I just spent 6 hours inputting a melody for a published song from sheet music using the mouse and keyboard. I know I can/ should be able to play right from the sheet, but I play guitar and am not good enough to play real time off a sheet from music I don't know by heart.
The reason I do this is because I'm pretty good at tab reading so once the melody is in I can play around with styles, keys, and play along / jam with my guitar by looking at the tabs.
I realize melodies are copyrighted so even though there are some free ones around to download I would rather pay someone on a by song basis to get the melody done against whatever style, like one of the built in styles or something from the Norton discs. I don't really care as long as I have the melody and can play around with the song.
Seems to me that what takes me 4 to 6 hours with a mouse would be pretty fast for someone with a piano midi that they can play and record the melody. So is there anyone who does this or would like to? I have no idea how one would go about paying the royalty or how much it would be but I figure on a song by song basis it wouldn't be that much.
David "DB" Barnes is a very proficient midi composer and according to his website, he's the same as you, a guitarist and not a keyboardist. He inputs very accurate and detailed covers of Beatle songs that are wonderful productions. He inputs each tracks individual notes and chords with a mouse and keyboard and using dated, older software. So, in my opinion, you are in very good company.
Beyond that, being a long time registered user of BIAB and also sharing your familiarity of midi with us, you may already be aware of my recommendation to capture midi melodies from midi files. Without regard to legal or moral issues, neither is my expertise, technically speaking, there are many benefits to getting melodies this way. Some are immediate while others may prove their worth in the future according to how much you progress in your musical skills and the musical path you may choose in the future.
The immediate benefit I see to you is the increase in output of finished songs to what you can currently do with the techniques you're using to input melodies. I don't think it would be difficult to increase your volume to six completed songs per hour versus the current one song per six hours. A total of 30-40 songs is not an unreasonable expectation. BIAB is designed and deeply linked with midi and is a marvelous tool to accomplish your goal to what presently appear to be practice recordings. Nearly every song you'll want to learn or perform can likely be found for free or purchase through the internet. It is not hard nor expensive to have a midi for any specific song created by a professional for purchase. There is also what I think is a huge advantage that the backing track you're performing to is unique and not the exact same track that 10,000 Karaoke performers are using too.
If you currently perform live or someday progress in skill to the point you begin to and your playlist includes cover songs and you use BIAB to create backing tracks, BIAB is a great tool for that too. Having a good collection of midi files, and especially a collection of good midi files, can be very beneficial to creating BIAB generated backing tracks that are equal in quality and superior in quality to many, if not most commercial Karaoke tracks. By creating your own backing tracks, you have the advantage of choosing how closely you want to replicate the original recording release or creating your own custom version of a commercial release. You also can assure that your backing track is in the best key for you or your vocalist to sing.
Regarding BIAB and midi melodies: Select < File\Import\Import Melody from Midi > is the first selection. BIAB will also automatically detect, analyze and load the chords, key signature, tempo, time signature and feel for the midi song.
Using midi melodies and securing them yourself allows you to do as many or as few as you want. You can also learn to include melodies into BIAB Styles you create yourself and maybe someday use them in performances. Regardless of your use of these melodies, you will have complete control to play around with styles, keys all the while jamming along with your guitar and following tabs.
You may already know most, if not all of this and have reason to prefer someone else create melodies for you rather than use melodies from midi files but if that's the case, perhaps some other person has struggled with the same issue as you have and this will help them along.
Have you tried using BIAB's Melodist to create MIDI melodies for you? I find that the Melodist gives a great starting place and I then tweak notes to suit.
Thanks a lot for the replies. Since my original post I've used some of the tips here and have gotten better at entering and editing melodies using the mouse.
What I would like to do now is to enter the melody with either a midi keyboard or the computer keyboard. Inhave learned how to do that using the midi keyboard wizard. My melody shows up on the soloist track.
What I still would like to do is to show the notes that I have played, and that show up on the soloist track, in guitar tab form. If I play a midi melody that I have downloaded from somewhere, I can select the guitar track and see the notes either as notes or as tab. But when I record my own midi I can only view them as musical notes on the treble and bass clef.
How can I record a midi melody using the keyboard and have it show up as a guitar melody showing both the notes and the tab? Is that possible?
Edit: I figured out how to do it. For those who may have the same problem, here are some tips that took me a long time to figure out. In BIAB 2017 you won't see the full menu with the MIDI button unless you hit CTRL-T. Once you hit the midi button, click on MIDI Keyboard Wizard Enabled. Then hit the record MIDI button with the melody clicked on. You may have to have the mixer window open when you record.
just a quick tip from one guitarist to another. use the transpose function on your midi keyboard and play everything as if it was in the key of C. much easier to stick to the white notes if you're playing by ear.
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!
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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)
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