|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4 |
I'm writing a song in F major.
That means the A minor is IIIm7, and of course is phrygian!
Using Am or Am7 or even Am11 - there shouldn't be a 9. (because the 9 would be a B natural which is not part of F major diatonic)
But BIAB always adds the 9 (that is the B natural) to the chord, which is a "wrong" note - a sounds terrible.
Is there a way to enter a (phrygian) minor chord without the 9 (but still the 7 and/or the 11) ???
PS Also cannnot use Am6, because the 6 would be the f#, and f# is not part of phrygian mode.
Last edited by blackpocus; 11/26/20 07:13 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,471
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,471 |
Welcome to the forum.
Interesting question. I tried Am7(b9) but BIAB doesn't accept that chord.
I don't know.
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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4 |
Interesting question. I tried Am7(b9) but BIAB doesn't accept that chord.
Even if that works, it would sound like C 13. We need something like "Am11 no 9" Like some Songs have harmonies like "Em9 no b7". It's getting close to quartal/quintal harmonies, which btw also doesn't work in BIAB.
Last edited by blackpocus; 11/26/20 11:41 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
Are you trying to stay in BIAB or are you willing to go into your DAW. I think you have seen the limitations of BIAB when you try to specify voicings or these model extensions. I agree with you "...don't work in BIAB".
Ya, there are workarounds, but the bottom line is BIAB was simply not designed for this fine detail. That doesn't stop you using the strengths of BIAB to do the grunt work to layout your arrangement and accompaniments. But this fine tuning needs to go to your DAW. And of course forget about RTs. This needs a midi solution. I write and edit my extended chordal arrangements in Scaler2 which gives you this control over the chordal notes. Then I combine the BIAB tracks with Scaler chords in Reaper.
Just a suggestion others may have other ideas.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,471
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,471 |
MIDI, yes, or Melodyne for audio.
From within BIAB, the first thing I would try is to turn off Natural Arrangement. It won't give you all the pitches you are looking for, but it may reduce pitches you definitely do not want.
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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 460
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 460 |
Not sure exactly the sound you're looking for, but you might try Am/G which would be an inverted Am7. The notes would be G A C E.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4 |
Not sure exactly the sound you're looking for, but you might try Am/G which would be an inverted Am7. The notes would be G A C E.
I'm looking for Am7 - phrygian. Phrygian mode doesn't allow the b9 as extension, but the 11. The notes are: a - c - e - g - d. For example: a song in F major using strictly diatonic chords and diatonic harmonies: the melody could be like: a-g-a-bb-c the harmony: Am7 (IIIm7 - phrygian) BIAB generates always (dorian) m7 with the 9, the b-natural ! (That in fact is an unwanted change of the key) The b-natural in the comping and the b-flat in the melody of course clash and sound terrible. I tried C69/A (c-e-g-a-d) and D9sus4/A (d-g-a-c-e), but BIAB in both cases add the B-natural. (For C69 this is simply wrong, because C6 means 6 instead of maj7 - for D9sus4 it's possible) Is there a way to enter the voicings/harmonies I want and F4 doesn't overwrite them ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
Didn't this answer your question? .... you have seen the limitations of BIAB when you try to specify voicings or these modal extensions "...don't work in BIAB".
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
I don't understand any of this! But I love Friggin' Minor chords!! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,808 |
New in BIAB 2021 • Auto-Fix "sour" notes - out-of-tune notes in RealTracks will be auto corrected to match chord tones.
Not sure what this is but am wondering if this is an attempt to address voicings and chordal extensions??
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,732
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,732 |
MIDI, yes, or Melodyne for audio.
From within BIAB, the first thing I would try is to turn off Natural Arrangement. It won't give you all the pitches you are looking for, but it may reduce pitches you definitely do not want. THIS^^^^ Melodyne ( the polyphonic version ) lets you work with audio in the polyphonic world. I have melodyne and have used it to change one note in a piano chord. It works well for this purpose. Better, actually at removing the note totally or changing one note a half step or so..... verses changing the whole chord.... but yes, this is a solution. Sometimes you are just going to have to think and work out of the box to get things done. AS great as BiaB is, there are somethings it simply won't be able to do easily. Another option.... and I've done this as well.... make TWO copies of the song using the same chords. Change the key signature in one of them to allow it to create that ONE CHORD accurately. Then use a DAW to gene splice the correct chord into the proper place in the song where everything else is correct except that one errant chord. Like I said... think out of the box.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
I'm certainly risking revealing my profound ignorance of advanced theory with this, but whatever:
Is your melody (or piece of the melody) in an actual Phrygian scale? F Phrygian?
The 3rd degree of a Phrygian scale is flatted, compared to Major. The III chord from harmonizing a Phrygian scale is a flatted Major chord, not a minor chord at all.
If your issue is that certain real tracks may be playing a note that clashes with your melody, then the above advice from others is excellent. It MAY be, though, that your harmony (or the spelling of your harmony) is more at fault.
https://scottdavies.net/chords_and_scales/music.html?root=-1&accidentals=2&q=C+G+A+A%E2%99%AF%2FB%E2%99%AD&hide_instructions=0
or:
https://scottdavies.net/chords_and_scales/music.html?root=-1&accidentals=0&q=C+D+E+G+A+A%E2%99%AF&hide_instructions=0
Confidence is high that any of those that contain a Bb will avoid the B even as a "flavor" note. Confidence is mixed that some may not instead introduce other undesired notes. Confidence is guarded that any particular Real Track may have some of the higher extension "jazzier" chords in repertoire, but who knows?
And if I'm missing or misunderstanding something altogether, feel free to ignore or call me rude names.
Last edited by Tangmo; 11/28/20 11:19 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 4 |
Is your melody (or piece of the melody) in an actual Phrygian scale? F Phrygian?
I'm writing a song in F major.
That means the A minor is IIIm7, and of course is phrygian!
The melody is phrygian related to the A minor harmony. Don't forget, the a-phrygian scale consists of the same notes as the f-ionian scale ... But the issue here is, that BIAB treats every minor chord as dorian.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,035
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,035 |
- What are your 'Natural Arrangements' setting for the specific song?
- Have you tried generating the song with Natural Arrangements 'On' and did that change your results?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Songwriting
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
OK, I kind of almost barely understand now.  I still think those links might be useful to you to find a substitute spelling. One link is for the notes listed in your sample melody, the other for the notes in that scale you listed. Especially true if you add a slash note. Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,807
Posts796,437
Members39,961
| |
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|