|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 1 |
Hi!
I'm a teenage classical guitarist, just started my university studies on a music academy.
I've just always wondered what's others people opinion about classical guitar? If you would have to listen to a classical piece on a classical guitar, would you rather enjoy it or not? If not then why, if you don't like the sound or anything tell me why.
Just really curious about regular people's opinion about classical guitar.
Part of why I'm asking is I'm kinda wondering if i took the right path. I've always been the best guitarist at the music school and I'm pretty sure im talented but will I be able to life a fulfilled life and be able to afford things... And thats what got me wondering because my family always struggled financially, I havent even got my own luthier guitar, so I need to build my adult life all by myself, and considering how much currency I have coming into adulthood it doesnt seem too shiny at the end...
but whatever :-)
just anything you want to tell about classical guitar, i want to hear it
cheers, orbs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 745 |
I like Baroque music. Guitarists Andre Segovia and Christopher Parkening. I also volunteer for a Philharmonic Orchestra. Recently Yo-Yo Ma performed with the Orchestra: [img:left] https://flic.kr/p/2aN7xXt[/img] I am around Classical Music a lot. Now the odd part I play Country and Bluegrass. My instruments are Banjo, Guitar and Bass Guitar. Go figure, eh? Anyway, follow your dream. Life is not easy but doing what you love makes it so. ...Deb
Last edited by DSM; 10/18/18 08:59 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I love listening to classical guitar! (I just wish I could play that kind of music)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 483
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 483 |
I have played saxophone all of my life. I taught school band for 37 years and for a short period of time I had a guitar class and spent many hours learning classical guitar. I have always enjoyed classical music as well as jazz. The time spent on classical guitar made me truly appreciate the complexity and difficulty of mastering that instrument.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508 |
I do enjoy classical guitar, and was fortunate enough to not only attend a concert by Los Romeros but to meet them and have a chat with Pepe.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,849
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,849 |
I enjoy listening to classical guitar players but mostly I really appreciate their techniques. I wish that I could have taken classical guitar lessons back in the day.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,519
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,519 |
Hi, I have studied under two Segovia students and also teach classical guitar. I would highly recommend it. If you learn to play classical, and properly, with sight reading, and scales and exercises every day, your ability to play in any style will skyrocket. It makes you better at everything. I use a lot of chord progressions from classical guitar songs and classical music in general when I am writing. Below are the soundcloud versions of songs I later put out on an bossa album playing classical. I used BIAB for the backing tracks and played the main guitars myself. You can skip the first song with the vocals and start with #2. It is instrumental as are the rest. This is not classical, per se, it is latin, but it will give you an idea. https://soundcloud.com/david-snyder-guitarYou don't have to spend a fortune to get a good classical. I would suggest not buying anything new. I went to a used guitar shop and bought a beat up "Dauphine" handmade in Spain for $125. Very old. It is the most beautiful sounding guitar I own. Let me know what else you want to know. Yes, go take classical lessons. You will not regret it. Here is one my my favorite players playing one of my favorite songs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwjX-m4LkYkIf this doesn't make you want to learn I don't know what will. Also Google Christopher Parkening. One career note, most REALLY GOOD classical guitarists have second jobs. Exceptional ones teach at colleges but it is not known as a profession where you become wealthy. Unless you are Christopher Parkening who retired at 30, and had started the classical guitar department at USC when he was in his twenties. (He came out of retirement and still does that.) Google him and watch his youtubes. Aamzing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
I am only suspecting from limited experience and observation that there is and will continue to be a growing demand for classical training with guitar. I personally witnessed a music graduate and guitar teacher send his teaching practice to the next level when he started teaching that traditional way. Not only did the students respond favorably, but the parents felt better about their investment in their students' music education.
I have no data to back this up.
Quickly, now, guitar and piano are two different animals. I think if you keep an open mind, apply yourself, and learn to apply the classical teaching methods to your chosen market, it could work out well. But, I think you will have to think outside the Flamenco and Latin sound and sell it as a most logical path toward mastery of the instrument.
Last edited by edshaw; 10/19/18 07:13 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508 |
IMHO classical training is good for any instrument. The skills it teaches you can be applied to other genres of music and can make you a better musician.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,519
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,519 |
[quote=edshaw I think if you keep an open mind, apply yourself, and learn to apply the classical teaching methods to your chosen market, it could work out well. But, I think you will have to think outside the Flamenco and Latin sound and sell it as a most logical path toward mastery of the instrument. [/quote]
Ed, to add to this:
I start out each day playing Bach and Tarrega at eight in the morning as part of a routine.
If you want to give your fingers and heart a workout, try the Partita 1 in E Major from the Bach Lute Suite.
Sometimes it is about what is good for your soul and there does not need to be another reason.
Also, Flamenco and Latin are a subset of classical training, and involve different techniques, mostly percussive.
For true enthusiasts, there is no "box" in classical guitar. We/they are fanatical. It is the only instrument in the world (we would say) that is its own built orchestra, as Segovia first articulated, I believe. It think he was onto something there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 94
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 94 |
Tonklagen,
Yes, I like some classical guitar players.
In fact, before I read your post, I was on YouTube commenting that I love Julian Bream, and find his playing incredibly emotive and just right, whereas John Williams' playing leaves me cold.
Similarly - and this may be heresy, but I will say it, regardless - I am not all that fond of Segovia's playing, although he was obviously one of the greats.
Regarding you wondering whether you have taken the 'right' path, I have had some thoughts.
I think that you just have to give whatever you are doing a good 'go', and evaluate where you want to go from there.
Maybe you are aware that Andy Summers (most famously from The Police) is a classically trained guitarist. He played in some psychedelic/experimental bands in the 60s, and after The Police has collaborated with Brian Eno.
So, his 'journey' in music has been long and varied.
Richie Sambora started to study with Tommy Emmanuel after getting out of Bon Jovi (sorry, I do not like most of the music of either of those players, but it is a good example of what I am saying).
Robbie Krieger was classically trained, and what a distinctive flavour that added to the music of the The Doors.
George Harrison gave up guitar for three years (apart from playing on Beatles' recordings) while he pursued a particular school ('gharana') of sitar. He then invented a whole type of slide playing drawing from his experience playing sitar.
So, there may be many steps on your journey through music.
My only suggestion is that you commit to what you are learning at any given time so that you have a thorough enough exposure to it that you (a) can learn something from it, and (b) can make a decision about whether you want to stick with that, or move on to something else.
One final 'note' (sorry, had to say that). About 12 years ago I started to take sitar lessons - did that for about three years, but I am clunky enough on regular guitar, so gave up the instrument. But North Indian (Hindustani) Classical Music has changed my life. And I get *very* upset because I cannot listen to rock during the time that I am listening to HCM, and vice versa.
So, when I feel things are beginning to change, like a kind of changeover, it takes a few weeks to get into the frame of mind/body/soul to listen to one of those types of music. And then I spend a few months doing that and not listening at all to the other type of music, and then, invariably, I feel myself changing again.
It is a pain in the [*****], and puts me in a dilemma similar to yours (but not as serious because I am doing this for enjoyment, rather than as a career). My dilemma is - should I give up sitar playing for good, or should I give up guitar playing for good?
All the best to you in your journey.
Last edited by drutgat; 10/20/18 05:45 AM.
"If The Beatles or the 60's had a message, it was 'Learn to swim'. And once you've learned - swim!"
John Lennon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
Thank you, David, for those very interesting remarks. We might say how we practice is how we play.
Your comment, "Sometimes it is about what is good for your soul and there does not need to be another reason," fits into a concept I and my friends have been discussing; namely, music study's value for adolescents and post adolescents in learning self management. I'm not trying to be cryptic. Here is an example:
My practice is to play from the lead sheets three times a day, 15-30 minutes per session, three songs at a time. I wake up relaxed, rested, and able to absorb things in a certain way, each day. After lunch, I'm keyed up, agressive, into the day. For the evening session, I'm worn. Common sense tells me not to beat myself up at the end of the day, but, rather, just have fun, take it easy. For adults, this klind of self management has been learned. Kids need to learn the same lesson. They do.
Last edited by edshaw; 10/20/18 11:11 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369 |
I echo all these comments, but want to add this: Don't overlook the additional paths that studying classical guitar can take you down! The greatest example is the Brazilian guitarist/composer Baden Powell..perhaps one of the great technicians outside of strictly classical music. Watch/listen to this, his own classical composition, then his treatment of a piece of popular Brazilian music, but you can see all the elements of classical guitar in these..so this is an additional benefit of your path of study! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVcz8IP3Ln4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma4SKXEnPtw
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 94
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 94 |
IMHO classical training is good for any instrument. The skills it teaches you can be applied to other genres of music and can make you a better musician.
Insights and incites by Notes Hi Bob, Your post brought a couple of thoughts and memories to mind. The first one is that, even though I am an amateur (and very technically bad) musician who can read music to a limited extent, I have been amazed at the fact that, on the frequent occasions when I have jammed informally with people who have been classically trained, those people have not known how to approach performing popular songs with which they are familiar. While I am trying to actually make up for lost time in terms of learning the parts of music theory which will be useful to me, it is clear that the people I am talking about above have been robbed of being able to just let go and be with the music because of their classical training. Specifically, several people with whom I have played have panicked because they do not have any sheet music to play from. In the case of keyboard players, I have just suggested vamping on the 3 or 4 chords of the songs which we were playing, and that has been difficult for each one those people, despite them having achieved the Grade 8 (Conservatory) level of music education. Another experience I had in rehearsing Beatles songs for a gig was that the lead singer (who is a professional piano tuner, and was trained classically) had to get me to play the introduction to 'Ticket to Ride' several times while she figured out the timing of the song (in order to figure out where she should start to sing, I think). Once again, I was somewhat shocked, but not surprised given my previous experience. It seems to me that what the people on this forum have going for them is a really flexible approach to Learning and playing music. I am not disparaging the actual learning about music itself that Western Classical Music provides; however, it is more than coincidence that I have encountered again and again people who have been classically trained who feel bereft of being able to do the simplest thing on their instruments when they do not have sheet music, or when some other, non-musical factor is present. Therefore, I think there is a common element in the 'format' of Western Classical Music training that inhibits or precludes people from thinking that they can do certain things. Now I am thinking about Yehudi Menuhin and Stephane Grappelli playing together. Apparently Menuhin could not function without his music there, and I think that when he played with Ravi Shankar he notated everything and learned that. Anyway, just some thoughts.
Last edited by drutgat; 10/23/18 02:22 AM.
"If The Beatles or the 60's had a message, it was 'Learn to swim'. And once you've learned - swim!"
John Lennon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508 |
I've been there drutgat.
While I do think that learning music theory and being able to read music is a necessary skill for all musicians, I certainly do not think it is the only skill needed.
I've known a number of musicians, but those who read and those who do not who cannot improvise, others that could not learn by ear.
I was in a band where the bass player (who could not read music) could not learn by ear. I had to figure out the bass parts and show them to him. All I had to do was show him once and he would get it.
Every additional skill you learn can make you a better musician.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,942
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,942 |
Yeah... that Tommy what's his name guy is pretty good
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
The process of making music has changed so much. We can only hope music educators stay on top of it, as opposed to hanging on to those hard earned skills.
I think of as the day it first dawned on an electric guitarist that the instrument he was actually playing was the Fender Amplifier.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508 |
Indeed the electric guitar player plays the entire rig, from strings and pickups to the speaker and everything in between.
And music educators should stay on top of the new tools and developments, but don't forget the old theory in the process. The new things add.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 94
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 94 |
I've been there drutgat.
While I do think that learning music theory and being able to read music is a necessary skill for all musicians, I certainly do not think it is the only skill needed.
I've known a number of musicians, but those who read and those who do not who cannot improvise, others that could not learn by ear.
I was in a band where the bass player (who could not read music) could not learn by ear. I had to figure out the bass parts and show them to him. All I had to do was show him once and he would get it.
Every additional skill you learn can make you a better musician.
Insights and incites by Notes I completely agree with you, Bob. I am currently endeavouring to augment my so-so ability to play by ear with learning some relevant, practical music theory. The one basic 'skill' I never fully learned, and which is now coming along better, is to instantly recognize and be able to go to the notes on the guitar neck. I have always know the notes on the first five frets, but recently have been drilling myself using a couple of computer apps, and I am getting there, slowly, but surely. As you said, every additional skill you can learn can make you a better musician.
"If The Beatles or the 60's had a message, it was 'Learn to swim'. And once you've learned - swim!"
John Lennon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,519
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,519 |
I am going to disagree that classical training gets in the way of anything. I can play straight up classical just sighting reading away on some pretty complex pieces and I can also improv my butt off with the best of them--and have--and can write a pretty good song in 15 minutes. My classical training has only enhanced my ability to let me go into Carlos Santana free fall when I am given a solo. I can pull the hell out of my whammy bar on the strat, hold it up to the amp and make it feed back and howl, make the girls scream, and all the while be pulling my notes straight out of a Bach violin piece. I can jam with anybody, anywhere at any time, and as they say in the black church bands I have played with--"Charts? We don't use charts." Don't need 'em. Just tell me the key and I'm gone. And it's all from classical. Classic example from this forum. I am getting some comments on a recent song post "Listen to the Rain" being "transcendent." Thanks--but it is Well-Tempered Clavier. Bach is the man. He gave us Blackbird too. McCartney admits it. Or go to 3:18 here. https://soundcloud.com/david-snyder-gigs2/nashville-rainThis is classical. But it is also Purple. Peace to all. --The Artist Formerly Known as David Snyder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,396
Posts804,345
Members40,114
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean