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General MIDI (GM) is a standardized specification that ensures MIDI-compatible instruments and software use the same instrument sounds and functions. This allows MIDI files to play consistently across different devices.
What is General MIDI?
Introduced in 1991, the General MIDI standard defines a common set of 128 instrument sounds arranged in a fixed order. For example, program number 1 is always an acoustic grand piano, while MIDI channel 10 is reserved for percussion instruments.
By following the General MIDI specification, keyboards, sound modules and computer software can reproduce MIDI files with predictable instrument assignments.
How is General MIDI used in piano playing?
Piano players often encounter General MIDI when working with MIDI keyboards, digital pianos, notation software and music production programs. Saving a performance as a General MIDI file makes it easier to exchange projects between compatible devices and software.
Understanding General MIDI also helps keyboard players work more efficiently with MIDI sequencing, arranging and digital music production.