It should just run standalone, any problems just install AutoHotKey you can also right click > Properties > Compatibility > Run As Admin
Use the Bass, Drum, Piano.. buttons to set the instrument/s to play over a Rest, Shot or Hold. Use the < > to move or use the keyboard arrows. Use - for a comma between chords. Use / for slash chords. Use the Tabs to select your key and scale.
EDIT: Fixed m6 m7 Ma7, added View Mode button.
EDIT: Update, Added Set existing Chord to Push 1/8 or 1/16 Added View Mode Normal/Compact Added DAW Plug-in Mode (small)
EDIT: Update Added Remove Push Shot Hold or Rest from Chord Added GUI Color Picker Added Move BB Window with cursor keys or mouse
You can use the GUI to do any Biab function by adding a button to send the shortcut keys or keystrokes to access the menus by sending down right and enter, see below. If you have AutoHotKey installed just right click the script.ahk > Compile, this will create the GUI.exe Use WindowSpy.ahk in the AutoHotKey Installation folder to get the window name to send the keys to an application, like ahk_class RealBand
SmartGUI is simple to use, just drag in the button or any other components, save to file or clipboard, paste or open in SciTE4AutoHotKey or Notepad and add the keystroke send for each button.
Add this to the end to completely close the GUI so it's not running in the tray:
Chord Picker beta 2.0b Fixed order Harmonic Major/Minor chords Added Set existing Chord to Rest, Shot or Hold Added Custom Actions Tool Tab To create your own Actions for the buttons rename "Action name"
Gui, Add, Button, x22 y100 w90 h20 gButtonCA1-1, Action Name
then go down the text or search for "ButtonCA1-1:"
ButtonCA1-1: winactivate,ahk_class TBandWindow Send C Return
it is sending c as default, change the keysend to what you like, save and run.
For example, if we want to make Custom Actions 1 Button 1 Unfold:
Update Fixed C Major Chords Tab FMa7 > FMaj7 Added Set existing Rest Shot Hold to Bass Drums Piano Guitar Strings Added background image, use a custom jpg image rename to bb.jpg and keep in the same folder as BB Chord Picker.exe or BB Chord Picker.ahk
To keep your Custom Actions
copy & paste replace all the buttons under
;Custom Actions 1 (2,3,4)
"""""""""""""""""
and all the keysends under
;Custom Action Buttons 1 (2,3,4)
"""""""""""""""""
Then right click BB Chord Picker.ahk > Compile (to BB Chord Picker.exe)
Update Fixed copying and changing chords with pushes hold shot rest and long chords e.g ^^C13sus#5b9#11,G13sus#5b9#11...db so you can change the push from 16th to 8th or 8th to 16th, add/remove rest shot hold, add b,d,p,g or s to the rest shot or hold or remove without having to re-type the chords.
For earlier versions of Biab the only thing that needed changing was when you Edit the Chord in 2011 the chord is already highlighted but in 2018 it's not so i just took the highlight line out of the script.
Unzip Biab Chord Picker User Buttons.ahk & Biab Chord Picker User Functions.ahk keep them in the same folder as Biab Chord Picker xxx.ahk Edit them in notepad or any text editor, just drag in, edit and save. When you right click Biab Chord Picker.ahk > Compile, it will create Biab Chord Picker.exe with your custom action buttons.
!E = Alt+E brings up the Edit menu. User can upload and share their custom actions. If you have trouble let me know what action you need.
Send ^ = Ctrl Send ! = Alt Send + = Shift Send # = Win Key Press the Alt key the shortcuts will show underscores Send !E will open Edit menu Use the keys below to access menu items Send {Enter} enter key Send {Left} left cursor Send {Right} Send {Up} Send {Down} Send {Down 3} down 3 Sleep, 100 will slow the keystrokes
Update 2.1b beta Flat/Sharp #/b change Button added Middle Mouse Button (Mouse Wheel "Press Down") Set for Custom Action
Choose A Custom Action for the Middle Mouse Button from the droplist at the bottom (these are the Actions in the User Tab), to try this choose CA1-2, now when you select a chord in BB and press the Mouse Wheel or Middle Button down the chord will change from F# to Gb or Gb to F#
Unzip Biab Chord Picker User Buttons.ahk & Biab Chord Picker User Functions.ahk keep them in the same folder as Biab Chord Picker xxx.ahk Edit them in notepad or any text editor, just drag in, edit and save. When you right click Biab Chord Picker.ahk > Compile, it will create Biab Chord Picker.exe with your custom action buttons.
!E = Alt+E brings up the Edit menu. User can upload and share their custom actions. If you have trouble let me know what action you need.
Send ^ = Ctrl Send ! = Alt Send + = Shift Send # = Win Key Press the Alt key the shortcuts will show underscores Send !E will open Edit menu Use the keys below to access menu items Send {Enter} enter key Send {Left} left cursor Send {Right} Send {Up} Send {Down} Send {Down 3} down 3 Sleep, 100 will slow the keystrokes
Choose A Custom Action for the Middle Mouse Button from the droplist at the bottom (these are the Actions in the User Tab), to try this choose CA1-2, now when you select a chord in BB and press the Mouse Wheel or Middle Button down the chord will change from F# to Gb or Gb to F#
Unzip Biab Chord Picker User Buttons.ahk & Biab Chord Picker User Functions.ahk keep them in the same folder as Biab Chord Picker xxx.ahk Edit them in notepad or any text editor, just drag in, edit and save. When you right click Biab Chord Picker.ahk > Compile, it will create Biab Chord Picker.exe with your custom action buttons.
!E = Alt+E brings up the Edit menu. User can upload and share their custom actions. If you have trouble let me know what action you need.
Send ^ = Ctrl Send ! = Alt Send + = Shift Send # = Win Key Press the Alt key the shortcuts will show underscores Send !E will open Edit menu Use the keys below to access menu items Send {Enter} enter key Send {Left} left cursor Send {Right} Send {Up} Send {Down} Send {Down 3} down 3 Sleep, 100 will slow the keystrokes
Choose A Custom Action for the Middle Mouse Button from the droplist at the bottom (these are the Actions in the User Tab), to try this choose CA1-2, now when you select a chord in BB and press the Mouse Wheel or Middle Button down the chord will change from F# to Gb or Gb to F#
Unzip Biab Chord Picker User Buttons.ahk & Biab Chord Picker User Functions.ahk keep them in the same folder as Biab Chord Picker xxx.ahk Edit them in notepad or any text editor, just drag in, edit and save. When you right click Biab Chord Picker.ahk > Compile, it will create Biab Chord Picker.exe with your custom action buttons.
For Earlier Biab versions (defaults to 2015-earlier (if you can right click to edit the chord then it will work on your version, and it's already highlighted then use this version)
!E = Alt+E brings up the Edit menu. User can upload and share their custom actions. If you have trouble let me know what action you need.
Send ^ = Ctrl Send ! = Alt Send + = Shift Send # = Win Key Press the Alt key the shortcuts will show underscores Send !E will open Edit menu Use the keys below to access menu items Send {Enter} enter key Send {Left} left cursor Send {Right} Send {Up} Send {Down} Send {Down 3} down 3 Sleep, 100 will slow the keystrokes
Biab Chord Picker Tool 2015 to 2010 (if you can right click to edit the chord then it will work on your version, and if it's already highlighted then use this version) It will work on older versions below 2010 but most of the editing chords won't, it can be modified to edit the chord via Alt+F5 Chord Options window, it depends on how many users are still using the older than 2010 versions ????
Update 2.1f beta Transpose Selection Edit/Transpose Beat All Biab versions in 1 32/64bit installer settings.ini to easily add/modify your Custom User Actions
The 2009-earlier should work on all versions as it uses the Chord Options dialog to edit the chords. In the 2017 & 2018 version the set to Bass Drums Piano Guitar Strings shortcuts were left out, this prevents the Chord Picker Tool from working correctly using 2009 mode in 2017 & 2018, however PG should have a fix out soon for both 2017 & 2018 to add the shortcuts back.
When you start the new version for the first time you will be asked to set the version in the bottom left, you can then change versions at anytime to try what suites you best.
After the version is set you can then also edit the settings.ini located in the install folder. This will let you easily add/modify the Custom User Actions keys in the User tab. Here's an example of adding an Unfold action to CA11 (Custom Actions 1 button 1) it's a simple matter of filling in name=*** and funct=*** of the buttons you need. Alt+E (Edit menu) Down 10 Right Down 5 and Enter !E,{Down 10},{Right},{Down 5},{Enter} ** Save a copy of your settings.ini !!! See Biab Chord Picker ReadMe.txt in the install folder for more details.
Honestly, why PG hasn't properly hired you already remains a mystery
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Unfold
!{e},{Down 10},{Right},{Down 5},{Enter}
Freeze All
!{p},{Down 13},{Enter}
UnFreeze All
!{p},{Down 14},{Enter}
Jazz Up Chords
!{e},{Down 14},{Right},{Down 4},{Enter 2}
Jazz Down Chords
!{e},{Down 14},{Right},{Down 5},{Enter 2}
Output Chords
^{e},{Tab 13},{Enter}
If you just click the buttons you will see what they do, it is pretty self explaining. If you read back through the posts you will see how it all works. If you can't work it out I will try and make a tutorial or video for it.
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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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This Free Bonus PAK includes:
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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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)
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