I've already created a finished MIDI and Audio tracks arrangements, and I want to add a lead guitar part based on the chord charts I have. I know I've done it before, but it was almost 10 yrs ago. Can anyone send me a link to that tutorial in ver. 2023.
Also, IN those tracks I want to see if I can recreate JUST the piano part just as I recorded it (albeit it sounds like the grace of Frankenstein played it), but something that sounds more realistic and graceful. So, I'm not looking for anything in the Style library. I've never seen this kind of exact feature, so I'm not sure if it even exist. Thanks Much, King Conga
Didn't address your 2nd question, which is, to my knowledge, not possible with BiaB. You CAN do manipulations of RTs with Melodyne, for example, but that's not the same. Think RT improvisation off of human-made tracks is the next frontier for AI and BiaB. Scary stuff, but thrilling.
DC Ron BiaB Audiophile Presonus Studio One ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM Presonus Faderport 16 Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Since I play guitar I will often just record my own tracks but there have been times where, for whatever reason...... couldn't get the right groove, wasn't in the mood to play, or just plain lazy...... I decided to let BB do the tracks.
The problem was that for a solo, there has to be a certain groove or feel to it that builds properly and quite often BB doesn't read my mind and throws out some wonky stuff right in the middle if the solo that just ruins it. So.... I understand there is now partial track regeneration capabilities so there's that, but I have never used it. There's also using Melodyne to simply fix an errant note or two, but the method I've used on a few occasions is to simply let BB generate a number of instances of the same track. Since it almost never duplicates what it did previously, it's a safe bet that all the tracks will be different in some way or another. By moving those tracks into a DAW and using volume envelopes, one can easily comp the tracks to get a more perfect, or at least acceptable, lead guitar track. The one example I can think of is where I used 5 generations of the same track to get a very workable solo. A piece from here, the next section from there, a snippit from that one, and the ending comes from those two..... Waa Laa, a cool lead.
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.
In western movies, there's often the plot; There's a new sheriff in town. For BIAB, the new theme is; There's new math in town.
In older versions of BIAB, the riff feature in BIAB and RealBand would generate seven riffs and after a few regenerations, duplicates might appear. In other words, riffs had a fairly low unique number of generations. As Herb (Guitarhacker) notes above, this is usually enough to get a solid and unique solo. The method he references to generate 3-5 tracks of the same soloist instrument and comping riffs from each is also a very good method to capture a quality performance.
But today's BIAB can generate riffs that blow by the limitations of manually making your own off the charts. Partial regeneration increased riff capability up to 40 and BIAB now has 24 tracks to generate a soloist instrument multiple times on multiple tracks for manual comping.
However, RealTrack Medley Maker, an old feature, has been upgraded from working on the original seven Legacy Tracks to include the 16 Utility Tracks so all 24 tracks can now access this feature. There's an notify message for the Audio Track and DrumsTrack that a RealTrack must be loaded rather than pre-recorded audio or RealDrums. It's a RealTracks feature so Medley Maker applies to all of the 24 Tracks that have a RealTrack assigned.
RealTrack Medley Maker is marketed for two applications, Thickening (using the same instrument multiple times on the same track) or create a Medley of different RealTrack instruments to play simultaneously or consecutively as programed. But for music generation, there are hacks to generate very complex and detailed arrangements that are edited and arranged by BIAB.
The math for using the full compliment of 24 channels to use all of the Medley Maker sub-tracks and have BIAB create a soloist, BIAB would access and generate these sub-track RealTracks 264 times in a single generation that could have volume auto-leveling and panning. The RealTrack Medley Maker has 8 pre-sets that can be set to play a Medley either consequently or simultaneously.
Using multiple Mixer Channels with different variations of RealTrack instruments, applying Partial regeneration and then arranging these tracks into a single, unique stereo or mono soloist Artist Performance Track would be a huge manual undertaking that would require hours to duplicate what a single render in BIAB would produce.
OK, this is the 1st chance I've had to work on this since making these posts. I just took a long break cuz I was really tired of this project. Anyhoo, I'll go ahead and embarrass myself and admit I have a bit of a thick skull. I've tried several ways of getting the chords from the 62-bar section I want the guitar lead to follow INTO BIAB. GEEZ! It was hard enough getting them OUT of Studio One. What's making it complicated is the fact that I'm not using just 1-2 chords/bar, but almost 1 per beat in the first 2 bars of the phrase. I tried importing the MIDI section from the orig into BIAB, that wasn't even close. I was trying to use the C7 Chord button (the 4th button under Tools) since that seemed to offer the option for inserting chords per beat. However, that's really tedious as well, and doesn't seem to work. It's just a 4 bar phrase that repeats itself about 12Xs, the rest of the tune is more conventional. Any suggestions? I'll be glad to send you whatever files you think would help, but I wasn't sure which you would ask for. Just let me know. KC
Sometimes the easiest way is just to type the chords into the song. It doesn't usually take that long, while the playing about trying to get chord symbols out-of/into software can be frustrating. Using the "K" shortcut can speed things along; copy and paste ditto. (details of both, p95 of the 2024 manual).
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 .
@Gordon makes a good point. Typing in the chords is probably quicker than trying to import them. And the shortcuts should help speed it up. No need to overthink it - give the typing method a try and see how it works out for you!
OK! You win. I tried importing an audio file using ACW. Why is it, with everything in life, theory always works better than real life. Anyhoo, the main reason I tried that instead of writing the chords in was when I tried that first, due to the fact that many of the chords fall on offbeats, and only last 1/2 beats, and the s'ware simply wouldn't play nice with that factor. I know there's several ways to get this done, so considering that fact, can you pls suggest the easiest BIAB method where I can write the chords in, even if it's the actual note events, then copy that 4-bar phrase about 12X's, then the rest is pretty standard fare. Tnx, KC
OK. I'm moving, but it's a SLOW, bumpy ride. I'm using the Pno Roll view inserting MIDI events. 1 of my issues is I can't figure out how to create an accidental (Bb - B). The other issue is my Pno is on Ch. 2, but the stinking BIAB keeps switching back to Ch. 1 on playback. How do I keep that from changing. I can't believe I have to go thru all of this, just to generate the gtr lead.
I HATE THIS STINKING PROGRAM! Problem #1.) I DON'T want BIAB to play ANY style, and I can't figure out how to make it SHUTUP and play MY audio file. ACW doesn't sync up correctly. 2.) MIDI Piano Roll doesn't allow me to create an accidental, and the tutorial doesn't cover that. NONE of the features used for entering chords (EXCEPT MAYBE the piano roll) comes even close to what I need.
1) Click inside style label area (Pop-up menu appears) 2) Remove check mark beside "Style is enabled" by clicking on the words. (This toggles between enabled and disabled). 3) When a style is disabled there is a "x" placed in front of the style label.
Thanks Jim. Sorry I flew off the handle. I just get REALLY frustrated sometimes when I just want to get something simple accomplished, and for the life of me, I can't do ANYTHING creative bcuz the technology doesn't cooperate. I'm SOO frustrated with BIAB, as a matter of fact, I have to move on to another project so I can at least be productive. For instance, I can't believe even PG Support can't even tell me how to insert an accidental into my score. I asked for a solution in P.R. view, but they said that was impossible. OK! So WHERE? And they hung up? KC
I HATE THIS STINKING PROGRAM! Problem #1.) I DON'T want BIAB to play ANY style, and I can't figure out how to make it SHUTUP and play MY audio file. ACW doesn't sync up correctly. 2.) MIDI Piano Roll doesn't allow me to create an accidental, and the tutorial doesn't cover that. NONE of the features used for entering chords (EXCEPT MAYBE the piano roll) comes even close to what I need.
You may find Realband much better of a fit for how you work .. I sure did.
It has a much more intuitive workflow for me .. to just generate a new section using whatever RealTrack instead of Styles, etc. BiaB has its benefits, but for my workflow and expectations on how things should work, RB is much more convenient. It came with your BiaB purchase, so don't throw the baby out with the bath water (so to speak), it may be worth a try It is much more like a familiar DAW interface than BiaB is.It does *most of what BiaB does, and some things better
Last edited by rharv; 02/22/2405:27 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I believe you need to be in the Notation window to write accidentals. BiaB also has "intelligent accidentals" that are context sensitive to the chord names.
Press F1 to open the Help window, select the "Search" tab and the top three choices discuss accidentals and the Notation window.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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!
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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.
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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)
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20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
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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)
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I've tried several ways of getting the chords from the 62-bar section I want the guitar lead to follow INTO BIAB. GEEZ! It was hard enough getting them OUT of Studio One. What's making it complicated is the fact that I'm not using just 1-2 chords/bar, but almost 1 per beat in the first 2 bars of the phrase. I tried importing the MIDI section from the orig into BIAB, that wasn't even close. I was trying to use the C7 Chord button (the 4th button under Tools) since that seemed to offer the option for inserting chords per beat. However, that's really tedious as well, and doesn't seem to work. It's just a 4 bar phrase that repeats itself about 12Xs, the rest of the tune is more conventional. Any suggestions? I'll be glad to send you whatever files you think would help, but I wasn't sure which you would ask for. Just let me know. 
Anyhoo, the main reason I tried that instead of writing the chords in was when I tried that first, due to the fact that many of the chords fall on offbeats, and only last 1/2 beats, and the s'ware simply wouldn't play nice with that factor. I know there's several ways to get this done, so considering that fact, can you pls suggest the easiest BIAB method where I can write the chords in, even if it's the actual note events, then copy that 4-bar phrase about 12X's, then the rest is pretty standard fare.
I'm SOO frustrated with BIAB, as a matter of fact, I have to move on to another project so I can at least be productive. For instance, I can't believe even PG Support can't even tell me how to insert an accidental into my score. I asked for a solution in P.R. view, but they said that was impossible. OK! So WHERE? And they hung up? 
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