Q: What is a MIDI file, and why doesn't it sound like a real performance?
A: Without getting too technical, a MIDI file is a digital representation of the notes in a song. A MIDI file contains the note pitch, duration, the type of instrument, balance (right or left), speed of playback, etc. MIDI file's are not recordings of real performances, and in fact are many times smaller than a recording (such as MP3) because they only contain the limited amount of information described. Guitar (or flute, etc) sounds are generated your computers' sound card, which contains a representation of what a guitar (or flute, etc.) sounds like. Very high quality sound cards can sound quite realistic.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of MIDI files as compared to recordings, such as MP3?
A: As discussed above, an actual recording will probably sound more realistic than a MIDI file. Recordings can also include "non-computer" generated sounds, such as vocal performances. However, MIDI files have advantages for certain applications:
MIDI files have much smaller file sizes than recordings. Since MIDI files are not a recording, there are no copyright issues for public domain songs, since there is no "performance". The ability to use MIDI as a training device with a musical instrument (with optional software) varying playback speed, and selecting which instruments play in music with multiple parts. The ability (with optional software) to compose, edit and print music in an electronic format. The ability (with optional software) to alter the key and types of instruments.
Q: How did you create the MIDI files on your page?
A: Using a MIDI software package (see next question for more details), I entered each note on "electronic" sheet music. As you might expect, this takes some time to accomplish for some of the more complex/longer pieces. It is also possible to enter the notes into a file using a MIDI compatible device (such as a keyboard).
Q: How can I create/edit/print MIDI files?
A: In order to perform any operation on these files other than simple playback, you will need to purchase optional software. I am currently using Midisoft Studio Ensemble 2003 XP. Midisoft's current software is called Forte, and you can find out more about it here . Studio Ensemble 2003 XP allows for a great deal of flexibility in printing high quality sheet music, including support for many non-standard MIDI features, such as repeats, and the "8vb" treble clef (see next faq). In order to use all of these features, you need to use Midisoft's ".mmm" file extension.
Q: Why do some of the MIDI's from your page appear to be written an octave too low?
A: This is a somewhat complicated answer. First of all, the guitar is a "transposing instrument", meaning that its music as actually played is one octave lower than as written with a standard treble clef. Strictly speaking, for guitar music the treble clef should contain the "8vb" notation to indicate this. I have seen this notation used, but it is uncommon. .
The second part of the answer relates to the capabilities of standard MIDI files (.mid extension). They do not support the treble clef with 8vb notation, so for the music to be properly played back, it is converted to the true note values on a standard treble clef. This means that when you view this file the notes will appear one octave too low. If you can play .mmm files (see previous question), I will send you a copy in this format upon request. The notes will then appear correctly, and these files will also support other desirable features, such as repeats.
Finally, not all of my files were developed using Studio Ensemble 2003 XP, so I wrote these older files using the .mid format. Each guitar part was duplicated an octave apart so that one appears correctly as written, the other correctly as played. .
Q: Why don't you have any MIDI files for guitar and keyboards?
A: I haven't run across any. If you know of good resources, please let me know.
Q: Where can I obtain copies of the sheet music for some of the MIDI files on your page?
A: I now have a bibliography page for some of the music publications that I highly recommend.
Q: Can I to link to your page?
A: You are welcome to link to my page.
Q: Would you link to my page?
A: While I appreciate knowing about other sources of classical guitar MIDI files, I have found that maintaining links pages for each of my interests has taken too much time. Internet portals and search engines do a great job anyway.