Here is a full list of the chords recognized by Band-in-a-Box. The chord names have to be entered exactly as shown here. Alternative spellings for the same chord type will not be recognized. https://www.pgmusic.com/tutorial_chordlist.htm
Instead of typing in the chord names, you could alternatively use the Chord Builder window. Right click the bar you wish to enter a chord, then select Chord Build in the menu.
Yes, and it's even more than that. BIAB does not distinguish between a 2 chord, an add2 chord, an add9 chord, and a sus2 chord. All are handled as 2 chords in BIAB. So even if you can type them in, they are treated internally as the same chord.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Here is a full list of the chords recognized by Band-in-a-Box. The chord names have to be entered exactly as shown here. Alternative spellings for the same chord type will not be recognized. https://www.pgmusic.com/tutorial_chordlist.htm
Instead of typing in the chord names, you could alternatively use the Chord Builder window. Right click the bar you wish to enter a chord, then select Chord Build in the menu.
I don't quite understand. Can you tell me directly which Cadd9 is?
Yes, and it's even more than that. BIAB does not distinguish between a 2 chord, an add2 chord, an add9 chord, and a sus2 chord. All are handled as 2 chords in BIAB. So even if you can type them in, they are treated internally as the same chord.
Yes, as you enter them into BIAB, and they are all converted to a 2 chord. But No, as far as classical theory, where the meaning of the four chords I gave is different for each. Don't forget, you may hear any of the four being played by a RealTrack artist.
And if you mean, are there other ways to enter C7+ into BIAB? Yes. C7#5 or C7aug (which isn't on the 2018 chart).
C9+ is also possible by C9#5 but C9aug does not work.
I can't wait for the next question, about Bflat9 versus Bnatural with a flatted nine...
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Yes. Cadd9 is the same notes as Cadd2 because in C, the 9 and the 2 are both the note D.
Strictly, the 9 is in the next octave above the C, but in practice it is often played as the 2, because the "quality" of the chord is the same.
We often do the same with 11 and 13. Any or all of these may be modified by a flat (b) or a sharp (#).
If 9 is the same as 2, you might want to think about which notes 11 and 13 are the same as.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Yes, as you enter them into BIAB, and they are all converted to a 2 chord. But No, as far as classical theory, where the meaning of the four chords I gave is different for each. Don't forget, you may hear any of the four being played by a RealTrack artist.
And if you mean, are there other ways to enter C7+ into BIAB? Yes. C7#5 or C7aug (which isn't on the 2018 chart).
C9+ is also possible by C9#5 but C9aug does not work.
I can't wait for the next question, about Bflat9 versus Bnatural with a flatted nine...
thanks!
My next question is, Asus4 and Asus2 sound different But only Asus can be recognized in Biab?
If 9 is the same as 2, you might want to think about which notes 11 and 13 are the same as.
This has me wondering, what is the highest numbered interval? I mean, they could stop at 7 and start over at 2, but they don’t, so you get 9 etc. Where does it stop? 13? Could it go even higher, into the next octave, for 16ths and 18ths etc.?
To be clear, I'm not asking about what notes exist or what can be played, I'm asking if any musician would actually speak of something like a C18th chord.
I guess this is because the main intervals we express are odd ... 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 & 13, but the 9, 11 & 13 equate to even interval notes in the next octave up, then 15 would be back to the root note again. There's no need to continue.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
...I'm asking if any musician would actually speak of something like a C18th chord.
A fair question to ask. No, I've never encountered anything over 13. And for people just learning, when you see these upper notes above an octave, just subtract 7 to get the same pitch in the register one octave lower. 13=6. 11=4. 9=2.
So yes, Gordon, 15 - 7 = 8, which is the same tone (just in a higher register) as the root since 8 - 7 = 1.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Yes, as you enter them into BIAB, and they are all converted to a 2 chord. But No, as far as classical theory, where the meaning of the four chords I gave is different for each. Don't forget, you may hear any of the four being played by a RealTrack artist.
And if you mean, are there other ways to enter C7+ into BIAB? Yes. C7#5 or C7aug (which isn't on the 2018 chart).
C9+ is also possible by C9#5 but C9aug does not work.
[size:8pt]I can't wait for the next question, about Bflat9 versus Bnatural with a flatted nine...[/size.
I mean this message.
thanks!
My next question is, Asus4 and Asus2 sound different But only Asus can be recognized in Biab?
My next question is, Asus4 and Asus2 sound different But only Asus can be recognized in Biab?
When someone says to you, play a sus chord, 'sus' is an abbreviation of 'suspended' and it is just assumed they mean sus4. BIAB assumes that, too, and omits writing the '4'.
Sus2 is an unusual chord, and some musicians do not even recognize it as a suspended chord at all (does it resolve, and where - a discussion for a different day). Somewhere in one of these many threads on chords for BIAB, I explained to you that BIAB handles a sus2 chord as a 2 chord. Do you see why it should, and will, sound different now from a sus4 chord?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Here is a full list of the chords recognized by Band-in-a-Box. The chord names have to be entered exactly as shown here. Alternative spellings for the same chord type will not be recognized. https://www.pgmusic.com/tutorial_chordlist.htm
Instead of typing in the chord names, you could alternatively use the Chord Builder window. Right click the bar you wish to enter a chord, then select Chord Build in the menu.
Thanks Chantelle. This was very helpful. Love that trick for using "3" for "#" because I am often typing one handed while holding my guitar. Cool!
When someone says to you, play a sus chord, 'sus' is an abbreviation of 'suspended' and it is just assumed they mean sus4. BIAB assumes that, too, and omits writing the '4'.
Sus2 is an unusual chord, and some musicians do not even recognize it as a suspended chord at all (does it resolve, and where - a discussion for a different day). Somewhere in one of these many threads on chords for BIAB, I explained to you that BIAB handles a sus2 chord as a 2 chord. Do you see why it should, and will, sound different now from a sus4 chord?
OK. What the teacher meant is that in BIAB, Asus=Asus4, Right?
I'm on shaky ground now. I think by then we've gone right through the list and it's back to the Maj7 again, though I accept that's a weak argument on my part. One could also define it as ##13 and avoid the subject :-)
The simple(?) 9, 11 & 13 imply also the additional notes below them in the sequence, so 13 implies also 7, 9 & 11, though they're quite often omitted. I believe "add" means explicitely to only the named note, but I'm ready to be corrected on that. That still means that Cm7add11 has five notes in it.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
OK, looking at that chord, I think I've answered my own question. Partially.
A dominant 13th is adding a new pitch class to the chord, like A in the key of C. That pitch class is not present in the chord below it.
However, a "dominant 14th" just doubles the 7th, like Bb in the key of C. That pitch class is already present in the chord below it, so you're not really adding anything.
Of course, you could raise the seventh to a B and keep the 14th as a Bb, or raise the 14th to a B ...
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean