Dan,

The key change function in Bar Settings adds a new key signature at the location specified. As you correctly point out, it doesn't change the chord sheet. This is valuable in two ways...

1) If the lead sheet is printed, it shows those who use the lead sheet useful information.

2) To some extent, the key directs BIAB's choice of clips. For example, if you generate a solo on a C chord and you are temporarily in the key of G minor, you don't necessarily want to have a Bb or Eb notes in the solo or background tracks. So, if a song's main key is C major and there is a section that is temporarily in the key of G minor, it's usually better to set the key for that temporary section. Not doing this is like leaving the main key in BIAB set to C while you use create a song in G minor.

In relation to point 2), I've found over the years that if I use a temporary key change in the harmony, I get better generation results if I set the correct key for those few bars that are in a different key from the main key.

--Noel

MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026