Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
I need to hold an F chord for the first two beats of a bar followed by a chromatic walk of F, F#, G to a shot on an Ab chord. I don't see any way to make these an eighth note duration in the Chord Settings Dialog Box.

Any ideas how to accomplish this would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Dominic


BiAB 2024 UltraPak (Build 1111)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,316
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,316
Unfortunately, a program limitation is that you cannot have more than 4 beats to the bar.

More than 4 beats has been requested numerous times, but is still not delivered to my knowledge.

You can use a push to make the beat come early (precede the chord with a caret character (^) for an 1/8th beat push, or 2 carets (^^) for a 16th beat push - this will play the chord an 1/8th or 1/16th beat early, but the limitation of 4 beats to the bar remains.


BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,035
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,035
Yes, there is the limitation just described.

When I need to do this, I use MIDI on the Melody and/or Soloist track. I might also mute other tracks for a measure or more by using F5.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,832
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,832
Hi Dominic,

Here's how I get around the limitation using the time base settings for Realtracks and Realdrums.

This solution involves thinking of one BIAB chordsheet's cell as half a bar rather than the usual one bar.

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=572052#Post572052

Hope it helps,
Noel




MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,035
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,035
You should also check Norton Music's expanded styles, although it's a MIDI solution.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
Thanks, Noel. I've been out for the evening. Will have a look into your solution in the morning. Thanks again.


BiAB 2024 UltraPak (Build 1111)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,832
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,832
Originally Posted By: Dominatoruke
Thanks, Noel. I've been out for the evening. Will have a look into your solution in the morning. Thanks again.

Dominic,

If you have any question, please feel free to ask. I've got a couple of sample SGU files at the link, too, to show how my approach works.

All the best,
Noel




MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Dominic,

If you have any question, please feel free to ask. I've got a couple of sample SGU files at the link, too, to show how my approach works.

All the best,
Noel




Noel, I wasn't able to get it to work with my file so I tried to do it with your 4 chords per cell file. Opened the file in BB, changed the BPM from 65 to 130, right clicked in the mixer and changed the guitar to half-time. When I Generate and play the file the number of measures does not double and the number of chords per bar remains at four. I must be doing something wrong.


BiAB 2024 UltraPak (Build 1111)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,814
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,814
Dominatoruke, Welcome to the forum!

I have two thoughts. Do any of your tracks have the blue "snowflake" button engaged? If so, disengage the button(s) as that means the track is frozen and can not be changed. Double time means double bars. At each double time bar you need to right click, select "Insert bars" and select the default selection of one bar. That way four bars becomes eight bars but the chords stay correct.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Clipboard01.jpg (53.27 KB, 154 downloads)
"Frozen" drum track

Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,832
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,832
Hi Dominic,

Example #2 at the link in my post that's five above this one, only had a single instrument.

If you have more than one instrument as well as drums, then each of those instruments and the drums needs to be set to a time-base setting of 'halftime'.

NOTE: Make sure that you save your file with a NEW NAME. It's always best to keep the original so that it's possible to return to it.

1. Firstly set the tempo to double (from 65 to 130 as you have done).

2. IMAGE 1 below shows how to set the time-base for Realtrack #2452 String Quartet in the style I'm using.

3. Do this for all the Realtracks and Realdrums in your style.

4. Because you are using an existing song, it's necessary to expand the chords so that one bar of chords covers two cells on the chords sheets.

5. To do this, use "Edit | Song form | Expand chords by 2" as shown on IMAGE 2.

This expands the duration of the chords so that, at the new double-tempo speed, two chordsheet cells at 130 bpm play in the same time as one chordsheet cell at 65 bpm.

Once the above steps are done, it will play properly.

Regards,
Noel

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
setting time-base to half-time.jpg (249.33 KB, 153 downloads)
IMAGE 1... setting the time-base settings for a Realtrack or Realdrums (BIAB 2020)
expanding chords by 2.jpg (191.51 KB, 153 downloads)
IMAGE 2... expanding the duration of chords by 2

MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,814
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,814
Ooooh Noel,

I like your way of expanding the chord sheet a whole lot more than mine.


Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
Dominatoruke, Welcome to the forum!

I have two thoughts. Do any of your tracks have the blue "snowflake" button engaged? If so, disengage the button(s) as that means the track is frozen and can not be changed. Double time means double bars. At each double time bar you need to right click, select "Insert bars" and select the default selection of one bar. That way four bars becomes eight bars but the chords stay correct.


Thanks Jim, no frozen tracks.


BiAB 2024 UltraPak (Build 1111)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Hi Dominic,

Example #2 at the link in my post that's five above this one, only had a single instrument.

If you have more than one instrument as well as drums, then each of those instruments and the drums needs to be set to a time-base setting of 'halftime'.

NOTE: Make sure that you save your file with a NEW NAME. It's always best to keep the original so that it's possible to return to it.

1. Firstly set the tempo to double (from 65 to 130 as you have done).

2. IMAGE 1 below shows how to set the time-base for Realtrack #2452 String Quartet in the style I'm using.

3. Do this for all the Realtracks and Realdrums in your style.

4. Because you are using an existing song, it's necessary to expand the chords so that one bar of chords covers two cells on the chords sheets.

5. To do this, use "Edit | Song form | Expand chords by 2" as shown on IMAGE 2.

This expands the duration of the chords so that, at the new double-tempo speed, two chordsheet cells at 130 bpm play in the same time as one chordsheet cell at 65 bpm.

Once the above steps are done, it will play properly.

Regards,
Noel


Noel, that did work. I was missing the expanding the chords part. Now the problem is that it doesn't play all the chords I enter. Example: Space 177a has an F that holds. Space 178 has F, F#, G and Ab (the walk up I am trying to get to play in time) but only the F and F# are playing and they still sound like eighth notes. The chromatic walk up is not fast enough.


BiAB 2024 UltraPak (Build 1111)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,832
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,832
Interesting...

The resolution of the chords could depend on the Realtracks. I'd have to investigate that.

Are you able to upload the SGU/MGU file to Dropbox and then private message me a Dropbox link so that I can download and look at the file?

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
Originally Posted By: Noel96
Interesting...

The resolution of the chords could depend on the Realtracks. I'd have to investigate that.

Are you able to upload the SGU/MGU file to Dropbox and then private message me a Dropbox link so that I can download and look at the file?

Regards,
Noel

Let me look into the dropbox thing.


BiAB 2024 UltraPak (Build 1111)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
Noel,
I haven't sorted out the drop box thing yet and just tried to PM you but it says you are not accepting private messages at this time.

Since I couldn't get the 1/8 note chord stuff to work I realized it wasn't really necessary for my guitar backing track to do it. I play the chord sequence on the uke and the guitar just hits on the quarter notes. Sounds just fine that way.
Thanks for your help.


BiAB 2024 UltraPak (Build 1111)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,832
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,832
Hi again Dominic,

I'm glad you've got something that you've happy with.

This concept is a tough one to handle when you are relatively new to BIAB or haven't played around too much with the program. I would class it as an "Advanced" concept. I'm sorry that my explanation was lacking. I'll review it and see if there is any way that I can make it easier to understand.

All the best with your music making,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2025
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
Noel, I don't believe your explanation was lacking. When I went through the process it just didn't work as I had hoped.

I have uploaded a couple files to dropbox that I would like to get to you along with an explanation of said files. As I mentioned before your account here is not accepting PMs.
Regards,
Dominic


BiAB 2024 UltraPak (Build 1111)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,035
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,035
Aside: the PG Music PM system caps us at 300 private messages. I hit that cap all the time and have to go in and clean up. Often, though, I get PMs when the question would be better suited for posting in the open forum because 1) collectively we know more than any one person and 2) everyone benefits from seeing the answer.


BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
D
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 48
Understood, Matt. In this case the song I'm working on and my explanation of the files I intend to provide Noel are probably best not to be posted directly in the forum. However, rest assured if we get this resolved I will post something so everyone can benefit from it.

I really appreciate everyone's willingness to help.


BiAB 2024 UltraPak (Build 1111)
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support

Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

Join the conversation on our forum.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.

Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Mac Videos — we’ll be adding more videos as they’re released!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.

If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 Italian Version is Here!

Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.

Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.

Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano

Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!

Bonjour à tous,

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music

Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:

BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation

Voilà, enjoy!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!

Band-in-a-Box 2025 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Die deutsche Version Band-in-a-Box® 2025 für Windows ist ab sofort verfügbar!

Alle die bereits die englische Version von Band-in-a-Box und RealBand 2024 installiert haben, finden hier die Installationsdateien für das Sprachenupdate:

https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025.exe
https://nn.pgmusic.com/pgfiles/languagesupport/deutsch2025RB.exe

Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!

Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.

Stay up to date—get the latest update now!

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,304
Posts777,544
Members39,613
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Claudio Paolini, bjornen71, CATBELLOU, Banjopotamus, BudLab
39,612 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 147
zedd 119
DC Ron 107
WaoBand 102
rsdean 90
nonchai 88
Today's Birthdays
Manos
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5