Key signature in free downloaded MIDI files is often left at the default by the MIDIOT who made the file. The default Keusig Setting in all MIDI creating stuff is the Key of C Major.

Lots of MIDIOTS simply punch MIDI Record and start playing in the parts in realtime, without regard to settring the Keysig -- or the proper Tempo. Those who use step-entry methods to create the file are also largely guilty of this.

The result is that they have created a file that sounds correct, but any software that is used to open up the MIDI file will get the incorrect Keysig and Tempo data. Key of C and 120 BPM are the default values and that's what most of these downloaded files are left at. The actual file may be in any one of the 12 keys, though. It is up to you to find the correct Keysig and change that, same goes for the Tempo.

TIP: The last note that the Bass (or lowest note) plays in a song is almost always the Root of the Key Signature of the song. Scroll to the end and examine that last lowest note, then enter its lettername in the Keysig dropdown.

Tempo may wander in these downloaded files as well -- Many creators of these files do not use a click track or metronome to keep the Tempo even. You might have to resort to the creation of a Tempo Map within your project in order to get things to line up bar by bar.


--Mac