Apparently, you have to go by the midi styles, which do interpret the chords fully in the chord sheet. The real styles do not have that full interpretation of the chords in the chord sheet, so you would have to listen to how it sounds. A standard notation system should be used by BIAB. So what is the collection of chords that are important in BIAB? This needs to be reviewed and we need to see what the chord translation in the chord sheet gives.
I’m clearly not understanding the issue here, because every chord is important and BIAB does follow a standard. It’s just that there are several standards and they can differ.
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.
I am afraid I don't understand what you are trying to do.
The nomenclature the BIAB uses for chords is of course standardized to best possible. There remain the fact take the naming of chords does have differences. That fact however, is common across the board.
Is that what you are having a problem with? Or is it this...
Below is an example of the requirements for a Text File to be used to input chords to BIAB. AI should know this but I have seen that to not always be the case.
These are the BIAB rules for the text file to be used to input chords. The short examples below shows four beats per bar If there is only 1 chord between bars it will get get a whole Note duration. If only 2 chords per bar each will get 2 beats or a half not each. If three chords in a bar each will get a 1/4 note with a 1/4 rest on beat 4 of the bar. Max is four chords per bar with each getting a quarter note.
[Chords] | Cm Eb| Bb Cm Cm Eb| Bb| Cm| Cm| Eb| Bb| Cm| Cm| [ChordsEnd]
You just need to copy and paste this little text code into BIAB
The orignal proposal was to copy a list of all BIAB Chords. Then give that to AI along with the "rules" and ask AI to create a single text file. This part worked well, in fact AI made the BIAB chords list for me. In my first attempt something went afoul. I have not had time to repeat the effort.
The idea was to conduct a test to listen to all BIAB chords as MIDI block chords. The problem now is to collect all the chords that are possible in BIAB to play in the chordsheet, but it seems that this is not possible with AI to get those chords
The chord sheet must recognise them, otherwise it is useless. I know how to copy and paste the chords in BIAB, I have done that a few times, but the progression showed gaps because BIAB did not recognise the chord. I'm curious to know which chords are now recognised in the chord sheet.
I’m clearly not understanding the issue here, because every chord is important and BIAB does follow a standard. It’s just that there are several standards and they can differ.
The issue here is that AI cannot provide a complete list of all chords ,which are possible in BIAB, because different notation systems are used in the chord sheet. The only thing you can do is have AI compile a list of all possible chord types and enter this into BIAB.
Of course, some chords will be left out of the progression, as I have already experienced. Then you have to try to get them to work manually in BIAB.
You can use ai further for this chords list. This list is made from the chordbuilder Triads Added-Tone Chords Seventh Chords Extended Chords Altered Dominant Chords Suspended Chords Altered Suspended Chords Color & Effect Chords
That listing would need to be reconciled with the BIAB manual, but it looks good to me and is a good starting point to finish what I tried to do yesterday. So I just added [chords] to the first line and [chordsend] to the last line, copied and pasted-special into BIAB. Then I used the chord feature [with chord feature be sure to check "complex chords" in BIAB along with the Notation view and Chord view . Interesting (and curiously odd ) results.
By the way, I don't believe that the style has any thing to do with how the chords are built! Oh, and one more thing, I think this subject has been well discussed in past years. So no real surprizes here.
Well done. Of course, BIAB has been around for so long, so the chords will often be a topic of conversation, and now again. The chords do show that there is a maximum of a 4-note chord.
In the picture, the bar numbers 33...36 all show the same chord ? Of course, you have diatonic chords (to the scale) chords, and based on C major, you can't make all the chords that are listed, right? diatonic chords (to the scale) C | Dm | Em | F | G | Am | Bdim | , recognise the basic chords Cmaj7 | Dm7 | Em7 | Fmaj7 | G7 | Am7 | Bm7♭5 | Cmaj9 | Dm9 | Em9 | Fmaj9 | G9 | Am9 | Bm7♭5(9) | Dm11 | Em11 | Fmaj11 | Am11 | Cmaj13 | Dm13 | Em13 | Fmaj13 | G13 | Am13
I'm working on pop chords, and compared to jazz chords, these are simple. Nice work with that chord overview in PDF.
This is an interesting test scenario and I’ll try to find some time to work on it. If your goal is to make a test song that will play all possible chord types so you can audition the chords, and you are using RealTracks, then at a minimum you must turn off Natural Arrangement. BIAB will attempt to make sense of a nonsensical chord progression unless you do this. What other problems might arise from BIAB’s attempts to use the artificial intelligence for sensible voice leading, I don’t know.
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.
I do have a chord progression, but don't know how to test this yet ? DrDan , your test is made with c major scale , so some chords will be not audible.
Then the question is: which chords can BIAB play, and which scales do they belong to?
DrDan , your test is made with c major scale , so some chords will be not audible.
?? Not sure what to make of this statement. While the root note of all the chords you provided was C, they certainly are not diatonic to the key of C. Nor limited to the C major scale. If I named something "key of C", that is incorrect. All these chords were audible. Well, except "CBlues" which is poorly named as a chord and BIAB ignored. So I am still not sure where you are going with this, but thats OK. I will just follow along.
To see all of the chords that BiaB is capable of playing click on options/chord builder/chord picker then on the drop down memu. See pic.
But as noted many RTs may not play all of these chords.
This leads me to this. Maybe if BiaB and RB could incorporate ARA2 then one could run a program like Melodyne and BiaB simultaneously to generate the exact chord and chord inversion one is looking for via copy, and paste.
I use Melodyne in my DAW to rework RTs so I know that the process does work. The question is can BiaB and RB incorporate AAR2.
The what scale goes with what chord is theory and that information is available on the Internet and in many theory books.
OK, a random thought; Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
We can't look under the bonnet of BIAB to see exactly how it's programmed musically.
You can't create all those chords you can enter into BIAB with the C major scale, can you?
All the chords are audible, but not with the correct notes, because there is an example in the picture of four bars that have different chord symbols but show the same notes in the chord.
You also have this situation in Cubase. I do not know the answer to this.
I’m still lost. The key it’s in has no bearing on the discussion here. Having the ‘wrong’ key signature can produce wrong enharmonic spellings and an occasional bad choice of upper extension, but my comments on that fell flat with no acknowledgement or interest.
The chord images are not correct, but the chord symbols are. So yes, you can only listen to the chord quality in a song. It is important to know which chords you are dealing with, because they can be divided into a number of groups. Thank you.
One more thing Matt. Do you remember a few years ago there was a guy (... had his own web site and wrote BIAB styles and backing for some high end Jazz arrangement). He pretty much set PGM on fire with his claims that the midi chords were not doing what they claimed to do.
It's not difficult to find software that can play all BIAB chords, but the question remains: why can't BIAB do this? It must have something to do with the style, right? A jazz style will recognise the chord notes if a jazz chord is used. So doesn't the test with the chords tell us everything? This is the musical programming of BIAB; I can't think of anything else.
Well done. Of course, BIAB has been around for so long, so the chords will often be a topic of conversation, and now again. The chords do show that there is a maximum of a 4-note chord.
In the picture, the bar numbers 33...36 all show the same chord ?
If you generate a chord track and set the options to create complex chords, more advanced chords will be created.
Dan, after reading Noel’s post, that result makes more sense.
Oh yes, Dzjang, knows theory very well and his posts concentrated on bass line choices for chords. Very revealing info.
Noel, as far as I knew, that setting affected only Preferences, Output Chords to an external MIDI device. I haven’t used that function in a decade. I see now it applies to copying the chords to a utility track. Thanks.
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.
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
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=32105&filename=All chords - BIAB.jpg)
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=32093&filename=All BIAB Chords Key of C.jpg)
That listing would need to be reconciled with the BIAB manual, but it looks good to me and is a good starting point to finish what I tried to do yesterday. So I just added [chords] to the first line and [chordsend] to the last line, copied and pasted-special into BIAB. Then I used the chord feature [with chord feature be sure to check "complex chords" in BIAB along with the Notation view and Chord view . Interesting (and curiously odd 
) results.
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=32100&filename=chord track (1).jpg)
![[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]](https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=download&Number=32101&filename=chord track (2).jpg)
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean