Yes, by George I think you've got it. You had my head spinning since there are so many ways to think about this stuff.
To move a major scale up a half step (C to C#) every note in the triad moves up a half step and likewise to move the scale down a half step every note in the scale goes down a half step (C - Cb). Then, just like you did you have to clean up the accidentals. for example. (F## = G).
Yes, by George I think you've got it. You had my head spinning since there are so many ways to think about this stuff.
I just have 1 bone to pick. We need to change your name from MusicStudent to MusicTeacher ! The mark of a good teacher is to recognize what his students don't know and you have that skill my friend!
Here are the major chord spellings with sharp root notes. I think I can produce the corresponding table for the flat root notes.
So for the rest of the list in my original post should I use one of the websites you provided?
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
I think a light bulb went off. If F Major is F-A-C and F# Major is F#-A#-C# Then is C# Major C#-E#-G# = C#-F-G#?
And D# Major D#-F##-A# = D#-G-A#?
If so, does the same work Xb Major? Just flatten the notes of the natural major chord notes?
Yes, it works exactly like that. What's important is the intervals between the notes .. the intervals are always the same on and same type of chord, no matter on what note they start. It's true of all the notes in a chord, including the various 9ths and so on. Notes may sometimes be moved to the same note in a different octave. Learning how to find them quickly and easily is part of the challenge.
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 .
Actually, technically, there is no key of D#. It'd be Eb. Comprised of Eb, G, Bb. (The 1-3-5 of the Eb scale. Reference back to the "counting" method and the 'wwhwwwh' scale structure I shared in that PM.)
Familiarize yourself with this.
C is "neutral". As you move left, you add a flat. As you move right, you add a sharp.
Also note that as you move left you move from the root note to the 4th of that scale. As you move right you move from the root note to the 5th of that scale.
When you hear that the progression is "1-4-5" from whatever your start key is, 4 is one to the left, 5 is one to the right.
The green letters in the inner circle are the 6th step of the scale, called the relative minor. The famous "Don't Stop Believing" chord riff is 1-5-6m-4, lifted from Pachelbel's Canon in D. Using that Circle of 5ths chart you can wing that song in any key. Or play at any blues jam, which are mostly going to be some variation of 1-4-5 with that occasional 6m tossed in.
It's all about repetitions. The more golf balls you hit or rounds you fire, the better you become at whatever the skill is. If you want it, you'll get there.
Thanks to all for helping me. Especially MusicStudent (aka MusicTeacher). Going back to my original post, here is the 1st of 15 tables I was hoping to find in a book or website. Clearly it took some effort to build this table but I find this table very easy and fast to read.
At some point, I'd like to build the other 14.
Some of the motivation behind this endeavor is that the currency that BiaB uses is the chord. So I'm thinking that it might pay dividends for me to know how these chords are constructed and spelled. This table does exactly that and it was fun to build.
Am I barking up a wrong tree here? Is this table useless for the theory newbie?
AudioTrack, hopefully you see now what I was trying to say in my original post regarding sharps and flats. I apologize for not having the necessary music vocabulary to express all my thoughts crystal clearly.
Unless I have a typo, I think you can confirm in this table that the 4 enharmonics are maintained at the chord level. FbMaj = EMaj E#Maj = FMaj CbMaj = BMaj B#Maj = CMaj
I realize that all of these chords (and others) may not be used in making music, but as an educational exercise I wanted to be complete and understand how note and chord names work. Eddie points out that technically the key of D# doesn't exist. OK, but I'm interested in chords because BiaB uses chords. The relationship between chords and keys will be a subject in the future. I'm just trying to understand chords at this time.
I really appreciate all your help. And I know I need a Music Theory course at a local Community College but that's not possible at this time.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface casio wk-7500 biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
This table does exactly that and it was fun to build.
Am I barking up a wrong tree here? Is this table useless for the theory newbie?
You already acknowledged "it was fun". Can't ask for anything more. An by the way, making this table is essential for a theory newbie!
So now keep moving forward. You will discover that after a while you will not need this table since you will now understand how the table is made. I suggest you now pick up your instrument (Bass?) and find all these notes (apreggios) on the neck. You will discover these all have the same pattern up and down and across the neck (major triads). This will provide a new reference point for you in identifying the intervals which will reinforce what the tables have told you. Then yes, Scales next!
You already acknowledged "it was fun". Can't ask for anything more. An by the way, making this table is essential for a theory newbie!
Thanks "Teacher"
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
FWIW, I searched for "bass guitar chords", rather than piano. Much of the time a bass player will play arpeggios, rather than chords, but as arpeggios comprise the notes from the chords, that's fine. It also fives the opportunity to see helpful fingerings/voicings.
Incidentally, I note he refers to the 10th. That's a little unconventional, at least when referring to piano chords, but it's just another way of describing the 3rd and octave up.
Last edited by Gordon Scott; 09/10/2201:56 AM. Reason: added note about the 10th.
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 .
Incidentally, I note he refers to the 10th. That's a little unconventional, at least when referring to piano chords, but it's just another way of describing the 3rd and octave up.
FYI - Around here the 10th is quite common among pianists.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
FYI - Around here the 10th is quite common among pianists.
Oh, OK. Unknown to me. Nothing really wrong with it, anyhow, I guess.
Does it follow the other usual convention and imply also the dominant-7th and 9th, or is it just a voicing guide?
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 .
The old conventions are less important to the younger newer musicians who never learned them. In this information society, anyone can setup a website or contribute to a forum and then pass on information which is limited to the knowledge they possess. Kinda what I do....
FYI - Around here the 10th is quite common among pianists.
Oh, OK. Unknown to me. Nothing really wrong with it, anyhow, I guess.
Does it follow the other usual convention and imply also the dominant-7th and 9th, or is it just a voicing guide?
As far as I know it is just a voicing guide. JonD's father was a music professor at a local university and he always talked about the 10th. JonD also talked about the 10th as well as the guy whom tunes our piano. I take to mean any chord that has the third an octave over the last note of the chord. As a guitarist I don't worry about those kind of things.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Incidentally, I note he refers to the 10th. That's a little unconventional, at least when referring to piano chords, but it's just another way of describing the 3rd and octave up.
FYI - Around here the 10th is quite common among pianists.
Martin Taylor teaches finding the 10th when he teaches fingerstyle jazz guitar.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
Incidentally, I note he refers to the 10th. That's a little unconventional, at least when referring to piano chords, but it's just another way of describing the 3rd and octave up.
FYI - Around here the 10th is quite common among pianists.
Martin Taylor teaches finding the 10th when he teaches fingerstyle jazz guitar.
Interesting. Thanx for the info.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
From what I remember from college, the 10th falls in a symmetrical line of semitones. Don't quote me though. College was almost 50 years ago and I am having more and more days when I don't remember where my car is when I come out of Walmart.
My BRIGHT ORANGE car!!
Parked right by the door in a handicapped space!!
Yet I remember the house phone number from when I was a little kid. And that was back when there were "word" exchanges rather than all numbers. Our area had EXpress, ENdicott, GArfield and many more.
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
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