I bought a Trio+ and it's fun but not a lot of tools. I bought BIAB Friday and then I said whoa! The interface is soooo cluttered. I am sure this is a powerful application but I'd just like to quickly get started with a simple song.
If you can help, that would be appreciated.
How do I get started simply to create for example an Eagles song Tequila Sunrise that I can play along with.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
BiaB started out as an auto accompaniment app, and at it's core it still is. A lot of extra functions have been added through the years, and they definitely expanded the possibilities of what BiaB can do, but underneath all that it's still the best auto-accompaniment software available.
So start with that function. Type in the chords, choose a style, and play it back. Once you get a good handle on that, start investigating the other functions of BiaB one at a time, and in no time at all, you'll be a BiaB pro and able to help other newbies on this forum.
While the user interface provides easy access to many, but by no means all, of the options in Band-in-a-Box not that many of the buttons are needed to create a song file.
A website called +++ The Guitar Band dot Com +++ has a downloadable pdf file with step-by-step instructions to creating your first Band-in-a-Box song. The webpage also has an overview of what buttons to use. The website also has some song files available for download, more tutorials and pre-recorded MP3 audio files.
I said those exact words when I first got it, and thanks to the knowledgeable, gracious people here who are willing to share that knowledge, I had clarity in about 3 months. From there you polish, you test styles, test which artists real tracks serve you best.... many of us have actually put out CDs that were largely tracks from BIAB, or in my case, my preference, Real Band. Get used to the styles. You can go there and using the preview function get a feel for what the style will deliver without even creating anything. I have done rock, country, folk, jazz, trance, alt/indie.... all with these styles and tracks.
And when you get the hang of it, please don't request changes via the Wishlist because you will make the interface even more confusing for the next beginner........
Overwhelmed is an understatement for a new user who does not read music, nor is a computer whiz. I am a harmonica player, mostly folk-rock and some blues that plays by ear but needs to work with other musicians on song arrangements, beginnings, bridges, endings, ect. Would like to expand my horizons on song writing and arranging. I bought the 2020 version (Mac) and have watched practically all the tutorials for beginners, here and on YouTube. I have come to the conclusion that need an On-line Tutor that can spend some time with me to get me up to speed, at least for some (I think relatively) simple uses of BIAB and I am willing to pay for one. Any takers? davidstegall@me.com
Thank you Matt! I'm in Birmingham, AL but I do not think this would have to be done in person (although would be nice). But I think I could be talked through it if someone was familiar with the program and patient!
Yes... Band in a Box can be overwhelming due to the fact that it has Sooooooo much in it.
I might use about 15% of it's capabilities. The rest just collects dust since I know what I want to do, and use only the things that help me accomplish that goal. To me, that 15% is still worth the price of admission.
So... my advice.... figure out what you need and watch the videos PG has on their support videos page, and learn to do what you need. Once you get to that point, then, when you have the time or the need to investigate the other things under the hood..... explore them. I found them to be very useful but not to me. If I was learning to play, or wanted to do the things that are in the rest of the program, they would be extremely handy. All I need is wave tracks for the songs I write so I simply learned how to make them happen.
Anyway.... that's my 2 cents worth.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
Thank you Guitarhacker! I suspect my use of the capabilities is very limited also. My problem is the tutorials assume I know things I do not know. Not to mention the plethora of options on the Dashboard and it is not as simple as figuring out what those things are, there are other steps and options that are causing me to take hours to days and still not exactly know how I did what. I would gladly pay someone to just run through a few simple things that I need to know so I do not have to poke around and re-learn it every time I try to do it. I am sure someone will step forward to help me and I appreciate your insights and experience.
I saw that you said you had seen most of the tutorials already but here's the direct link to all the BIAB MAC videos for you to peruse in case you didn't catch all that you wanted. Enjoy!
Thank you Guitarhacker! I suspect my use of the capabilities is very limited also. My problem is the tutorials assume I know things I do not know. Not to mention the plethora of options on the Dashboard and it is not as simple as figuring out what those things are, there are other steps and options that are causing me to take hours to days and still not exactly know how I did what. I would gladly pay someone to just run through a few simple things that I need to know so I do not have to poke around and re-learn it every time I try to do it. I am sure someone will step forward to help me and I appreciate your insights and experience.
So this simply means you might need to back up a bit and watch a few previous videos in the PG support page.... or come to the forum and ask very specific questions, providing as much detail as you can. Folks are knowledgeable and are willing to help. Post the questions in the proper forum and you will get better and quicker answers.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 10/27/2002:59 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
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