Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#772944 08/04/23 11:57 AM
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
I am using BIAB to generate quick backing tracks for guitar improv practice. For instance I might write 4 bars C, 4 bars F, 4 bars G and loop this over and over. I want the first bass note of each new chord section of bars to play the root note of that chord so I can really hear the transition from one chord to the next. I notice that when I push the re-generate button, often times one of the chords will not have such a bass note and often times the bass note will be the root of the key which makes the transition hard to hear for me. I will then push and re-push the re-generate button until it re-generates so I can hear the root of each chord change played. Sometime it happens with a few clicks and sometimes it takes many.

Is there any way to make the re-generate process behave the way I want it to as stated above or is it just random trial after trial?

Thanks for your help.

Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
As to bass notes other people might know better but do slash chords force the bass note ...? C/C F/F etc. If ìt does and it plays what you want freeze all tracks and play - don't regenerate.

If you don't freeze regenerate changes what BIAB plays every time you ask it to. That's why regenerate is separate to play

Last edited by Bob Calver; 08/04/23 12:07 PM.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
Oooo that is an interesting idea!

Hey that seems to work. Interesting behavior though. As you write the slash chords, when you move onto the next chord, the written slash from the previous chord disappears from the chart, but it looks like BIAB remembers it. I'll keep testing, but looks like this may be a solution. smile

Last edited by BackingTrack; 08/04/23 12:13 PM.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
Be mindful that there is a serious program deficiency in that you cannot force a bass note to be the same as the chord itself.

C/G will work, F/C will work, G/B will work.

BUT

C/C, F/F, G/G will not work (the slash bass note will not be accepted).

At any rate, sometimes you don't get what you expect. E.g.: G/D should probably not generate / play a C# in the bass ( crazy )

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2023-08-05_12-31-16.jpg (24.22 KB, 127 downloads)
2023-08-05_12-35-11.jpg (68.23 KB, 127 downloads)

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.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
Thanks for that. That is really weird. I guess that is why the slash designation disappears when I move to write the next chord in the chart.

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,125
Originally Posted By: BackingTrack
Thanks for that. That is really weird. I guess that is why the slash designation disappears when I move to write the next chord in the chart.

Yes, that will explain it. However, the Slash note remains accepted in the chord builder (another anomaly).

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
2023-08-05_12-45-01.jpg (43.24 KB, 122 downloads)
2023-08-05_12-44-16.jpg (24.06 KB, 122 downloads)

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.
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
Yes, Bob’s idea is good, use different / notes for the roots you want.


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,149
BIAB always tries to do what musicians do...........the people who hear me play often query wqhether I'm a musician. so maybe that's why i thought the slash chord route might work. it doesn't but the obvious solution is to use a midi bass or playable RT and edit the bass line to what you want. so do the musicians think that will work?

so i got the theory wrong but i hope the solution to the OP's problem is correct.

Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
Thanks for all the thoughts!

So if I understand correctly, the method of putting in slash chords with the root of the chord being designated WILL make the bass note played be the root of the chord, but it will not show up in the chart. So this IS a way to make the bass note be what I want, but it just won't be "notated" in the chart.

Do I understand correctly?

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
I think you are close.

Yes, using the slash root will make the bass very likely to play the note you specify as the slash root. It's not 100% because the longer the chord is held, the more likely the bass may jump to a fifth or other note as a real player might.

If you really want the bass to land on one and only one note for any extended time, try using the Pedal Bass feature. Even that won't stay on the root 100% of the time; depending on the style, it's not musical; but it may play the root more than if you are using the slash bass. Experiment with the Pedal options.

The bass part may have notation, which you can see by the value 'N' in the Chart column of the RealTrack picker. If it does, this is a MIDI representation of the notes played by the RealTrack, so you WILL see the notation on the bass track. Just be aware it is for reading/educational purposes and is not used for sound, since it has no articulation, dynamics, etc.


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.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
All super helpful! Thanks

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Our pleasure. This is a knowledgeable and almost-always helpful group. You will be the one answering someone else's questions about this next time.

I can tell you I discover or rediscover something about BIAB just about every day. That's been the case for thirty years of using it professionally.


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.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 177
Fabulous support as always from this community!

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,436
Posts805,092
Members40,121
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys, Bloc
40,121 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 130
DC Ron 100
rsdean 96
WaoBand 82
Today's Birthdays
Saxfred
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5