I enter my songs into BIAB I use single notes because I am a poor keyboardist, and this reduces the number or mistakes I make. The problem is that I am left with a "thin" melody. I do not want to go into "Editable Notation" mode and add the notes manually. That would take way too long.
It seems to me that BIAB could introduce a feature that will add notes to single-note melodies to enhance the sound. For all I know, it may already be in the program, but I have not been able to find it. Is there such a feature?
If not, does anybody think this would be a worthwhile addition to BIAB? I think so.
I wouldn't be surprised if everyone reading might have a different interpretation of this request. Could you give a simple example?
In the early days of MIDI, people developed some incredible scripts. I recall some that I think were called CAL files. They could take a MIDI melody and arpeggiate it, or randomize the timings and volume to make it more realistic; functions like that. Once BIAB brought in RealTracks featuring actual musicians playing, I think at least in the BIAB community, such features were deemphasized. But tell us more detail about what you want.
And I need to put in a good word for the BIAB Editable Notation feature. I've used all the notation editors and written music for just about everything up to and including a symphony orchestra. I think the way BIAB does note entry is the best I've ever used.
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.
Firstly, the image below shows the standard view of BIAB. To switch between standard and full-screen views, press CTRL+T, or use the "Window" menu.
When in standard view...
1) Click on the Harmony button (#1 on the image). 2) Select Melody Harmony (#2). 3) Choose from the list of available harmonies (#3) – I suggest "Electric Piano in 3rds" as a starting place. 4) If you want to return to the melody without harmony, select "No harmony" (#4).
Also, if you want to write the harmony to the melody line, select "Write harmony to melody track". Be warned, though, that this will overwrite your melody with a harmonised melody. Before you try this feature, I recommend saving the file with a slightly different name so that you can return to the original file if you need to.
Thank you. I have been doing for a long time what you recommended. However, it is not the same thing. Look at my previous post from a few minutes ago and you will see what I am talking about.
Using the Harmony Maker as you suggest adds to what I already have, but that is just a layer on top of my usual "single-note" melodies. I want flush out the single-note melody to a fuller sound.
No, that is not correct. I am familiar with the Soloist and Harmony function in BIAB. They will not do what I want.
Here is what I do:
Hit NEW. Enter the chords. Select the tempo. Pick a style that seems appropriate. Then on my Kurzweil 20600XS I play the song into the sheet on BIAB. I almost always just use my right hand and usually for simplicity's sake, play a single note at a time. Since I am rather limited on ability, I do it this way to reduce the mistakes that occur when I try to play the melody with more than single notes.
So, I might have a song with the notes: C, E, G. I want BIAB to develop a function that will change them from C, E, G to something like this (imagine the following notes stacked on a stave on a sheet of music):
G, C, E E, G, B C, E, G.
The bottom C being C4. This is a simplistic representation, and it is just adding to the original single notes to produce a fuller melody sound.
I could go into the Editable Notion mode and laboriously add notes manually to get what I want. There are two problems with that:
1) It is laborious and tedious. 2) I do not know enough music theory, nor do I have the innate ability to know which or how many notes to add to the original stave so that it sounds good.
You know, I am reading this, and I can see why it is so confusing.
Sorry. At this point, I would not blame you for ignoring my post.
Once we understand, we should be able to either tell you how to do it, or help you refine your Wishlist request.
You are describing inversions if you are talking about chords. A C major triad chord can be spelled, from lowest note to highest note, C E G. But E G C is also a C major chord, just a different inversion. Are you possibly talking about how to make BIAB do that? For example, you could write C/E to get the sound of E G C.
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.
So, I might have a song with the notes: C, E, G. I want BIAB to develop a function that will change them from C, E, G to something like this (imagine the following notes stacked on a stave on a sheet of music):
G, C, E E, G, B C, E, G.
The bottom C being C4. This is a simplistic representation, and it is just adding to the original single notes to produce a fuller melody sound.
What you describe above is exactly what the MIDI Harmony button does that I mentioned in my above post. Harmony can be generated using the button and then that harmony can be written to the melody track to create the blocks of chords that you describe. In what way does this not do the job for you?
The image on the left (below) shows the melody before I wrote the harmony to the track. The image on the right shows the block chords after I've told BIAB to write the harmony to the Melody track. (I've used Nashville Piano (3 part) harmony.)
It appears that you are looking to harmonize your lead lines, right? If so then Noels suggestion should work for you. If it adds notes that you don't want just delete them.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I realize that I have done exactly what Noel recommended but did not consider it "exactly" what I wanted as the harmonization is applied exactly to every single note in the melody. This makes the particular song that I just tried it on sound somewhat similar to those "Ooohs and Ahhs" voices. Noel had two clips showing the before and after. I am not seeing that on the song I just tried it with. Only the same before. Have you any hints how you see the after?
There used to be a saying that went like this, "Close, but no Cigar!" It is close but not quite the complete package I was seeking.
I am using BIAB 2024, Build 1114, and it appears to be different than yours. There is no MIDI - Melody Harmony button that I can find on my BIAB. I am going to do a screenshot or shots of what I have and perhaps you can instruct me how to set the harmony so that I can see a printed representation of it.
I note that there is a Melody Harmony (Select) and a Thru Harmony (Select). What is the difference in these and does that have anything to do with my problem.
I hope the three screenshots come through. I am so inept at this. Sorry.
How I find it doesn't matter, though. My option is exactly the same as the one you have found under the "Harmony" menu called "Melody Harmony (Select) Alt+F10".
• Click on this option in the Harmony menu • then follow my instructions in my previous post (link below). Doing this will write the harmony to the melody track and you will be able to print it out as a hard copy.
IMPORTANT... Before writing the harmony to the melody track, make sure to save your song with a slightly different name so that you can get back to your original single-note melody if you want to try other harmonies.
Also... the differences between the "Melody Harmony (Select)" and the "Thru Harmony (Select)"
• The "Melody Harmony" works with the Melody track. • The "Thru Harmony" works with the Soloist track. According to the Help file, "Thru Harmony" also works with the Thru track. The 'Thru track' is the one you hear when you play your keyboard into BIAB. I don't have a keyboard hooked up to my computer test if harmony is added to live playing. You might like to try it out.
The option you want to use is the "Melody Harmony" one. This will modify a melody and also write the extra notes to the melody.
Thank you, Noel. I am going to try and decipher your instructions and work my way through them,
I did not know that "having fun" could be such hard work. Maybe if I had grown up in the "technological age" it would be simpler.
Other things I am having problems with:
BIG LYRICS has no lyrics. Supposedly the "techies" are working on this.
When I play back my songs, the red that fills the melody notes is very sporadic and intermittent. This is the second time I have been plagued with this malady. The "techies" cured it once, but this time seems more serious as they have been "working" on it for six to eight months.
Time passes quickly when you are having fun. Time also passes quickly even if you are not having fun.
I hope to get back to the harmony in the next few days; I am very busy now.
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.
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)
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=29997&filename=harmony for midi melody.jpg)
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=30004&filename=harmony for midi melody4.jpg)
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean