PG Music Home Forums General Discussion Woodshedding - Learning to Play!

Woodshedding - learning to play!

This forum is for posts that are anything to do with learning to play any musical instrument (including vocals). The purpose of this is to help you answer the question ..."How can I learn to play a musical instrument, as soon as possible!"

For most people, one of the primary reasons for using music software like Band-in-a-Box, is to improve your musical playing on an instrument. Sometimes we forget that, and get caught up in the technical details of the software. So we get questions about how to change the font size for the lyrics, but not many questions like "How can Band-in-a-Box help me to learn Smooth Jazz Trumpet soloing?" Band-in-a-Box is a great tool for helping you learn to play a musical instrument. There are lots of other great tools out there that help with learning to play, including:

PG Music software (e.g. Band-in-a-Box, RealBand, AudioChordWizard, Brent Mason Guitar Star, Jazz Guitar Master Class etc.)
Other software
Teachers (on youtube, online etc.)
Books, DVD's
Music schools and online courses
Music Theory
Gear

The hope is that this forum will help people who are learning to play an instrument, providing them with information encouragement to fulfill their goals. Example posts:

How do I learn to play bluegrass banjo?
I want to learn jazz piano, will Band-in-a-Box help?
What is 'modal playing'?
What's a good guitar for learning to play fingerstyle?
Are there any good tips for learning to play folk-style mandolin?

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Thread Title / Thread Starter	Replies	Views	Last Post
Does anyone remember name of this pianist... by PeterGannon 03/13/13 11:14 PM PeterGannon Replies: 5 Views: 1,788	5	1,788	03/13/13 11:14 PM by PeterGannon
Beginner Guitar Student - Playalong to songs using the Guitar Tutor by PeterGannon 03/20/13 02:27 AM PeterGannon Replies: 0 Views: 903	0	903	03/20/13 02:27 AM by PeterGannon
Guitar Players: How are you using BIAB or RB to improve? by TexasHeartRush 03/20/13 02:31 AM PeterGannon Replies: 9 Views: 4,529	9	4,529	03/20/13 02:31 AM by PeterGannon
Advanced Guitar Student: Using Band-in-a-Box to learn solos by other instruments. by PeterGannon 03/20/13 05:11 AM MikeK Replies: 1 Views: 1,366	1	1,366	03/20/13 05:11 AM by MikeK
10,000 hours 1 2 all by TexasHeartRush 03/20/13 12:58 PM TexasHeartRush Replies: 25 Views: 12,733	25	12,733	03/20/13 12:58 PM by TexasHeartRush
Advanced Guitar Student - Copying/Sight Reading the On-Screen Guitar by PeterGannon 03/22/13 12:09 PM TexasHeartRush Replies: 1 Views: 1,146	1	1,146	03/22/13 12:09 PM by TexasHeartRush
Great tips from Tommy Emmanuel on getting right sound, and duo playing by PeterGannon 03/23/13 04:47 PM jazzmandan Replies: 1 Views: 1,242	1	1,242	03/23/13 04:47 PM by jazzmandan
The Master's Quote by Don Gaynor 03/23/13 09:55 PM Robh Replies: 1 Views: 913	1	913	03/23/13 09:55 PM by Robh
Tommy Emmanuel Harmonics Techniques by Don Gaynor 03/27/13 06:45 AM Don Gaynor Replies: 0 Views: 505	0	505	03/27/13 06:45 AM by Don Gaynor
Great videos for learning jazz piano - Doug McKenzie by PeterGannon 03/27/13 10:23 AM ZeroZero Replies: 1 Views: 4,810	1	4,810	03/27/13 10:23 AM by ZeroZero
what are you doing at the moment on the piano with BIAB? Plz post by ZeroZero 03/27/13 01:54 PM GDaddy Replies: 1 Views: 1,195	1	1,195	03/27/13 01:54 PM by GDaddy
Using A Capo Correctly - Tommy Emmanuel Workshop by Don Gaynor 04/02/13 07:32 AM Mootsman Replies: 5 Views: 6,438	5	6,438	04/02/13 07:32 AM by Mootsman
Tommy Emmanuel on Groove/Timing 11 Minutes by Don Gaynor 04/13/13 06:42 PM Rafa T Replies: 3 Views: 2,769	3	2,769	04/13/13 06:42 PM by Rafa T
A must see Jazz Guitar learning Source by GDaddy 04/23/13 07:42 AM dsw67 Replies: 2 Views: 1,760	2	1,760	04/23/13 07:42 AM by dsw67
Using BiaB to learn to improvise - it's the best tool for the job that I've ever found by Notes Norton 04/24/13 09:53 AM JustKen Replies: 7 Views: 7,934	7	7,934	04/24/13 09:53 AM by JustKen
On line tutoring sessions by DrDan 04/28/13 07:39 AM jazzmandan Replies: 0 Views: 462	0	462	04/28/13 07:39 AM by jazzmandan
What are the best Ear Training Apps for an Android phone ? by Joe V 04/30/13 01:55 PM JohnJohnJohn Replies: 1 Views: 3,192	1	3,192	04/30/13 01:55 PM by JohnJohnJohn
fyi-Jamey Aebersold Play-A-Long recordings are on Spotify by pghboemike 05/04/13 05:36 AM pghboemike Replies: 0 Views: 2,212	0	2,212	05/04/13 05:36 AM by pghboemike
Chet Atkins - Beginner Guitar Lesson by Don Gaynor 05/07/13 02:09 AM Joe Gordon Replies: 1 Views: 1,042	1	1,042	05/07/13 02:09 AM by Joe Gordon
fyi-guitarmasterclass scale generator by pghboemike 05/07/13 09:50 AM pghboemike Replies: 0 Views: 691	0	691	05/07/13 09:50 AM by pghboemike
Bryan Sutton Teaches "Beaumont Rag" - Flatpicking Guitar Lesson by Don Gaynor 05/08/13 11:15 AM Don Gaynor Replies: 0 Views: 801	0	801	05/08/13 11:15 AM by Don Gaynor
Doc Watson Teaches "Deep River Blues" (6:15) by Don Gaynor 05/08/13 12:00 PM Don Gaynor Replies: 0 Views: 613	0	613	05/08/13 12:00 PM by Don Gaynor
Doc Watson Teaches "Windy And Warm" (6:03) by Don Gaynor 05/08/13 12:16 PM Don Gaynor Replies: 0 Views: 812	0	812	05/08/13 12:16 PM by Don Gaynor
Tony Rics & Norman Blake (About 3 Hours) by Don Gaynor 05/08/13 04:23 PM Don Gaynor Replies: 0 Views: 315	0	315	05/08/13 04:23 PM by Don Gaynor
Etta Baker Teaches Acoustic Blues Guitar (1 of 3 Parts) by Don Gaynor 05/08/13 06:57 PM Don Gaynor Replies: 0 Views: 405	0	405	05/08/13 06:57 PM by Don Gaynor
fyi-Leo's Sound Tools by pghboemike 05/10/13 12:44 AM pghboemike Replies: 0 Views: 455	0	455	05/10/13 12:44 AM by pghboemike
J.B. Dyas- Teaching Jazz Fundamentals to High School and College Musicians 1:30min by pghboemike 05/16/13 01:22 PM pghboemike Replies: 0 Views: 647	0	647	05/16/13 01:22 PM by pghboemike
Flamenco Guitar Lessons - extensive video instruction on Youtube by Joe V 05/22/13 03:47 PM Joe V Replies: 0 Views: 1,057	0	1,057	05/22/13 03:47 PM by Joe V
Download the full Gary Burton intro to improvisation course synopsis by pghboemike 05/26/13 10:42 AM MikeK Replies: 1 Views: 779	1	779	05/26/13 10:42 AM by MikeK
Learning melodies in all 12 keys by PeterGannon 05/29/13 07:33 AM AlastairLC Replies: 11 Views: 9,503	11	9,503	05/29/13 07:33 AM by AlastairLC
Nashville Guitar Style Demo Song 1 2 all by TexasHeartRush 06/11/13 07:39 AM TexasHeartRush Replies: 28 Views: 22,057	28	22,057	06/11/13 07:39 AM by TexasHeartRush
Do you have a system for categorizing or remembering "riffs" 1 2 all by PeterGannon 06/11/13 07:51 AM TexasHeartRush Replies: 30 Views: 24,468	30	24,468	06/11/13 07:51 AM by TexasHeartRush
Figuring out a melody in your head, without an instrument. by PeterGannon 06/15/13 05:43 AM rharv Replies: 3 Views: 1,967	3	1,967	06/15/13 05:43 AM by rharv
How to create an efficient system to complement my learning style.... by johnhenryhalljr 06/19/13 02:15 PM johnhenryhalljr Replies: 6 Views: 1,411	6	1,411	06/19/13 02:15 PM by johnhenryhalljr
fyi-circle of fifths info by pghboemike 06/23/13 03:52 AM pghboemike Replies: 0 Views: 471	0	471	06/23/13 03:52 AM by pghboemike
Jerry Reed Tribute Concert (1 hour 48 min) by Don Gaynor 06/27/13 12:09 AM Ryszard Replies: 3 Views: 1,527	3	1,527	06/27/13 12:09 AM by Ryszard
old books = new ideas for me by pghboemike 06/29/13 08:42 AM pghboemike Replies: 0 Views: 579	0	579	06/29/13 08:42 AM by pghboemike
Share your favorite practice tools besides BB/RB - mine is "Amazing Slow Downer" by Joe V 07/06/13 04:20 AM Joe V Replies: 4 Views: 1,824	4	1,824	07/06/13 04:20 AM by Joe V
Some recommendations for tunes to use for ear training by Joe V 07/08/13 04:12 PM Joe V Replies: 0 Views: 661	0	661	07/08/13 04:12 PM by Joe V
Does anyone think in 'tetrachords' when memorizing scales or soloing ? by Joe V 07/14/13 06:31 AM alan S. Replies: 3 Views: 3,087	3	3,087	07/14/13 06:31 AM by alan S.
Norman Blake - Flatpicker (6:37) by Don Gaynor 07/31/13 03:43 PM Joe Gordon Replies: 5 Views: 1,700	5	1,700	07/31/13 03:43 PM by Joe Gordon
Free Truefire Pro Membership by KeithS 08/03/13 08:31 AM KeithS Replies: 2 Views: 1,674	2	1,674	08/03/13 08:31 AM by KeithS
add-on to help practice "playing along" by MMgWjo 08/06/13 02:03 AM MMgWjo Replies: 1 Views: 522	1	522	08/06/13 02:03 AM by MMgWjo
Thumb Picking by Muriel Anderson - 8 Lessons by Don Gaynor 08/07/13 01:35 PM KeithS Replies: 1 Views: 698	1	698	08/07/13 01:35 PM by KeithS
transcribed solos by Cy O'Hara 08/26/13 06:13 AM Mac Replies: 9 Views: 4,542	9	4,542	08/26/13 06:13 AM by Mac
A Well-Written Country Song by Don Gaynor 08/26/13 07:18 AM Guitarhacker Replies: 11 Views: 4,413	11	4,413	08/26/13 07:18 AM by Guitarhacker
making simple notation by Ize 09/01/13 03:37 AM Ize Replies: 2 Views: 696	2	696	09/01/13 03:37 AM by Ize
transpose display notation for Bb clarinet? by Craig H 09/08/13 11:01 AM pmwizard Replies: 3 Views: 1,559	3	1,559	09/08/13 11:01 AM by pmwizard
Another way of thinking about chords...'feature notes' by ZeroZero 09/17/13 11:06 AM ZeroZero Replies: 4 Views: 1,418	4	1,418	09/17/13 11:06 AM by ZeroZero
101 Jazz Guitar Riffs - too many? by AlastairLC 09/18/13 06:48 AM Guitarhacker Replies: 6 Views: 2,580	6	2,580	09/18/13 06:48 AM by Guitarhacker
Should I invest in BIAB? New to guitar playing by Jo O. 09/21/13 09:56 AM bostonx Replies: 10 Views: 3,388	10	3,388	09/21/13 09:56 AM by bostonx
Can BIAB Teach Me Alto Saxophone? 1 2 all by George Nelson 10/10/13 02:16 AM wen Replies: 26 Views: 19,257	26	19,257	10/10/13 02:16 AM by wen
how to display the intervals i'm playing by pghboemike 10/11/13 12:50 AM James2 Replies: 5 Views: 1,841	5	1,841	10/11/13 12:50 AM by James2
Jazz Guitar: Five Key Jazz Rhythms by pghboemike 10/23/13 06:28 AM Mac Replies: 4 Views: 1,773	4	1,773	10/23/13 06:28 AM by Mac
Unknown notation symbol by ZeroZero 10/26/13 08:46 AM Frankp Replies: 3 Views: 1,457	3	1,457	10/26/13 08:46 AM by Frankp
How many of you can sing different scales and modes with reasonable accuracy, and how did you learn by Joe V 10/28/13 01:32 PM ZeroZero Replies: 9 Views: 3,235	9	3,235	10/28/13 01:32 PM by ZeroZero
BIAB and two handed piano practice by WAS 10/31/13 10:08 AM WAS Replies: 0 Views: 356	0	356	10/31/13 10:08 AM by WAS
Best Way to use Real Drums for Drum Training & Practice? by Jonnwhite 11/04/13 08:44 AM Mac Replies: 1 Views: 559	1	559	11/04/13 08:44 AM by Mac
Seeking advice from people who've learned to play some piano after many years of guitar playing 1 2 all by Joe V 11/12/13 05:58 PM Mac Replies: 30 Views: 23,474	30	23,474	11/12/13 05:58 PM by Mac
What are the big 'approaches' to soloing in addition to 'modal' - how do they differ from each other by Joe V 11/12/13 06:11 PM Mac Replies: 7 Views: 1,993	7	1,993	11/12/13 06:11 PM by Mac

Moderated by: Andrew - PG Music, Blake - PG Music, Callie - PG Music, Catherine, PeterGannon, pgmoderation

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PG Music News

August 28, 2024

New! XPro Styles PAK 7 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 7 with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 50 RealTracks and RealDrums that are sure to delight!

With XPro Styles PAK 7 you can expect 25 rock & pop, 25 jazz, and 25 country styles, as well as 25 of this year's wildcard genre: Celtic!

Here's a small sampling of what XPro Styles PAK 7 has to offer: energetic rock jigs, New Orleans funk, lilting jazz waltzes, fast Celtic punk, uptempo train beats, gritty grunge, intense jazz rock, groovy EDM, soulful R&B, soft singer-songwriter pop, country blues rock, and many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 7 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box 2024® with XPro Styles PAK 7! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Watch the XPro Styles PAK 7 Overview & Styles Demos video.

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2024 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

August 28, 2024

New! Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Mac!

Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box version 2024 is here with 200 brand new styles to take for a spin!

Along with 50 new styles each for the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, we’ve put together a collection of styles using sounds from the SynthMaster plugin!

In this PAK you'll find: dubby reggae grooves, rootsy Americana, LA jazz pop, driving pop rock, mellow electronica, modern jazz fusion, spacey country ballads, Motown shuffles, energetic EDM, and plenty of synth heavy grooves! Xtra Style PAK 18 features these styles and many, many more!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 18 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Expand your Band-in-a-Box 2024® library with Xtra Styles PAK 18! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 18 here.

Watch the Xtra Styles PAK 18 Overview & Styles Demos video.

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 18 requires the 2024 UltraPAK/UltraPAK+/Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

August 28, 2024

New! Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 18 for Band-in-a-Box version 2024 is here with 200 brand new styles to take for a spin!

Along with 50 new styles each for the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, we’ve put together a collection of styles using sounds from the SynthMaster plugin!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 18 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Expand your Band-in-a-Box 2024® library with Xtra Styles PAK 18! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 18 here.

Watch the Xtra Styles PAK 18 Overview & Styles Demos video.

August 28, 2024

New! XPro Styles PAK 7 for Band-in-a-Box 2024 for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 7 with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 50 RealTracks and RealDrums that are sure to delight!

With XPro Styles PAK 7 you can expect 25 rock & pop, 25 jazz, and 25 country styles, as well as 25 of this year's wildcard genre: Celtic!

Special Pricing! Until September 30, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 7 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea)! Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box 2024® with XPro Styles PAK 7! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Watch the XPro Styles PAK 7 Overview & Styles Demos video.

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2024 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

July 22, 2024

Video - Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6 for Mac®: New Features for Reaper

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 includes built-in specific support for the Reaper® DAW API, allowing direct transfer of Band-in-a-Box® files to/from Reaper tracks, including tiny lossless files of instructions which play audio instantly from disk.

We demonstrate the new Reaper features in the Band-in-a-Box® VST DAW Plugin 6.0 in our video, Band-in-a-Box® DAW Plugin Version 6 for Mac®: New Features for Reaper

July 18, 2024

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® - Update Today!

Already grabbed your copy of Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®? Head to our Support Page to download build 803 and update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 installation with the latest version developed by our team!

Learn more & download now.

July 10, 2024

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac® Video - Over 50 New Features and Enhancements!

Read all about the 50+ newest features in Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®, or you can watch our video "Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Mac®: Over 50 New Features and Enhancements!" to see it in action!

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