
home version but it kept crashing my computer, didn't work well at all. The basic version continues to work well, but very slow.
The workspace tools are also very small, making for a lot of mistakes.
I noticed BiaB has much larger notation size and it's unique note placement method is much faster. In short I like BiaB, but
since all or nearly all my compositions are in treble clef, then
notation programs like Forte 7 are a plus.
I will check out the ones you mentioned, Forte is not free either
but I will gladly pay for one that works. With Forte, you cannot
adjust the length of a bar, so they get very condensed, with all
16th. notes.
Is that feature available in some of the ones you use?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10 |
In the little bit that I have used BiaB, I agree, the note
placement system works very well, It is large,easy to see and
incredibly fast. I will continue to experiment with it.
In the meantime I am looking for something better than Forte 7.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 10 |
Thank you, I will look into that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,834
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,834 |
Offgridguy - Since you don't seem to have a preference, I would probably start by using MuseScore, mainly because it is actually pretty full featured, but is also free.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1 |
Thank you for the reference to MuseScore,
this is great software, more features and easier to use than Forte, and free besides.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,491
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,491 |
MuseScore has another advantage over most other notation software: it can read a BIAB file directly. Other programs require using MIDI, or better, Music XML.
I would still like you to consider my comments about treble clef, above, before you rule out using BIAB.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,967
Posts798,373
Members39,997
| |
Most Online44,367
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean