I've diligently reviewed the manual (p. 69-70), various help pages and videos for the microchords feature, and it all seems pretty straightforward--but I can't get it to work. I'm using the =HANK_P.STY style as I write, but I have the same problem with other styles.
As the attached notation snippet shows, I'm in 4/4 time at 60 bpm. I'm trying to create a pretty simple rhythm: Em for one eighth note followed by D held throughout the rest of the measure, all instruments in unison. That rhythm then repeats on the following measure with C and Bm. The eighth note could be staccato but I'd like to have the option of having it full value so that I can go back and forth between the two.
When I try to set it up without underlying main chords, as in the screenshot of the microchord box, nothing plays, even though all tracks are included. When I try to set it up with underlying chords, as in the screenshot of the chord sheet, the rhythm is wrong. The D gets played twice, just as I would expect, but not what I want. If I take out the underlying D, I get the initial Em, but that seems to be from the main chord only as I don't hear anything from the microchords.
I think that there's an issue with all of the styles working properly with the microchords. Some do work fine and others are not compatible apparently. I might be wrong, but someone else will clarify that in a bit.
I know I have used it successfully on some of my music but there are others where I had a great style that worked perfectly for the music but for some reason, would not let me use microchords where I really wanted to use them for effect.
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.
I think Guitar Hacker's answer (above) comes close. I suspect that not all RealTracks have notes recorded at positions that micro-chords can properly adapt to. As a test (not necessarily a solution) try changing to a different style that uses different RealTracks, and see if that makes a difference.
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.
Yes, apparently Herb’s answer seems to be correct based on other reports. I’ve only used microchords a few times on jazz songs, but when I needed them, they worked. I admit I don’t fully understand all the possible combinations and I got lucky.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Bob, i don't think it is as simple as that, This seems to one of those tools that works with some material but maybe not all material. I look at it like this. I have a van filled with cool tools for my business and some work for certain needs but not all circumstances. Example i use both a Jig saw and a circular saw. One is great for cutting a circle out of plywood, the other make short work of cutting off the bottom of a door. Both cut wood but don't seem to take the others place. The micro chords work for some songs depending on the RTs used, the tempo, and such. Some of the RTs were made years ago and may not have been process or even recorded with Micro chords in mind. Maybe in time more will be updated to work better with MCs
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
Regardless of which 'tools' work and which ones don't, this would reduce the confusion:
Originally Posted by Guitarhacker
Perhaps PG should put some sort of identifier on the styles that are MC compatible like they did with the drum stems
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'm trying to get a clearer picture in my mind as to what exactly you are after and, because of this, I have a few questions.
1) Could you please post an image of your mixer so that I can see what instruments you have? (Since this style is designed for 120 bpm, it's possible that BIAB has automatically substituted more appropriate instruments for a tempo of 60 bpm.) When I load the =HANK_P style I get the instruments below.
2) When you say, "Em for one eighth note followed by D held throughout the rest of the measure"... Do you mean, for the D chord to be played once and then fade away (as in how BIAB chord holds work), or do you mean for the D chord to play rhythmically without changing for the rest of the bar?
3) As mentioned above, =HANK_P.STY is a style that's designed for use at 120 bpm. Since you are playing at 60 bpm, are you using a timebase setting of "Doubletime" for the pedal steel (if that is present at this tempo)?
It always helps to have the song your are working on, otherwise we are all just guessing what you are trying to do. Get a Google account if you don't have it already and put the song on Google drive for a couple of weeks and make sure you share the file in the settings. That way we can see exactly what problem(s) you are running into. Someone just might have the solution.
BIAB2026 Windows 10 Pro (Never Windows 11!) WA6NCB
Please note: I presently have the project set to use _BLUCTRY.STY Acoustic Country Shuffle at 60 bpm.
1) Mixer screenshot attached.
2) The rhythm I want is "da daaaaaaaaa". Just two notes. The first note lasts half a beat. The second note lasts three-and-a-half beats. The meter is 4/4. I supplied a snippet of notation on my original post, but I do realize that some folks can't read notation, so I hope this helps.
3) Timebase is set to "Normal". The "Held" box is checked.
4) I've posted a song project called "Rhythm problem 8 bars.SGU" that demonstrates the problem on the Public folder of my Google Drive:
It's 8 bars long. Bar 1 and 2 are set so that they deliver a quarter note followed by a dotted half, which is as close as I've been able to get for what I want. Bars 7 and 8 have microchord settings that, if I understand how microchords work, should produce the rhythm I want as described under 2) above and as shown in the notation snippet. At present, the track continues to play the chord from Bar 6 and seems to ignore the microchords.
Please note: I presently have the project set to use _BLUCTRY.STY Acoustic Country Shuffle at 60 bpm.
_BLUCTRY Style is designed for a tempo of 130 bpm. You are using that style at less than half of the designed tempo. What happens if you choose a style much closer to 60 bpm? E.g. somewhere between 55 and 65 bpm,
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.
Firstly, if you click on the "Help" button in the Microchord window, near the top of the topic, you will find PG Music's comment that says: "[Note: The soloist and background RealTracks do not follow MicroChords by design because playing would be too chopping if they did.]"
Since Realtrack 613 (the resonator guitar) is designed as a "Background" track (it's in the track's full name -- 613:Guitar, Resonator, Background Hank Sw 130), PG Music's comment means that it will not work with microchords.
As an alternative approach, try this and see if it helps. Rather than use microchords, I suggest using an 1/8 note push on the chord on beat 2. If you have a look at my modified version of your SGU file, you'll see how to do it.
I also found that if the "Held" setting is applied to RT 613, then the chords in bars 7 and 8 play as written for this Realtrack. If "Held" is not activated, then it seems that the generated resonator guitar does not play bars 7 & 8. In the attached SGU file, I've set "Held" for RT 613 and RT 2874, generated and then frozen the tracks.
It works great in measures 7-8, but I can't get it to work in measures 1-2? The Chord Options dialog box looks exactly the same for all, but the effect only happens in measures 7-8? I'll put the modified file back up on my Drive.
Ironic that PG disables microchords for certain tracks because of "choppiness" when that's exactly what I want!
Thanks!
So.... when I can't get BB to do what I want, the solution I then employ is to see if I can accomplish the task in my DAW. I will use volume envelopes and audio editing to see if I can get it to sound natural in the DAW. Sometimes I can, and there are other times I can't. Copy and paste can very often be my friends in this task. Often, since there are certain instruments that do follow what you want, but others that don't, using the volume envelopes in a surgical manner will often get the job done. Find the perfect place in the note to make the volume change.... Of course this is a track by track detail involved method..... but it can work well when done right.
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.
It works great in measures 7-8, but I can't get it to work in measures 1-2? The Chord Options dialog box looks exactly the same for all, but the effect only happens in measures 7-8? I'll put the modified file back up on my Drive.
Hi Bob,
I suspect that the reason it's not working for bars 1 and 2 is because the tracks are frozen. If you click on the blue 'snow crystal' icon for RT613 and RT2874 (on the right-hand side of the the S button on mixer) so that the tracks are unfrozen and then regenerate the SGU file, it should work.
Yup, that did it. And, by the way, I noticed that, in my actual project file, the base track was also frozen. I must have clicked that button by mistake at some point as I wandered in a newbie haze around the interface. I unfroze it and I'm much happier with the base line now! So much so that now I need to re-record the vocal and rebuild the demo file. Songs never quite grow up!
Thanks to everybody for their help on this. I've learned quite a bit!
I'm glad you got it all up and running When you get a chance, would you mind clicking on the "Resolved" button in your original post that started the thread? This will help others who look through the posts for help.
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.
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=28450&filename=style =HANK_P.jpg)
When you get a chance, would you mind clicking on the "Resolved" button in your original post that started the thread? This will help others who look through the posts for help.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean