I`m wondering if anyone could help me put some chords to a song I`ve written.
I retired a while back and decided I`d like to try my hand at writing songs as I`ve always loved music, my problem is I dont play an instrument, so I`ve been using loops, and thats fine if you write the song to the loop, but if you create the song first its hard to find a loop that fits.
So, I`ve found bandinabox, and its terrific, no doubt about it, I`ve started watching all the help videos, but I`m a long way off the pace yet.
I`d like to find out what my song sounds like with some chords behind it.
Anyway thats where I am, and if someone has the time I`d really be very grateful.
I`m wondering if anyone could help me put some chords to a song I`ve written. ... I`d like to find out what my song sounds like with some chords behind it.
Firstly, Welcome.
Just to clarify, you've written a song, but currently it has no chords.
Does your song have a Melody that you composed?
Does your song have Lyrics that you have written?
Do you have a musical style in mind? Pop, Rock, Metal, Latin, Swing, Jazz, Hip Hop, etc?
What version of BiaB do you have? Pro, Ultra, and what year etc.
Give us a base to start from. There will be people here who can offer some suggestions to get you going.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I`ve got the melody and the lyrics writen, I`ve posted them on Drop Box, I just did the first verse as there is no choras as such, I see it as contempory folk, maybe acoustic guitar, I`m using version 19.
record the melody import it into BIAB and have the Chord Wizard analyse it and offer chords... Not as easy as it was in previous versions of BIAB, for me, but since you'd be learning it 1st time you won't have problems with old way versus new.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
record the melody import it into BIAB and have the Chord Wizard analyse it and offer chords... Not as easy as it was in previous versions of BIAB, for me, but since you'd be learning it 1st time you won't have problems with old way versus new.
Thanks rayc, I`ll try that.
ps. Sorry about the number of same posts, they didn`t show up at the time.
Thanks rayc, I`ll try that. ps. Sorry about the number of same posts, they didn`t show up at the time. Dev
That's not an uncommon thing mate. If you know how you can actually record the melody right into BIAB. Record the melody where ever you can - even a phone but it's REALLY helpful if you can remove as much empty file from before your melody so that you're not going nuts trying to line things up...If you have a version of BIAB developed before 2022 you might find the Audio Chord Wizard a little less daunting. Best advice...record the melody and then re & reread the sections about the ACW...and be prepared to have a few goes learning how it works. Once you've sorted it you'll have something that will make your songwriting life much easier. oh, probably best to just record one each of your verse and chorus as if your pitch or memory wanders as you record it BIAB will reflect that. It's no big thing to copy verses and choruses in the chord or arranging window once you have the results of the ACW. Good luck.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I`ve managed to get the vocals into chord wizard but so far its playing the chords its suggested far to slow, and it wont let me change the tempo,but I`ve got the rest of the week-end to play around with it.
SO.... Using the ACW to figure things out when you are first getting started can be an exercise in frustration. I know the problems I have encountered trying to use it and I halfway know my way around BB.
try it this way.
Open a new project and select STYLES.... the style picker opens and you can then listen to the styles in BB in the demo mode. Use the filter for genre to limit the option to that particular genre..... Pop, Medium rock, Salsa, Easy jazz.... etc... whatever you think the song needs to be.
Once you find something you think would sound good and work for your potential song.... Select it.
Most songs have 3 basic chords... which are the 1 the 4 and the 5.... or in a key of say C major..... the C the F and the G. Knowing that... start with a C and add the chords necessary to fit what you're hearing in your head. You can easily change the tempo and the key if it works better in a different tempo or key. While you may not know much about BB now... or music theory... you will learn quickly and be able to create new songs quickly and easily using this method. Even now, I still start out pretty much this same way as I just described. Pick a style, and start entering chords.... add, delete, copy, paste, delete, and in no time I have a song that pretty much works. Once you get a verse...and a chorus..... use Copy/paste to quickly add the remainder of the verses and choruses. This saves a lot of time. Delete the measures/bars you don't need and hit the ending..... waaa laaa.... a song is born.
Ask more questions if you run into things you don't understand or can't figure out. Also.... watch the videos in the video support section of the PG music website. LOTS of good solid advice and information to be had in there.
Good luck
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Herb has you started off in the right direction and BIAB makes it REALLY easy to do what he just said, with Chord Builder. See attached screenshot. You get to it through "Edit" on the top of the menu. Or use Chord Builder icon at the near bottom right hand side of the screen, before the chord input bars start (just above User Tracks Icon).
This is all very simple, actually. Let me break it down.
1.) Yes, Herb is right. In Pop, country, whatever you basically have 4 chords--the I, IV, V, and VI minor.
In the Key of C, that would be C, F, G, Am.
2. There are approximately 24 "standard" chord progressions built from just these four.
For example, at one chord per measure in a fast song, the Verse chords could go:
C, F, G, C, or they could go C, F, C, G, or they go could C, F, C, F, or they could go Am, C, F, C
But at any rate, if you just "shuffle" your choices starting with the I, IV, V, or VI, you get at least 24 common variations--or more, depending on your variations. Try them all.
For slower songs, you would have 2 chords per measure, kinda sorta, but the concept is the same.
3. The non-fast but general "kinda sorta" rule is that you can't start the Verse and chorus on the same chord. This is not hard and fast, but the idea is, try to do something different in the chorus. If you start the verse on C in the Key of C, try starting on G in the chorus for a lift. If you started the verse on G in the Key of C, it might work well to start the chorus on C (the I). Try it.
4. Look at the Chord Builder. If you click on any chord you will heard it play and it will enter it for you. If you don't like that sound, pick another chord.
5. Once you do what Herb said and START the song by punching in some common standard version of a I, IV, V, VI minor you call THEN go to chord builder and look at all the chords on the top row that will work in that progression. Try them and see how they sound. The lower rows are for jazz. (But the slash chords are also critical for rock, folk and pop to build emotion. You must master them.)
So, Chord Builder makes it really easy to experiment. Really easy. Try it, use it, experiment. Have fun. That is what music is.
P.S. You also have to find your range before you put chord to a melody. For example, lots of baritones are most comfortable in the Keys Eb, E, F, G, Ab, A, Bb, B or C, in that order, where C contains the highest notes you would hit.
If you were to write a song in the key of G where the highest notes are above middle C in the Key of G, then a baritone would not be able to hit those easily. That is, some baritones cannot sing a high melody in the key of G unless it is shifted down a whole octave, and that doesn't sound right.
If you write a melody in the key of G with high notes, and the Baritone says, I can't do that, try the Key of C with the melody transposed down. If it still does not work, try Bb.
Hope this makes sense.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
I`ve managed to get the vocals into chord wizard but so far its playing the chords its suggested far to slow, and it wont let me change the tempo,but I`ve got the rest of the week-end to play around with it.
Dev
Well, That's sort of typical. I've rarely managed to get a great result but I usually get enough information to carry on with. If 'twere me... I'd copy the chord sequence...screen shot or similar Go back into the "normal" chord entry section of BIAB, Select a style & tempo that suit as a staring point Enter the chords playing around with things until I find I can sing along with it.
From there I'd tweak the arrangement etc. and then record a vocal TO the BIAB backing.
Last edited by rayc; 07/17/2210:33 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I`ve managed to get the vocals into chord wizard but so far its playing the chords its suggested far to slow, and it wont let me change the tempo,but I`ve got the rest of the week-end to play around with it.
Dev
Well, That's sort of typical. I've rarely managed to get a great result but I usually get enough information to carry on with. If 'twere me... I'd copy the chord sequence...screen shot or similar Go back into the "normal" chord entry section of BIAB, Select a style & tempo that suit as a staring point Enter the chords playing around with things until I find I can sing along with it.
From there I'd tweak the arrangement etc. and then record a vocal TO the BIAB backing.
Thanks again rayc, that certainly helps and I can get a working backing track, though I cant get the feel I hear in my head.
I`m also having some success with the advice from Guitarhacker and David Snyder, but again I cant pin down the feel I hear, I`m trying out some different styles so hopefully I find something I`m happy with.
Its fun though and I`m learning things I didn`t know!!
Thanks again rayc, that certainly helps and I can get a working backing track, though I cant get the feel I hear in my head.
I`m also having some success with the advice from Guitarhacker and David Snyder, but again I cant pin down the feel I hear, I`m trying out some different styles so hopefully I find something I`m happy with.
Its fun though and I`m learning things I didn`t know!!
Can you name a song that has a similar feel? If so type it in the song filter.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia. She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I've been following your thread, and reading all the excellent replies, but my advice to you is different:
Get yourself an instrument, and spend some time learning it. Guitar, piano, anything you can play chords on. Honestly, you can't learn music on a computer.
You can buy instruments for less than $500 that will help you learn. I'm not plugging anything, but Casio Privia's are a good place to start. You can get them even cheaper on the used instrument market. Even a guitar from Sears will be enough to get you started.
I've been following your thread, and reading all the excellent replies, but my advice to you is different:
Get yourself an instrument, and spend some time learning it. Guitar, piano, anything you can play chords on. Honestly, you can't learn music on a computer.
You can buy instruments for less than $500 that will help you learn. I'm not plugging anything, but Casio Privia's are a good place to start. You can get them even cheaper on the used instrument market. Even a guitar from Sears will be enough to get you started.
Best of luck, Dev!
Ken
+1000!
Byron Dickens
BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency.
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.
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)
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