New BIAB user, new forumer, first post! I am writing a first song in BIAB and finding my way trought it... Not too bad at all, even with the quirps!
OK I found how to produce a ralentendo by changing the BPM value of the bars (F5 function key) But I am not sure how to WRIGHT it on the lead sheet. That's not major I guess but it falls in the 'would be nice category'.
The one thing that stump me though is how I can make an appogiatura ( a dot with a half-circle over it that indicates to let a chord resonate for the rest of the bar, where everyone stops playing). Now THAT is sorely missing for me. And it is not the same as putting a rest, because that will cut the sound. I did RTFM and search the forum, but it produced no results. Perhaps there is another key word I should use ( my mother tongue is French) Any idea anyone?
The one thing that stump me though is how I can make an appogiatura ( a dot with a half-circle over it that indicates to let a chord resonate for the rest of the bar, where everyone stops playing). Now THAT is sorely missing for me. Perhaps there is another key word I should use ( my mother tongue is French) Any idea anyone? Thanks, luc
When in BIAB see the menu bar. Click help/how to. At top left, below the menu bar click on the index tab. In the search bar type in Shots/Holds/Pushes
That may help with your inquiry above.
(A chord can be specified as a Held Chord by adding three periods after the chord. image\IMG02780.gif indicates a C chord that is a Held Chord.)
I think the sign you are referring to is called a fermata (or 'pause' in English). The appoggiatura has a different function and is a way of notating non-harmonic tones. Appoggiaturas were commonly used in Mozart's day.
A fermata is added to a note and it means to lengthen or hold the note as long as one feels that it is musically justified. (See the image at the end of this post and the sign over the note 'A' on the right of the image.)
BIAB does not have this sign in it's notation repertoire. If you want this, try using MuseScore. It's an excellent freeware notation program. BIAB's notation is designed for quick and easy leadsheets and it does this very well. It is not comprehensive music notation software. (The marking could easily be added using a black pen to a BIAB printout.)
To play the effect of a fermata, use a 'Hold' chord as recommended by chulaivet1966 above and (possibly) reduce the tempo for that particular bar to obtain a 'pause' feeling. If you do change the tempo, you will need to use F5 to reset the tempo in the following bar.
They are still used today. Over on this side of the pond we call them grace notes.
Hi Mario,
Good to see you!
That's interesting. Over here, it's a bit different. We distinguish between the two terms 'appoggiatura' (a leaning note) and 'acciaccatura' (a crushed note).
While both are written as grace notes, the single acciaccatura is an eighth note with an angled line through its stem and the appoggiatura is a quarter note. The appoggiatura is a non-harmonic melodic tone and usually takes half the time-value of the note it resolves by step to. The acciaccatura, on the other hand, is played blindingly fast into the note it resolves to. The image below better shows what I'm trying to explain.
Hello Chu, I experimented a bit with this feature (a chord followed by 1 dot...2dots... etc). It kind of work but in the little tune I am working on, which is a finger picking country waltz, the appogiatura sound leans a bit too much to the noise of a guitar rack crashing down in a music store! I guess I am expecting a bit too much from the software, but still, it is is quite amazing what one's could achieve with the system! It's been less than a week I have BIAB and I am at the discovery stage and so far I am flabergasted!
Now, any suggestion as how to make a pickup bar? By this I mean forcing the system to sart on the 3 of the first 3/4 measure?
Thank you Noel and chulaivet. while waiting for the forum reactions, I did experiment a bit with the answer chulaivet describeb. It sorta works... I tried a few things on my own, including reducing the tempo for that bar, but it did not sound natural, Still, I have a lot of fun with the software and to me it is a genius way to make music in a basement! Thanks noel for the link to musescore. I will look into that when my excitement with BIAB wanes a little! I did not expect, or intent to use BIAB for chart writing, but when using BIAB within it's intended purpose, it is very good!
Hello MarioD, I don,tknow you but we have something in common already! I just love your signoff on your posts: ''I'm a wooden spoon, lead paint, no car seat, no seat belt, no bike helmet survivor" I can declare here : "so am I!"
We were made tough! in my case 64 years ago comes next sunday! BIAB was my birthday gift from me, to me, with love!
Thank you Noel and chulaivet.,,,while waiting for the forum reactions, I did experiment a bit with the answer chulaivet describeb. It sorta works... I did not expect, or intent to use BIAB for chart writing, but when using BIAB within it's intended purpose, it is very good!Thank you, Luc
I'm still a new kid myself and have merely scratched the surface of the program's capabilities.
I've only used the chord hold option a couple of times and it worked as well as I'd expected without any strange sound or artifacts.
I equate BIAB with the Marianas Trench. So...gird thy loins for the long haul in discovering the depth of this excellent program and what it can provide/accomplish for the inquiring musical mind.
I presume you have chosen dedicated a DAW software program? Unless, you're just going to use Real Band for the time being.
//I presume you have chosen dedicated a DAW software program? Unless, you're just going to use Real Band for the time being.//
I always been a musician, and a sound engineer for the last 4 decades! My daw of choice is not even a DAW, or it is but not in the usual sense I guess. I use Harrisson Mixbus-32C which is a perfect mimic of the console I learned on in the 70's (Marko studio in Momntreal, it was a great place, still exist!) I still do sound recording and for that I use a rack based around an RME Fireface UFX and 16 channels of preamps by RME (Octamix 1) I haven't tried as of yet to export tracks to Mixbus
//I always been a musician, and a sound engineer for the last 4 decades! I haven't tried as of yet to export tracks to Mixbus
Great....I didn't know your music background....sounds extensive. I think there are many fossils here still chugging along.
I've read of Mixbus and the reviews were favorable.
Side bar... IE: guitar....even if I only like a few aspects of a lead guitar track I will still export to audio then 'freeze' the tracks. I had (6) lead guitar tracks to choose from, cut/paste, move around and arrange on my last song....then the fun begins.
Now, any suggestion as how to make a pickup bar? By this I mean forcing the system to sart on the 3 of the first 3/4 measure?
Luc, are you meaning that you want the chords and bass to play on beat 3 of the pickup bar?
If so, try using bar 1 as the pickup bar. The general principle is to rest instruments for beats 1 and 2 and then enter a chord on beat 3. The image below shows how to accomplish this.
The 'C.d' tells all instruments to rest except the drums. Everything then plays with the G7 chord (beat 3) and then changes to the C chord (beat 1, bar 2).
In the Windows version of BIAB.... Chord settings are obtained by right-click on a blank space on the chord sheet and selecting 'Chord Settings' from the pop-up menu. The keyboard shortcut is ALT+F5. One could also add a part marker on bar 2 and force a drum fill in bar 1.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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