Hi, I'm wondering if there is a way to get the BIAB Soloist to follow a midi track written into the Melodist exactly note for note? For example, if I think up an intro guitar riff in my head, and then enter those notes into the melodist, can I then get the soloist to follow that melody line exactly so I end up having the intro riff sound like a real guitar and with the exact notes and only the notes I want? Could this be done with a guitar Real Track? I'm happy for BIAB to work around the chords and have license to vary the instrumentation, drum fills etc, as required within the body of the song, but I would like certain parts of the song to have a guitar (or possibly another instrument) play note for note what I've composed in my head. I'm an average acoustic guitarist and don't have the ability (or guitar) to play the riff myself. For previous songs I've written, I've been able to explain to a musician (usually guitarist) exactly what I'm after and then work with them to create and record it.
RealTracks are precorded phrases and licks which BIAB picks and chooses to creat a guitar part. if the musician didn't play it, you can get it to play as audio.
However, for what you want to do,midi allows you to play any notes or riffs. If you use a midi keyboard you can play in the riff at a slow speed and create and edit it until you get it right.
Then, what affects the sound is the quality of the synth playing the midi notes. Even on the TTS1 (the GM synth that lots of us use) the guitar sounds are a little unconvincing. You can however buy vst guitars that will sound better. watch the video here to get the main idea https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aw5v7JRWUmo
What you are looking for is a high end guitar sampler. There are a lot of good acoustic and electric samplers coming out for strumming and picking and they are getting better by the day.
Realistic-sounding "lead" samples are just not possible, though, I don't think, because so much goes into a good acoustic or electric lead in terms of how aggressive or light you are with your touch, etc., whether you use vibrato, bends and so forth. It becomes an expression of the artist's soul. That is hard to program.
A good acoustic lead does not have to be fancy. Eric Clapton doesn't actually play a lot of notes in one of his leads, it is all about HOW he plays them.
For acoustic leads, if you can play, I would encourage to simply practice an hour a day and learn how to do it yourself. Primarily, because it is fun and it will make you feel good.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
I was hoping that the soloist could be programmed to follow the melodist as it has the following features, which on the surface looked interesting for the result I'm looking for:
- There is a setting for the % the Melody Influences Solo. There is not much detail in the manual as to how this actually works. I tried this but couldn't get the effect I was after.
-There is also a custom soloist setting where you can program a lot of features but it looks quite complex and not for the faint hearted.
-There is also a soloist wizard where it seems you can play any keys on the keyboard and the soloist will play a solo in the same rhythm and timing of what your fingers play.
I was also thinking of whether using a midi super track rather than a Real track as the soloist could work (maybe for a piano soloist as there are no midi super tracks for lead guitar).
I'll try all the options that are in the soloist settings, and even if it is a useless exercise, I'll learn something on the way.
Thanks for your suggestions on the equipment that could help produce what I'm looking for - I'll investigate these as well.
I'll let you know if I can make it work in anyway. The VST guitar from guitar from AMPLE as suggested by Bob Calver would also work. Plenty to investigate...
The VST from Ample sounds great, but an acoustic player, will, of course, say it doesn't not sound "lifelike"--at least for leads.
But of course they will say that, right?
What I find interesting about the screenshots I sent, is it SEEMS you can change the NOTES in those Real TRACK solos. If that is the cause, and you can get it to work, that is a game changer.
I don't have time to mess with it right now, but if in fact you can generate a solo, and then go back and change some of the NOTES in it, that opens up new vistas.
I already found you can change the phrasing (legato for example) in the the main menu pop up. That in itself is cool.
So, if you fiddle with changing notes and it works, let me know!!
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
You can edit a RealTrack notation all you want but it's wasted work. The changes will disappear as soon as you regenerate the track.
Let's say after you edit the RealTrack notation you freeze the track. The audio portion of the RealTrack will continue to playback the original RealTrack audio while the notation will no longer accurately represent the track.
The editing functions work when you use a MIDI based Soloist. MIDI based Soloist have been around longer than RealTracks. Band-in-a-Box has users that prefer MIDI to RealTracks because MIDI is easy to edit.
Thanks for your reply. I think the way I'll approach it is to create a custom soloist in the style of guitar I'm after and then just work through all the settings and see if it can follow a simple midi track. I've had BIAB for a number of years without really delving into it very deeply. I have more time at the moment, so will try and see what I can figure out with my limited knowledge.
RealTracks that load with notation have what is referred to as RealCharts. As an example, with the ones we released for RealDrums, the MIDI that makes up these RealCharts can actually be used as the basis for MIDI drum parts. In Band-in-a-Box, the MIDI that makes up the RealCharts can be copied to a "Utility" track in the 2021 version of the program, where it can trigger a MIDI drum patch. In the DAW plugin version of Band-in-a-Box, the MIDI can be dragged right from the plugin into a track in the DAW, where you can then also apply a MIDI drum patch. So it does have some uses!
Jim, so from what you're saying then, all the functions such as getting the soloist to follow the melody in % terms and other advanced editing functions, only really apply if the soloist is a midi track? Have I got that right?
StevieB, correct. Your description matches my understanding.
Your idea to use MIDI SuperTrack instead of a RealTrack should work. The main limitation I can think of is you will want to keep the playback track that contains the MIDI SuperTrack frozen except for when you are editing the MIDI.
The differences between MIDI generated by a style and MIDI generated by a MIDI SuperTrack are where the MIDI originates and how the MIDI is created.
MIDI styles contain one or more MIDI pattern generators. The patterns are created or edited by using the StyleMaker (File > StyleMaker). I know the StyleMaker is a powerful tool but I haven't used it.
MIDI SuperTracks contain a MIDI riff or MIDI musical phrase recorded while a session musician played a chart. MIDI SuperTracks also have a MIDI sound module and MIDI patch selected by PG Music. The UltraPAK and Audiophile editions include all package MIDI SuperTracks.
A forum member, Icelander, performed some Melody track tests. He found that when the Melody track has a MIDI melody, RealTrack generation was influenced by the data in the Melody track MIDI. So when you're having trouble getting RealTracks to do what you want, try entering a simple MIDI melody.
A thought. The UltraPAK or Audiophile editions come with more than 800 RealTrack solos.
Thanks Jim, I sort of get what you're saying. I have the 2020 UnltraPak so have the features you mentioned. I guess one of the limitations is that if I put my midi melody on the Melody Track and then try and create that exact melody on the soloist track using a Midi Supertrack as the soloist instrument, I can't do anything like a lead guitar as there are no Midi Supertracks for such an instrument. I'm trying to write modern country orientated music and so a lead guitar riff at the intro and throughout the song is important. I know what I want the exact notes to be and their timing, but creating it is the problem. I'm not after perfection so maybe a VST guitar would be the way to go, and use BIAB for the all the other parts of the song which don't have to be so specific. I haven't written much for a while, but am looking to write more in the future. Here's a couple of things I did in a studio and was able to get the riff played as I wanted:
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.
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!
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This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
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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!
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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.
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