|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211 |
I've been grasping at straws for days now trying to figure this out and I figured by now I'd know what I was doing wrong.
Occasionally I would like to use BIAB to generate some solos for the solo-sections of the play-along CD's that I own. Most of these play-along's are from the Hal Leonard group -- Each of my books contain sheet music for a dozen or so jazz tunes and each book also contains a play-along CD with the backing tunes in MP3 format.
In a nutshell, I would like to be able to pull the MP3 in as an audio file (I've been using Audio Chord Wizard to do this), then pass this to BIAB where I could then instruct the soloist to create various instrument solos (one at a time) at a certain bar, for so many bars. I figured this would be great because I could listen to the solos one after another (picking a different instrument each time) and then finally choose the best solo arrangement (or combine different notation from one or more of these solos). I then just print the sheet music for my soloist instrument (i.e. trumpet, guitar, piano) and away I go! This is ideal because it lets me hear the solos against my backing track -- I could just type in my chords, set the style and let the program go, but then I don't get to hear the solo against my backing track. Also, I don't improvise well with piano and guitar and so, I actually do need more than the basic chord progressions to work from (the improved solo chords in my sheet music).
So, I thought that this would be pretty straight forward, but here's what is going on as best as I can explain it:
1. I'll pick a play-along tune.
2. The tune is in the key of: C and I want to solo for trumpet (B-flat instrument).
3. I use Audio Chord Wizard to pull in my MP3. Everything goes as planned and I send it to BIAB.
4. I test play it back in BIAB and sounds / looks good. BIAB notation shows I'm in the key of C.
5. Let's say that my solo needs to start off with the note - Middle C.
(at this point, when I play from my Hal Leonard book the MP3 is playing back fine and I'm in tune -- no problem). However ...
6. If I go into editable notation and insert a Middle C and play the note back, although it sounds okay (between my horn and the backing track), and it looks okay (my notation), when I have BIAB play the note however, it appears to be consistently off somehow -- I want a to hear my PC playing the note - C against the audio track (my backing track), but it seems like it's tone is a B-flat.
I can't change the key -- throws everything off. Can't transcribe -- throws everything off. The only thing left I thought to do was to try to set the Audio Chord Wizard to adapt by setting the 'out of tune' feature before sending it to BIAB but all that does is change the key!
I'm lost! Thank you in advance. I'm not thinking straight about this.
Ike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
You are aware that a trumpet play in Bflat. Thus to get a C you need to play a D. Or to get an F you play a G. There are rare C trumpets.
Other horns play in E, and I have a 3 valve G bugle. All require various transpositions.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
"I could just type in my chords, set the style and let the program go, but then I don't get to hear the solo against my backing track."
You could make a copy of the original .mp3 and rename it to the same as your song in BIAB (if it is different) and have BIAB play the .mp3 as an audio file. Then if you have typed in the chords in BIAB for the song correctly - and since you have the book with them it should be correct - you can generate the solo(s) in BIAB and mute all of the other instruments so only your soloist and the .mp3 play. That might work.
Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Sounds like he might have set BiaB to Transpose for the Trumpet...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211 |
Let me see if I can do a better job at explaining my problem ...
The program's Notation Preferences for the Transpose field is set to Trumpet (+2).
My sheet music is written for Trumpet (a B-flat instrument). At least that's what it says at the top of my sheet (the text reads Trumpet). For this given song that I'm using as an example, the paper sheet music shows me the song is in the key of-C. Outside of BIAB when I play along, my sheet music follows the MP3 playback intonation just fine (if I play a middle-C off from the original sheet music with my trumpet, the MP3's middle-C sounds the same).
Okay, I pull the MP3 into Audio Chord Wizard and it automatically sets the key to-C (I didn't have to do anything). When I move it to BIAB it shows me it's in the key of-C (the field to set the song's key shows this), however although the chords appear to be correct, the notation shows that I'm playing the key of-D.
The problem is that my sheet music (outside of BIAB) shows the key of-C (there, I would have no sharps or flats). The notation inside BIAB shows the key of-D (there, I would have F# and C#).
And yes, when I listen to a MIDI note-C on the staff played back by BIAB it's tone matches my trumpet's C. I'm not having a problem understanding that issue. What I'm having a problem with is that when I print my solo sheet out of BIAB, it doesn't match the key of the play along sheet music (which shows the key of-C). I'm in a different key depending on which one I use to play with (the original paper music in key-C, or the BIAB-produced solo in key-D, although the solo played over the MP3 sounds like the right key).
I don't feel like I'm getting what's happening although I'm trying hard to understand. I desperately need to understand before I can go any further and I appreciate all who can help me understand.
Thanks again.
Ike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I think you have to first turn off the BiaB Trumpet transpose feature, so that BiaB is "thinking" in Concert keys before doing the ACW.
AFTER doing the ACW and sending it to BiaB, then you can turn on the transpose feature again.
The song is really in Concert Bb...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
When I started learning horn at the young age of 50, I had a terrible time with it. My wife, who has 7 years of University and 15 years of piano and theory all in music just sailed along helping me. Now I get it. Took several years. Makes it tricky if I want to sing and play along at times, due to the fact I often like, say the key of A, so I end up playing in 5 sharps. At the outset that was out of the question, but I'm almost there, no key shakes me too badly. I don't like it much to be handed bass clef and told to add 3 flats, I just pass the music to my wife over 2 chairs and she writes the treble clef equivalents for the piece which for her takes like 2 minutes a page. Pees me off to no end that I can't do that...but now that the next birthday is the 60th I'm thinking about learning the sexaphone just fer fun.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
You could make a copy of the original .mp3 and rename it to the same as your song in BIAB (if it is different) and have BIAB play the .mp3 as an audio file. Then if you have typed in the chords in BIAB for the song correctly - and since you have the book with them it should be correct - you can generate the solo(s) in BIAB and mute all of the other instruments so only your soloist and the .mp3 play. That might work.
Good luck.
Barry has it right. Import the audio track, no need for the ACW and just enter the chords from your book.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211 |
My daughter and son-in-law have an apartment building and people moved out (one of those "thief in the night" moves). Evidently they moved just a bit too quick and left behind a nice flute and case.
Several years ago I had an accident which involved spine and head injuries. I've been on permanent, total disability since. Now I have trouble remembering things. Sometimes climbing back into music is so frustrating but my family and doc say it's all good. Things like this are especially troubling since I tutored piano and trumpet years ago and sometimes it's like I pick up the trumpet and feels totally foreign to me ... other times it's like there's never been a problem. So, I'm very thankful to all of you for answering (and re-answering) my questions -- some of them I'm ashamed to ask, but thankfully the non-contact, Internet environment is the perfect forum for me, otherwise I'd probably hang the music up permanently.
Anyhow, my daughter wants to know if I want to take up flute! OMG! Could I possibly confuse myself any further!
I'm already combining piano, guitar, trumpet. I'm now a comeback trumpet and a bit more serious on the guitar these days but my old jazz friends encourage me with my trumpet playing.
The Flute? I'm on the fence for now.
Ike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211 |
Quote:
Quote:
You could make a copy of the original .mp3 and rename it to the same as your song in BIAB (if it is different) and have BIAB play the .mp3 as an audio file. Then if you have typed in the chords in BIAB for the song correctly - and since you have the book with them it should be correct - you can generate the solo(s) in BIAB and mute all of the other instruments so only your soloist and the .mp3 play. That might work.
Good luck.
Barry has it right. Import the audio track, no need for the ACW and just enter the chords from your book.
Bob
Bob,
My sheet music doesn't have any chords printed.
Ike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 211 |
Quote:
I think you have to first turn off the BiaB Trumpet transpose feature, so that BiaB is "thinking" in Concert keys before doing the ACW.
AFTER doing the ACW and sending it to BiaB, then you can turn on the transpose feature again.
The song is really in Concert Bb...
--Mac
Mac,
I did this and as soon as I go back in and turn on the transpose feature (to trumpet), the notation switches to the key of-F (although when I use the soloist to generate a solo it sounds correct).
If I printed this out and handed it to a B-flat trumpet player, he'd still be off.
Ike
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I'm also a comeback trumpet player and I use a lot of playalong cds. My wife plays flute so we have a lot of the same cd playalongs with books. While the sheet music is obviously in different keys for the trumpet and flute, the cds are in the same key. All of the cd playalongs that I have are written for a C instrument. The same is true for fakebooks unless you buy one for a Bb instrument (these are not common).
You might want to check the video for the Real Band features. In it they show you how to put the chords in for an audio (mp3) file. They use the ACW to do that. However, I confess that I have not done what you are trying in BIAB. I have done a lot of arrangements for songs in BIAB for my wife and I. I always do it for a C instrument first. Then I save the file. Next, I transpose the melody up an octave for the flute and print out the notation. Then, I undo that transpose via the Edit menu. Next, I transpose for the trumpet by changing the key signature as needed. I then print out the notation. Finally I undo the transpose. The end result is that we now have the BIAB song, and notation printouts for both the flute and trumpet. If you play without charts, you don't need to bother with any printouts.
If I'm just starting from scratch before any chords are entered, etc., I use BIAB. If I'm working with existing tunes, tracks, or whatever, it's easier for me to use Real Band. If you have an existing BIAB song and all you want to do is change the style, then BIAB is the way to go. YMMV.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,617
Posts807,510
Members40,173
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean