|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232 |
I notice when I open BIAB it defaults to the key of C. If a load a demo of a style it might be in some other key but I notice that the key setting remains at C. I find this confusing. Why does it not change to the key being played in the demo song?
Secondly let's say I want to write a chord progression in the key of A minor. Since Am is the relative minor of C, do I need to change the key setting on C, or change it to Am?
So I am not really sure of the best practices of how and when to use the key setting in BIAB. Thanks for helping a noobie!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,372
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,372 |
I notice when I open BIAB it defaults to the key of C. If a load a demo of a style it might be in some other key but I notice that the key setting remains at C. I find this confusing. Why does it not change to the key being played in the demo song? I just tried loading a couple of demos and BIAB loaded the correct key for each demo. I'm not sure what is happening for you. Have you installed the latest update? It could be that the demo SGU that you loaded didn't have the key set in it. If that's the case, I would let PG Music know so that they can correct it. Secondly let's say I want to write a chord progression in the key of A minor. Since Am is the relative minor of C, do I need to change the key setting on C, or change it to Am?
So I am not really sure of the best practices of how and when to use the key setting in BIAB. Thanks for helping a noobie! I've created songs where I've left the key signature unchanged and things seem to work out okay most of the time. That said, the main difference between Am and C is that Am usually uses E7 as the dominant 7th chord (whereas C uses G7). Because E7 has a G# in it, where soloists are concerned, I have found that sometimes the key information is useful. Because BIAB, by default, also automatically modifies chords if the program 'thinks' there are chord choices that give a smoother flow, it is likely that setting the key is important for BIAB to act correctly. If you want to disable BIAB potentially making chord substitutions for a particular song, you need to deactivate "Natural Arrangements" in song settings (CTRL + N). I hope this helps. --Noel ★ my latest song: How Do I Love Thee? (vocals by Synth V’s vocaloid, Natalie)
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232 |
Noel96, thanks for the great reply. I think I will try this and just leave things in the default C designation, unless I want to transpose a progression I have already written. AND great tip on disabling the setting for BIAB making changes to the chords I have entered. Didn't know about that. Does this sound like a good way to approach writing my own backing tracks to practice improvisation with guitar?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,026
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,026 |
...If a load a demo of a style it might be in some other key but I notice that the key setting remains at C. Are you loading a full demo song, or listening to a song demo (audio) of the style? The latter will not load a BIAB song, nor change the key.
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: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232 |
Thanks for that. I see you point. Seems to be working now. Do you have any comments about best practices on making a quick backing track to practice improv over? Do I first adjust the key designation in the little drop down menu and then quickly write out the chords OR just leave it on the default C and write out the simple chords (no matter what the key) and then use the key drop down menu IF I want to transpose it for some reason? What is the best practice. Thanks so much for you comments! ...If a load a demo of a style it might be in some other key but I notice that the key setting remains at C. Are you loading a full demo song, or listening to a song demo (audio) of the style? The latter will not load a BIAB song, nor change the key.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,450
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,450 |
Your needs may dictate a different approach but I recommend setting the key signature as the very first step in entering a song.
I play wind instruments in many keys: A, Bb, C, F, and G. I sold my D/Eb horn. Point is, if you want to stay sane working with transpositions, I recommend always working in concert pitch (C instruments, like guitar, piano, flute or trombone). Then make the switch to a transposed part. For example, buy the Fakebook in C.
However, if you are given a transposed part such as a Bb trumpet part, then you set the transposition in BIAB first. Write back if that’s what you need help with, and give the song and instrument details.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232 |
Thanks Matt! I am not dong something complex in this case. Just slapping down a quick chord progression to practice guitar improvisation over. From your excellent detailed comments, I suspect that for this simple need, I would just leave the key menu set at C and plop down the chords in whatever starting key I want. Then I suppose IF I wanted to transpose the quick and dirty chord progression to another key so as to improvise over another key, but with the same function of the chords I wrote, then I would change the key setting in the drop down menu. Sound right? I appreciate your guidance and Merry Christmas to you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,450
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,450 |
My answer depends on yours.
If you know the key, set it first.
If you are just making up a progression to woodshed over, then as soon as you know a key, even one that’s close, set it in the key signature when you can. Did you notice when you click on C to change the key signature, there are two columns? The left side changes the key signature and changes the sound, transposing to the new key. The right side just changes the key signature without transposing.
Why does this matter? BIAB uses the key signature to make decisions. For example, is that note or chord going to show as a G# or an Ab? I have read that it also makes a difference in the sound but I cannot prove that.
By the way, welcome to the forum.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 232 |
Thanks so much and I will adopt that starting now. Appreciate your help and thanks for the welcome!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,450
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,450 |
You’re welcome. Go back and check my prior post because I edited in a bit more.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,756
Posts795,867
Members39,952
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean