Yo don't get to that level without a lot of knowledge, whether you know music theory or not. You must be able to read chord sheets regardless of the nomenclature.
Wes Montgomery was an outstanding jazz guitarist. Here is a clip from a web site
"Wes Montgomery couldn't read music, didn't know music theory, and didn't understand his instrument electronics. He also strummed exclusively with his thumb, and idiosyncrasy that would make any music instructor run faint."
However he had one hell of an ear for jazz music and recorded some of the best jazz guitar albums every produced, IMHO.
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
Beautiful piece you posted there Mr. David. Costa del sol, Malaga Spain, on of my favorite places in the world. Where the song was written, could have been where I first listened to it. Reading that is a lot easier than playing it ...lol That would for sure be a duet for me...lol
Well, there Roger Brown I like "Five dollars In Change" busted pride and all! I understand you wrote a song for Nanci Griffith. I was just wondering if you knew Eric Taylor.
He wrote a song called Moony that I can not find any recording of. I would love to hear it one more time before I get too old to listen.
I know the name, but I don't think I ever met him. Although I'm from TX, I moved to Nashville when I was very young (19) and our paths never crossed. Nanci and I became friends one night when I was playing a songwriter show at a bar in Nashville called Bogey's (long gone now). She was having dinner next door with a songwriter named Harlan Howard, and as they were leaving Harlan saw me on stage through the window and told Nanci they should go in and listen (he and I were friends and he thought Nanci would enjoy hearing a fellow Texan). One of the songs I played that night was the song she wound up recording. She very generously invited me to the recording session, and even put an 8x10 picture of me in the music video they wound up doing on the song.
She was a very kind, thoughtful and supportive person to me and I miss her.
Nanci was a wonderful person. I sort of watched her grow up. I also miss her. Some friends of mine and I use to hang out at Anderson Fair. That's where I first met Eric a long time before he and Nanci got married.
Also, as you know well the NNS could you type out an example of how to write a chord in a progression that is out of key? Don't ever get old, you can't remember anything...lol
Billy
EDIT: After thinking about it for a minute I may have remembered.
6- 1 2 4
6- 1 37 37 ( no way to do the small 7 on the computer)
I personally LOVE to read sheet music the way some people love to read novels.
Everyone is different, but I love musical notation because you can read the musical story, right in front of your eyes.
Funnily enough when I was in early high school (70-73 at a huge govt school in the poorer south western suburbs of Sydney), we had to attend music lessons each week and at some stage we were taught to follow a piece reading the orchestration. We started off with easy stuff...Canon probably and moved to The Death of Ase and then more elaborate things. I've loved following a chart since then BUT I didn't progress in actually reading to play, (beyond a couple of bass lessons), until I took up cello at the beginning of this century. NATURALLY I revisited Grieg with the cello and better reading. Good on my comprehensive, egalitarian, high school for bucking the "preparation for workforce ethos" just a bit and bringing some richness into our lives.
Last edited by rayc; 07/28/2204:05 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Except, of course, folk like Glen Campbell who couldn't read any notation and had to be told the chords but Brian Wilson & others kept hiring him. Exceptions to all rules and rules for all exceptions.
Glen Campbell is your example? Now you’re being silly. For the record, though he couldn’t sight-read notes, he had no problem with chord charts and I don’t care how many places you read otherwise. Though I did some dates with him, no reason to take my word for it. Carol Kaye did hundreds of sessions with the man.[/quote]
I apologise for not noting that he could read a chord chart -"...told the chords..." wasn't necessarily or often verbal...that was a given I assumed it was understood...let's face it anyone who can read can read a chord chart. CK was one of the sources, along with many other interviews with Wrecking Crew folk for my statement. I could look up the vid or comment about him asking another WC member for the chords but you wouldn't have space to accommodate it if proven so I shan't bother. I also read that he couldn't sight read but his Braille was pretty cool. You are a smug possum aren't you?
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I personally LOVE to read sheet music the way some people love to read novels. (Though I love to read novels too--or at least the good ones.)
Everyone is different, but I love musical notation because you can read the musical story, right in front of your eyes.
Here is a page from a copy of Recuerdos De la Alhambra by Tarrega I marked up. At measure 21 the song goes from A minor to A Major. The build up to this transition is such a work of meticulous planning genius, and it takes my breath away every time. Just flat-out gorgeous. I love to play it, and I love to read it. Just to marvel at the perfection.
The ladies seem to love this song as well. Forget Stairway to Heaven. Play this. The A minor to A Major transition first happens in this amazing rendition at the 2 min mark.
Interesting side story here: I hired a really talented guitar player in one of the bands I managed and played in. Long story on the guy.... we had a rocky past history as he actually stole my guitar one of the two times it was stolen. Long story short, I got it back the next day and law enforcement handled the details. Several years later I called him and offered him a job, which, after a few minutes of discussion, he accepted. A few months later on the road in a motel room somewhere in NC, I woke up at 3:30am to the sound of classical guitar music coming from..... the bathroom. I got up and walked to the bathroom door and pushed it open..... There he was, sitting on the throne..... (with the seat lid down) sheet music spread out on the tub rim and the floor playing his classical music. He looks up and says.... I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd practice and play my classical stuff while everyone was asleep. The guy was exceptionally talented to say the least. The stuff he was playing was like you hear in this video......
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 07/29/2210:03 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I never figured out the difference between you and me until just now.
I started off the story talking about a beautiful lady who looks like an angel playing one of the most beautiful pieces ever written flawlessly in a place that looks like heaven.
You ended the story by talking about sharing a fleabag, bed bug-ridden stinky cigarette butt smellin' $5 an hour motel room with a redneck con-artist and instrument thief who was sitting on the can playing the guitar.
I just got it. I understand what makes us different.
I now also know why you write better country songs than me.
David Snyder Songwriter/Renaissance Man Studio + Fingers
"In other words, what value is there in using the numeric notation that Charlie is describing? " ( In BIAB)
My answer is not much unless that is the system you usually use or someone who uses that system needs to read what you entered.
There are many good reasons for using NNS as has been discussed in this thread but to learn the system just for the purpose of entering chords into BIAB most likely is not worth the effort. I can say, learning the NNS is very easy if you already understand what the symbols mean in other systems.
Basic music theory is not difficult to learn if you have an internet connection. All you need to do is to be able to read and understand simple math terms. If you don't play an instrument or have some other music background then having some understanding of basic music theory is what you will need to acquire to create anything other than organized noise in BIAB.
And besides Herb knows where you live, so be careful what you say...lol
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.
Except, of course, folk like Glen Campbell who couldn't read any notation and had to be told the chords but Brian Wilson & others kept hiring him. Exceptions to all rules and rules for all exceptions.
Glen Campbell is your example? Now you’re being silly. For the record, though he couldn’t sight-read notes, he had no problem with chord charts and I don’t care how many places you read otherwise. Though I did some dates with him, no reason to take my word for it. Carol Kaye did hundreds of sessions with the man.
You are a smug possum aren't you? [/quote]
Nah, just someone paying attention to the topic.
As I said, I did a few dates with Mr. Campbell over the years if you don’t want to believe Carol Kaye. But, go ahead and find that YouTube video if you must..
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
I wouldn't want to gainsay you Mr Mike. Crikey, I wouldn't disbelieve you even if Glen Campbell told me otherwise. Then again your experience is from a different era of his career. We all grow & change or shrink and change.
Smug as a tug under a rug.
Last edited by rayc; 08/01/2209:58 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Fantastic interviews. Campbell was a genius who didn't originally know how good he was.
Of course, so many of these successes could be attributed to the brilliance of Jim Webb. It was excellent to see his participation.
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.
Fantastic interviews. Campbell was a genius who didn't originally know how good he was.
Of course, so many of these successes could be attributed to the brilliance of Jim Webb. It was excellent to see his participation.
Yes, Jimmy Webb"s "catalogue" contains more than hits...he had some brilliant misses and completely bonkers projects like the albums with Harris. Every one a gem &, by the look & sounds of it, he was a nice enough person too.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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!
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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!
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