band in a box

[kiwijohn]

I installed "band in a box" some time ago,after a friend gave it to me.
One thing I noticed is that you can key in the heads to any song ,then utilize the "guitar tutor" section which will print out several chord melody versions of that song.(also to songs that you might write yourself)...
I tried this for the first time a couple of days ago and found it to be quite good at displaying variations.
So you can go then,to,"guitar-masters.....charts" on the web and print out whatever standard you might like to try,key it into "band in a box" and allow the tutor to supply you with some ideas....
I would think that there is some controversy here with some people over letting a computer take over your own brainwork.....but it does in fact stimulate you to think of other combinations.....just don't rely on the computer programme to do it all for you.
Does anyone else employ these methods?

[mahayana]

KJ,

I believe Jazzalta uses Band-in-a-Box, too.

[jazzalta]

Interesting KJ. I've never used that feature, and in all honesty, never really knew it existed. I have so many things on the go that I never really explore software to its fullest extent. I have version 11 and I'll maybe look into that feature. Thanks for sharing that.

[jazzalta]

WOW. Now that is amazing. I just printed up a version of "Alone Again" using a Lenny Breau arrangement. I'm very impressed. I sure could have used this function when I was doing my arrangements years ago. It's a little sterile sounding but played rubato and combined with other styles (some 255 in my version) it could supply an almost unlimited variety. Definitely worth the price of the program if you're into learning chord melody.

[kiwijohn]

a bit sterile is about right...... the fact that a computer program can gush forth jazz variations is weird enough.......
As you say...combine the best of what comes from BB with whatever else you have....and,given your own rhythmic sense.......it's a result!

[kiwijohn]

jazza,or anyone out there with BB.....I've just noticed (in BB)that after you have entered the chords and melody heads....you can go back to the chord entry window,select all chords....and then change the key!..All the chords change....plus the melody line..to the new key..
So now you're at the stage where you can get chord melody for any song in any key !