Biab should be able to be made to do this as it works with the conductor ok, but for now this can be done in Reaper by dragging the Biab master stereo track into Reaper, the chords are imported from BB musicXML or via the Biab Plugin. You just create up say 4 bars of all the chords you will be playing. Reaper uses a midi chord detection plugin for detecting what chords are being played on the midi keyboard. A script will send the play head smoothly to that region chord, the chords can be changed on the beat or bar. The script will also read keyswitches of this first octave or octave you set, these keyswitches will tell Reaper what section to play next, verse, chorus, solo, verse ending, chorus ending, count-in etc.. Different styles can be loaded into each track, temp changed and track soloed. You can also use another vst in front of it to use 1 finger chords. https://trackbout.com/ripchord https://www.codefn42.com/chordz/ http://www.vst4free.com/free_vst.php?plugin=midiChords&id=1642 Insert Piz Midi VSTs Google Code Archive https://code.google.com/archive/p/pizmidi/downloads
The video is just the prototype with a few chords example and live chord input, I just want to see if this is something that would be usable to enable users to play live chord input into BB styles ??
If you could try this out, it still needs a bit of work but I just need some feedback. Right click Save Link/Target As ReaTrak_Region_Chord_Player.ReaperConfigZip I'll make a better guide if it's all working ok. After you have the Chord Player installed in Reaper from the guide below, run ReaTrak midi chord input to region chord player.lua from the Action window or from the "Chord Region Player" button. Create a Chord Input Track when asked "Yes"
Options > Preferences > MIDI Devices > enable Input from your keyboard. On the Chord Input Midi track select your keyboard as Midi Input.
To get a Chord Font in the display right click chords.ttf > Install in Options > Show REAPER Resource Path in finder/explorer Scripts\ReaTrak\chords.ttf
Set the keyswitches to the notes in the pic or to your choice (these will be saved for next time) Set the Keyswitch Octave to 1 or your choice. You can also click the buttons on the GUI.
The idea is to generate up the tracks you need in Biab or Biab Plugin. You generate up say 4 or more bars of the chords you will be using. You can have more than 1 of the same chord region to give more variety. Same with Endings. If you want Holds also you can have a maximum of 4 bars per hold. You can generate up solos that can be put into the other color regions.
After you have generated up you track in BB or BB Plugin drag the stereo wav into a track under the Chord Input track. If the song is a different tempo than Reaper set Reaper to the bpm first. Edit the track name so it has the tempo in it "My Song 4 120bpm" this will allow you to have multiple tracks with different styles an tempos, as you select UP/Down it should solo the track and change the tempo.` You can also have all the individual instrument tracks in a track "Folder" if need be.
To get the chords from BB into Reaper you can save as MusicXML, drag that into Reaper and hit the button "MusicXML Chords". But if you have the BB Plugin just open the My Song.SGU, Unfold down the bottom right, save the My Song - Plugin.SGU reopen it again in the BB Plugin then hit the "Biab Plugin Chords" button, try it without fill regions for now as I will try and add auto fills to it.
You can add your own chord regions, just select the section, Shift+R and right click the region to edit name or color, but the easiest way is use the "*GUI*" "*GUI 2*" or "Circle of Fifths" buttons, you can then easily enter the chords or section color. If you have the cursor under a chord region you can change the section color by clicking the colored buttons on the main panel. Make sure you have Snap on and hit "Snap Chords to Grid" after.
For those new to Reaper this might be an easier way to install/update ReaTrak. 1. Reaper > Options > Preferences > General > Export Configuration check all boxes and Save as backup configuration !!!!
This is changing styles that have a different bpm, you just need "xxxbpm" in the track name. You can Edit the track name or have it in the wav file name you drag in. Just make sure to change Reaper to that tempo before dropping in the wav, or you can export the BB mix with ACID.
I made a video demo, it only has a few chords and one 4 bar section for each. You can add a lot more to give more variety rather than playing the same 4 bar chord section. The video is a bit jerky in places as there are a lot of things running and screen recording at the same time. It will play smoothly from chord to chord normally. The clicking is the chord pad as I have no keyboards here at the moment, so if someone could try it with their keyboard that would help. It will also play direct from the BB Plugin without dragging any tracks in Reaper. You could have a BB Plugin on each track with a different style at a different bpm.
Has anyone with Reaper and a keyboard tired this out yet ? I don't have a keyboard here at the moment as I lend them out. So if someone can give some feedback it would help.
Has anyone with Reaper and a keyboard tired this out yet ? I don't have a keyboard here at the moment as I lend them out. So if someone can give some feedback it would help.
Hey Pipeline,
I'd be thrilled to give it a shot. Thing is, I've got a fresh install of Reaper, and want to set up every chordpicker tool, utility, and script you've got on tap.
Thing is, there are so many threads and posts you have scattered piecemeal all over the forums with all different dates, I have no idea what order and what versions I should install things in...
Note that I've already got the SWS and Reascript extensions loaded.
Is there any chance you can post a comprehensive list of all the latest versions of your goodies (along with a link to the videos that are most current) so I don't start reinstalling things over each other, or install things that are really only relevant pre-BiaB 2019 VST?
BTW, you may want to post these in a new thread for others who may want to similarly avail themselves.
Finally, once I'm all set up, I would be thrilled to plug in my MIDI keyboard and sort this other stuff out...
Thanks again for all your amazing contributions!!!
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
The website is down at the moment so here is the same file as above https://www.dropbox.com/s/ca06iq6xxgza20y/ReaTrak_Region_Chord_Player.ReaperConfigZip?dl=1 it has all the latest scripts the one in the forum ReaTrak_ver.46.ReaperConfigZip is the latest but without the chord player, once this is working ok I'll add it to the ReaTrak_ver.47.ReaperConfigZip release. Use the guide above to install into Reaper, there a youtube video as well.
If you could try this out, it still needs a bit of work but I just need some feedback. Right click Save Link/Target As ReaTrak_Region_Chord_Player.ReaperConfigZip I'll make a better guide if it's all working ok. After you have the Chord Player installed in Reaper from the guide below, run ReaTrak midi chord input to region chord player.lua from the Action window or from the "Chord Region Player" button. Create a Chord Input Track when asked "Yes"
Options > Preferences > MIDI Devices > enable Input from your keyboard. On the Chord Input Midi track select your keyboard as Midi Input.
To get a Chord Font in the display right click chords.ttf > Install in Options > Show REAPER Resource Path in finder/explorer Scripts\ReaTrak\chords.ttf
Set the keyswitches to the notes in the pic or to your choice (these will be saved for next time) Set the Keyswitch Octave to 1 or your choice. You can also click the buttons on the GUI.
The idea is to generate up the tracks you need in Biab or Biab Plugin. You generate up say 4 or more bars of the chords you will be using. You can have more than 1 of the same chord region to give more variety. Same with Endings. If you want Holds also you can have a maximum of 4 bars per hold. You can generate up solos that can be put into the other color regions.
After you have generated up you track in BB or BB Plugin drag the stereo wav into a track under the Chord Input track. If the song is a different tempo than Reaper set Reaper to the bpm first. Edit the track name so it has the tempo in it "My Song 4 120bpm" this will allow you to have multiple tracks with different styles an tempos, as you select UP/Down it should solo the track and change the tempo.` You can also have all the individual instrument tracks in a track "Folder" if need be.
To get the chords from BB into Reaper you can save as MusicXML, drag that into Reaper and hit the button "MusicXML Chords". But if you have the BB Plugin just open the My Song.SGU, Unfold down the bottom right, save the My Song - Plugin.SGU reopen it again in the BB Plugin then hit the "Biab Plugin Chords" button, try it without fill regions for now as I will try and add auto fills to it.
You can add your own chord regions, just select the section, Shift+R and right click the region to edit name or color, but the easiest way is use the "*GUI*" "*GUI 2*" or "Circle of Fifths" buttons, you can then easily enter the chords or section color. If you have the cursor under a chord region you can change the section color by clicking the colored buttons on the main panel. Make sure you have Snap on and hit "Snap Chords to Grid" after.
For those new to Reaper this might be an easier way to install/update ReaTrak. 1. Reaper > Options > Preferences > General > Export Configuration check all boxes and Save as backup configuration !!!!
Right click on Toolbar 1 tab > Customize toolbar... at the top left drop down Select > Floating toolbar 14, 15, or 16 at the bottom right > Import (this should take you to REAPER\MenuSets) you should see ReaTrak color icons toolbar 14 medium.ReaperMenu ReaTrak color icons toolbar 15 small.ReaperMenu ReaTrak color icons toolbar 16.ReaperMenu select the appropriate number (you can change the toolbar slot by dragging it into Notepad and change the number to another slot.
Right click on Toolbar 1 tab > Customize toolbar... at the top left drop down Select > Floating toolbar 14, 15, or 16 at the bottom right > Import (this should take you to REAPER\MenuSets) you should see ReaTrak color icons toolbar 14 medium.ReaperMenu ReaTrak color icons toolbar 15 small.ReaperMenu ReaTrak color icons toolbar 16.ReaperMenu select the appropriate number (you can change the toolbar slot by dragging it into Notepad and change the number to another slot.
No that's if you open a ReaTrak color icons toolbar 16.ReaperMenu in notepad. You can drag the tab of the toolbar and drop it where you like on the Main GUI.
No that's if you open a ReaTrak color icons toolbar 16.ReaperMenu in notepad. You can drag the tab of the toolbar and drop it where you like on the Main GUI.
Fantastic! Do you know of any shortcuts to switch between toolbars (preferably closing the one before, or even binding each shortcut to a key combination switchable by, say, a digit?)
You're the best, Pipeline!
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.