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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 ...
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
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.
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.
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.