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Hi I am trying to better understand how shots & rests actually work in BIAB. I am putting together a track as a practice backing for Norah Jones & The Little Willies song "Love Me", here on you tube... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAuMcPxvWsIThe intro has a nice piano build-up over C-C7-/F GAug - -/ with a break on bar 2 beat 2, but the piano notes spill-over into the beats 3 & 4. I have tried lots of different ways to re-create this but all my attempts result in the piano being 'cut off' sharply at beat 2 of bar 2, rather than spilling over (ringing ion) into the last couple of beats. I realise this is a detail point but I wanted to better understand how the whole shots/rests thing works and sounds so thought it would be a good way to learn. Also, this break idea is a repeating theme in the song so be great to nail it. Any ideas please? Many thanks Mark
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Hi I am trying to better understand how shots & rests actually work in BIAB. I am putting together a track as a practice backing for Norah Jones & The Little Willies song "Love Me", here on you tube... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAuMcPxvWsIThe intro has a nice piano build-up over C-C7-/F GAug - -/ with a break on bar 2 beat 2, but the piano notes spill-over into the beats 3 & 4. I have tried lots of different ways to re-create this but all my attempts result in the piano being 'cut off' sharply at beat 2 of bar 2, rather than spilling over (ringing ion) into the last couple of beats. I realise this is a detail point but I wanted to better understand how the whole shots/rests thing works and sounds so thought it would be a good way to learn. Also, this break idea is a repeating theme in the song so be great to nail it. Any ideas please? Many thanks Mark I think what you're going for is a held chord for the piano to get that particular effect. You can do this with periods/ellipses, but personally I would go to the bar settings (F5), rest all instruments except for the piano, and switch the piano to "held" for that measure (or 2 measures or a 1/2 measure depending on what resolution you're working with).
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What piano Realtrack are you using? I'd like to try it out and see if I reproduce what you're after.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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I think what you're going for is a held chord for the piano to get that particular effect.
You can do this with periods/ellipses, but personally I would go to the bar settings (F5), rest all instruments except for the piano, and switch the piano to "held" for that measure (or 2 measures or a 1/2 measure depending on what resolution you're working with).
Hey DB Thanks for the idea. I took a look at Bar Setting but there is no Hold option there, the Hold option is only in Chord settings. I set the G+ to hold but it is still just playing on that beat only then cutting off. Sounds like it is being unplugged! Here is a screen shot of the chord worksheet showing what I have done [img] https://www.dropbox.com/s/zv2dpeuulqrse6m/LoveMeScreenshot.jpg?dl=0[/img] And here is a rendered audio clip of what is happening Rendered Audio Clip To me the Hold function sounds the same as a Shot. I am sure it should be different, maybe it isn't working right or I have done something wrong. Be interesting to get this working though as it is used in so many songs. BTW, I am using BIAB 2018 for Mac. The RealStyle is _SHAKIN Thanks for your help Mark
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You can use a second piano part on a different channel doing just the held chord. At the appropriate bar to play the held chord, mute Piano 1 which will be you main piano instrument. On a free track, load a piano 2 and play a held chord at the appropriate bar. Mute the held chord track on the bar after the ring out decay concludes and unmute your main Piano 1. Match the volume, pan, Fx and tone settings of both Piano instruments. They should match Piano 1, your main Piano part. Raise or lower Piano 2's volume to match Piano 1. This should not be an issue if you are using the same Piano RealTrack except that when you select Piano 2 in the RealTracks Picker, you will also select the 'Hold' button so the Piano plays a held chord, this can sometimes result in a difference in volume that needs to be addressed.
If you don't have a free track, this can still be done on any other track for a bar or two where the piano hold is a more important instrument than another on those particular bars. For instance, if in your song the Lead Guitar resides on the Melodist track. At Bar 2 where the intro held piano chord needs to be; Go to Bar Settings and select the RealTracks Button and replace the Lead Guitar Soloist with a Piano Instrument doing a held chord. Move forward two bars and go to Bar Settings and replace the RealTrack Piano back with the Lead Guitar instrument. Selecting the RealTracks button opens the RealTracks Menu allowing you to select any RT.
In this scenario, during the intro in either case, whether the second piano resides on its own track or is sharing a track with another instrument, the piano held chord will sound out and decay to silence over the selected bars. If it's on a shared track, the next bar after the decay, the lead guitar instrument will replace the piano. If it's on its own track, after the decay, mute that track.
Either way, it can be repeated anywhere throughout the song.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 10/15/18 02:28 AM.
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Hey Noel Thanks for your interest. I am using _SHAKIN It may not be the most suitable for what I am doing but I am still getting to grips with the myriad of real tracks available and it seems fairly close, although the plane isn't quite there for sure. If you have any better ideas please say!  Cheers Mark
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Hey Noel Thanks for your interest. I am using _SHAKIN It may not be the most suitable for what I am doing but I am still getting to grips with the myriad of real tracks available and it seems fairly close, although the plane isn't quite there for sure. If you have any better ideas please say! Cheers Mark Gee, I listened to the render and that sounds gnarly :-( So I don't have the program w/ me at the moment to try and replicate it, but here's what I would suggest (and please update as I'm curious if it works!). Try and remove the three periods altogether and just let the chord play out--w whatever insturments you need muted, ofc. I'd bet dollars to donuts that with the space you've allocated for that particular chord to play before the next part marker, BiaB will do exactly what you're trying to accomplish anyway--especially if you set the piano to "simple" for that particular bit. As a last resort, if that does not work, have the piano play the A substyle for the lead in, as the A substyles are generally less busy than the B substyles, and I strongly doubt the piano will elect to play anything other than a held chord if you try any, let alone all, of the above. Lemme know if it works :-) DB
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I agree with Deacon if you're attempting to create as close to original cover of the song, you will find more suitable RealTracks by instrument rather than Style. Rather than completely depend on a Style to get you there, select any Style, be it MIDI or RealTrack Style that is a fairly close genre style and not worry about the specific RealTracks or MIDI at first.
My guess is you will find a more suitable genre style Searching MIDI Styles. In fact, I suggest you do an internet search and download a free MIDI file of that particular song and use at least the Piano track from the song. You likely will also quickly find a suitable MIDI Bass even using GM MIDI sounds. I have no doubt you have suitable MIDI piano and bass sounds to suit your needs as a practice backing track. I think You will create a backing track you can perform live with in minutes using the MIDI file technique.
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What you are trying to do is easy in a DAW. In BiaB have the piano play for the whole measure. Drag and drop the tracks into a DAW. On that measure use volume automation to fade the piano, then at the start of the next measure sharply bring the volume back to normal.
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You gotta think OUT OF THE BOX....
Using bar settings, adjusting the bar length, using holds and shots and pushes, etc..... Then you also have to set down and think, puzzle, contemplate, and then figure out how you could use the tools you have to achieve the desired goal you want. All things are possible but some are much harder than others.
Trying to replicate ANY cover tune exactly is kinda like a MISSION IMPOSSIBLE scenario. To even get close, you have to be able to play the parts that are unique and give the song it's character and be able to figure out work-arounds for those seemingly impossible brick walls you will encounter.
Otherwise, you have to settle for close and kinda sounds like the cover. I've done a couple of covers and for 2 of them, I decided to do "my version" .....and the other two.... I spent time learning and playing and recording the signature licks that gave the song it's identification. Finally, I mixed them in a DAW rather than trying to construct a faithful cover in BB. It was just much easier to use the DAW.
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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All good advice above.
Here is a link to my Dropbox with a 30 sec clip rendered with PGMusic stock GM Midi Coyote - Including Downloading the midi file, this was completed in less than 3 minutes.
Easy as a point and shoot camera.
Note: For educational demonstration only.
EDIT: Removed temporary Link
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 10/16/18 01:37 AM.
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I'd bet dollars to donuts that with the space you've allocated for that particular chord to play before the next part marker, BiaB will do exactly what you're trying to accomplish anyway--especially if you set the piano to "simple" for that particular bit.
Hey DB I tried taking out all the bar and chord settings, just the vanilla A style on the 4 bar intro. Doesnt really do the G+ chord hold as I would like but it is certainly usable. I am only really pursuing this as I am trying to learn/understand how these things work, it is an interesting exercise in pushing the edges of what BIAB can do and how it works. Thanks a lot for your ideas. BTW, how do you set the 'piano to Simple' as you suggest? I dont see any settings for that in Song/Bar or Chord settings. This is half the issue with BIAB, it does so much but the location of stuff is a bit hap-hazard. Symptom of software that has been updated for 20 years... Thanks Mark
Last edited by mark.ogier; 10/15/18 06:18 AM.
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You gotta think OUT OF THE BOX....
Using bar settings, adjusting the bar length, using holds and shots and pushes, etc..... Then you also have to set down and think, puzzle, contemplate, and then figure out how you could use the tools you have to achieve the desired goal you want. All things are possible but some are much harder than others.
Trying to replicate ANY cover tune exactly is kinda like a MISSION IMPOSSIBLE scenario. To even get close, you have to be able to play the parts that are unique and give the song it's character and be able to figure out work-arounds for those seemingly impossible brick walls you will encounter.
Otherwise, you have to settle for close and kinda sounds like the cover. I've done a couple of covers and for 2 of them, I decided to do "my version" .....and the other two.... I spent time learning and playing and recording the signature licks that gave the song it's identification. Finally, I mixed them in a DAW rather than trying to construct a faithful cover in BB. It was just much easier to use the DAW. Hey GH Thanks for the pearls of wisdom. Whilst I would really like to get close to a cover backing track, just cos it is more fun to practice against when it sounds 'authentic' I do realise that is maybe a step too far for BIAB. I am just pursuing this as a learning exercise to try and better understand how these things work and get a feel for how to achieve things. You guys have already dropped a ton of experience and knowledge on me just from this one simple question. Stuff you could never get from PG, they just don't have the time for it, understandably. I keep hearing 'it is easier in a DAW'. I guess I am going to have to bit the bullet and have a go. I have been shying away from doing that as it would just be yet another piece of software to lear, another learning curve etc. Seems I need to man up and do it!
If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all...
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What you are trying to do is easy in a DAW. In BiaB have the piano play for the whole measure. Drag and drop the tracks into a DAW. On that measure use volume automation to fade the piano, then at the start of the next measure sharply bring the volume back to normal. Hey Mario Yeah it seems I am gonna have to take the plunge and fire up the DAW. I use a Mac and have Logic installed and also Pre-Sonus Studio One. Obviously Logic is an industry standard Pro thing but looks a beast to learn. Not sure which one to fire up first. Looking to minimise the learning curve to get something usable, not looking for studio quality, CD master quality output. Any thoughts? Cheers Mark
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I agree with Deacon if you're attempting to create as close to original cover of the song, you will find more suitable RealTracks by instrument rather than Style. Rather than completely depend on a Style to get you there, select any Style, be it MIDI or RealTrack Style that is a fairly close genre style and not worry about the specific RealTracks or MIDI at first. Hey Charlie Thanks for the sage advice! I have tried to stick to using RealStyles as a starting point as there are just so many of them, and to be honest, the descriptions and names are bit unhelpful to say the least So I generally have no idea how to find what I am looking for without auditioning every one that comes close, very time consuming.... Also, I have tried to find individual tracks that may fit better, in particular with bass lines, but the Real Track picker dialog doesnt have the improved filtering/searching that the Real Style picker has, so its a real chore finding anything. Sure hope PG will add the improved searching in the Tracks dialog in the next release. My guess is you will find a more suitable genre style Searching MIDI Styles. In fact, I suggest you do an internet search and download a free MIDI file of that particular song and use at least the Piano track from the song. You likely will also quickly find a suitable MIDI Bass even using GM MIDI sounds. I have no doubt you have suitable MIDI piano and bass sounds to suit your needs as a practice backing track. I think You will create a backing track you can perform live with in minutes using the MIDI file technique. I havent done too much with MIDI yet. I am looking to get the Native Sample Tank thing to get some decent instrument sounds as I do want to get more aware of the MIDI side. Is it possible to mix MIDI and Real tracks in the same song. For example, in the excellent MIDI demo you linked in below, the Piano & Bass sound great. Would it be possible to then add a Real Track drum track to the song? Some of the drum tracks in BISB are pretty good generally, if sometimes a bit too busy. Are you aware of any docs or posts detailing someones workflow to create a song from external midi files in BIAB? Be a really useful insight into how they do it. Thanks again for the help, I have learnt so much today just from the points in this thread from all concerned! Not least what a helpful and knowledgeable bunch the people are on this forum... Cheers Mark
If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all...
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All good advice above. Here is a link to my Dropbox with a 30 sec clip rendered with PGMusic stock GM Midi Coyote - Including Downloading the midi file, this was completed in less than 3 minutes. Easy as a point and shoot camera. Note: For educational demonstration only. Midi demo Wow, that is amazing! Did you get Norah in to play that piano! OK so, the inevitable questions * Where did you find the MIDI file? * How did you use it in BIAB (I am new to MIDI in BIAB, have used it a bit in a DAW) * Can you add a Real Drum track to the same song? Thanks again for all the help. And 3 minutes??? Showin' Off!!
Last edited by mark.ogier; 10/15/18 06:34 AM.
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What you are trying to do is easy in a DAW. In BiaB have the piano play for the whole measure. Drag and drop the tracks into a DAW. On that measure use volume automation to fade the piano, then at the start of the next measure sharply bring the volume back to normal. Hey Mario Yeah it seems I am gonna have to take the plunge and fire up the DAW. I use a Mac and have Logic installed and also Pre-Sonus Studio One. Obviously Logic is an industry standard Pro thing but looks a beast to learn. Not sure which one to fire up first. Looking to minimise the learning curve to get something usable, not looking for studio quality, CD master quality output. Any thoughts? Cheers Mark I would take one, really learn how to operate it, and put the other on the back burner. Personally I like Presonus Studio One. It is very easy to use once you get past the terminology. I do not have a Mac so I can't comment on the current version of Logic.
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I havent done too much with MIDI yet. I am looking to get the Native Sample Tank thing to get some decent instrument sounds as I do want to get more aware of the MIDI side.
Is it possible to mix MIDI and Real tracks in the same song. For example, in the excellent MIDI demo you linked in below, the Piano & Bass sound great. Would it be possible to then add a Real Track drum track to the song? Some of the drum tracks in BISB are pretty good generally, if sometimes a bit too busy.
Are you aware of any docs or posts detailing someones workflow to create a song from external midi files in BIAB? Be a really useful insight into how they do it.
Thanks again for the help, I have learnt so much today just from the points in this thread from all concerned! Not least what a helpful and knowledgeable bunch the people are on this forum...
Cheers
Mark
Yes you can mix MIDI tracks, RTs, and RDs in the same song. I know that you can create a song from a MIDI file but it has been a very long time since I have done that; I bring external MIDI files into my DAW. So instead of just trying to remember, I have a terrible memory, I will let someone more experienced answer that question.
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<<< OK so, the inevitable questions >>>
* Where did you find the MIDI file?
Internet Google search. Some are pay sites and some are free. There are some great sites and also great files but be wary of the not so great files. Many times though, the not so great files can be easily edited into great files. Many MIDI files are Artist interpretations of a commercial Hit and not so much a cover. That in itself is not a bad thing as such a version could easily become a custom cover for you. Also take a flash drive with you to your local music store, especially if you do a bit of business with them and they may load you up with MIDI files. My local store gave me over 3,000.
* How did you use it in BIAB (I am new to MIDI in BIAB, have used it a bit in a DAW)
Here's the good news about BIAB and MIDI. For many more years than PGMusic's BIAB has featured RealDrums and RealTracks, it was MIDI based software. It works lovely with MIDI. Even better if you have the PC version that includes RealBand. If you do covers for practice, for live or for recording, MIDI is the place to start. There is a lot to say about using MIDI with BIAB and it's all good. I will touch on just a few things here.
If you load a MIDI file, it automatically populates the chord chart. EDIT: F7 is the open command to look for MIDI files. (If a file has the .KAR suffix [Karaoke] - Band in a Box will open the file the same as a .mid file.)
It normally has a Melody track so it is a very easy song to practice to.
It generates very quickly.
Key changes can be made without affecting pitch and the chord chart is updated to the new key at the same time.
Tempo changes can be made without affecting pitch
Shots, rests and holds are normally built into the file
Editing is very comprehensive and nearly as easy as editing a typewritten document.
There are many BIAB Styles that are almost recognizable commercial songs
- One example is B_Gees2.STY is loosely based on "Staying Alive". It can be edited (and saved as a custom style) to very closely match the original notes of the song. Look for other 'Artist' based styles and some of those styles can be edited, modified and saved in a similar manner.
Check out Forum Member Notes Norton's Midi site. He specializes in BiAB midi styles, has complete Fake Books with matching midi files. He can make a custom midi style or song for you at a reasonable cost.
Everything in a MIDI file can be edited.
The Melody track can be used to generate MIDI based vocal backing parts with TC Helicon or instruments that follow the melody line.
Using the StylePicker, it's easy to do a search for the MIDI song you've loaded, locate a appropriate RealTrack Style and quickly generate a backing accompaniment track. At this point you can continue to use signature riffs and the melody track to go along with your backing track.
* Can you add a Real Drum track to the same song?
Yes. Load a MIDI file, Select a RealDrum kit you like on the Drums track and it will replace the MIDI drums with a RealDrum.
Thanks again for all the help. And 3 minutes??? Showin' Off!!
Yes. Absolutely.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 10/15/18 08:49 AM.
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<<< how do you set the 'piano to Simple' as you suggest? >>>
From the RealTracks Picker - if a RealTrack has a simple version, in the upper right corner, the Simple Box will not be greyed out, Click to select the simple version of the RealTRack. If there is no simple version, the Simple box will be Greyed out. This applies to all of those boxed adjacent to the simple box.
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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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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