|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2 |
I'm trying to use band in a box (version 10) to generate basslines for my piano playing. However, sometimes the bassline generated does not fit the chord. For example, when the chord is G7alt (or G7#5#9 or G7b9 -- it doesn't seem to matter how I enter it), the generated bassline will include the natural 9 (A, in this case), which is obviously wrong. Once it even played a natural 3 over a minor chord. Any suggestions on how to fix this will be appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716 |
Can you tell us what style or styles you are using when this occurs? I've seen this kind of aberration occur in piano voicings when embellishments are enabled in the style editor but not to the extent of producing a natural 3rd over a minor chord.
I haven't yet seen it in basslines, other than the chromatic 8th note sort that include non-chord tones but which are not stressed and always resolve to a more prominent chord tone. So it would be good to know the style so i can replicate the problem.
Regards
alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
You can force the bass.
For example C/G makes the bass note a g, where as just C allows for more latitude.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 88
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 88 |
I have noticed that the x7alt is not observed by BIAB very well, particularly with RealTracks.
I think part of the problem could be the confusion with, and differences of understanding of, the alt form. Hence, it is better to write out the chord exactly the way you want it, with all the tensions and altered tensions you desire: G7#5b9, for example.
(My personal understanding of the alt chord is this: Make sure you DON'T play an unaltered 5th or 9th. Raise 'em, lower 'em, or do both, but don't play natural five or nine.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2 |
I don't select any style, but it seems to be "zzjazz." The strange thing is that the piano voicings are correct; it's just the basslines that are wrong. I'm not talking about the unstressed chromatic passing tones that you refer to -- those would be fine. It's (for example) the natural 9th on a downbeat. The natural 3rd over a minor seems less common than the problem with the 9th.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 9 |
Hi all perhaps BiaB is just keeping tha bass out of the way of any melody line you may want to add.It is just like the jazz guitarist staying out of the way of the bass player.
Tom
The more you think about something the harder it will be to achieve.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716 |
I see the problem now. The natural A sounds especially out of place on a G7b9 chord. With a G7#9 the bass line seemed to avoid this however.
I flagged up a similar problem with the way bass lines sometimes work in BIAB which wasn't taken up by anyone. It seems that in many of the jazz styles the bass will ignore a b9 and simply play a major triad or 7th chord figure instead.
The issue for me can't be explained away by saying that the bass is keeping out of the way. If you have a 'bass and drums only' accompaniment you want the bass line to reflect the harmony better than this. You might get away with it in a tune with lots of changes, but in any other setting, say a modal tune, it sounds plain wrong.
Regards
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
(My personal understanding of the alt chord is this: Make sure you DON'T play an unaltered 5th or 9th. Raise 'em, lower 'em, or do both, but don't play natural five or nine.)
Well, that's my understanding of the ALT chord also.
It gives *options* to the player.
In my experience, *any* combination of the 7 chord can be played in the circumstance, as long as the player always alters the 5 or the 9 -- if either is played.
That would be in any of the possible iterations:
no5, b9
no5, #9
b5, no9
#5, no9
b5, b9
#5, b9
b5, #9
--And, of course, just playing the tritone of the chord as well (dated sounding, perhaps, but never a clash).
Now, with BiaB, the choice is going to be dictated by the masks within the chosen Style file and what's available there.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
I don't select any style, but it seems to be "zzjazz." The strange thing is that the piano voicings are correct; it's just the basslines that are wrong. I'm not talking about the unstressed chromatic passing tones that you refer to -- those would be fine. It's (for example) the natural 9th on a downbeat. The natural 3rd over a minor seems less common than the problem with the 9th.
Hi,
It would be a nice thing if you could upload a BB songfile example of what you are getting at your end and then put the URL to the song here. "Freeze" the song first. Filesizes are small enough to attach to emails in multiples when you do that, regardless of use of RealTracks or not. All that is required is that the user at the other end have the same raw RealTracks available.
Thanks in Advance,
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716 |
Mac
Simply set up a file with one chord G7alt of G7b9 using the ZZJAZZ style and you can hear for yourself what chazz is referring to.
Regards
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Mac
Simply set up a file with one chord G7alt of G7b9 using the ZZJAZZ style and you can hear for yourself what chazz is referring to.
Regards
Alan
My first thought is this: "A 'song' that consists of one chord and one chord only, and that chord being an Altered chord, is not likely to be a situation that the program was designed to encounter."
I'll check it out later, for sure, but I think I'm going to find that when the Alt chord is surrounded by *other* chords in a progression that makes harmonic sense, perhaps the note choice will be a little nicer...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716 |
Mac
Yes of course, this was only a suggestion to isolate the problem not a real case scenario. But even over the span of 2 -4 bars, which is a more realistic test, it's nevertheless just as intrusive; all the more so if you're using only the bass to outline the harmony.
Regards
Alan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,628
Posts794,128
Members39,925
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean