How to Create Chinese-Sounding Music With MIDI Instruments

The music of China has greatly influenced traditional folk music in Eastern and Southeastern Asia. One thing that will get you started really is by using pentatonic scales, which are present in most traditional Asian music. The problem is General MIDI does not have actual Chinese instruments. The only Asian instruments you can end up finding in General MIDI sets are mostly from Japan in terms of melodic tones. It made sense to include those instruments since General MIDI, in the form that the world knows today, was developed on both ends of the Pacific Ocean in Japan and the United States.

There are some workarounds for using specific General MIDI patches to approximate the sounds of Chinese instruments, but there is no way they can perfectly imitate actual Chinese instruments. Additionally, General MIDI lacks the unique timbres, articulations, and performance techniques of traditional Chinese instruments and the only way to imitate this would be to use complicated special effects. You would be better off using dedicated sample libraries if you want to achieve authentic results.

Closest General MIDI Equivalents

Strings

Instrument	GM Equivalent
Erhu	Fiddle (111) for capturing slighly more rustic textures Violin (41) if you want to use a brighter tone Cello (43) for lower-pitched parts
Pipa	Banjo (106) for a bright, percussive nature Nylon (25) for a softer, lute-like feel
Guzheng	Koto (108) since it sounds similar. The main challenge is replicating the pitch-bending effect; we recommend using a vibrato effect to pull this off. Dulcimer (16) can also be used.
Guqin	Harp (47) for replicating clear, open tones. Koto (108) if you want it to sound closer.
Yangqin	Dulcimer (16) is the closest equivalent. Music Box (11) can be used for a more delicate bell-like timbre.

Winds

Instrument	GM Equivalent
Dizi	Flute (74) is highly recommended. Pan Flute (76) if you want a more breathier feel.
Xiao	Recorder (75) is the best equivalent. Whistle (79) can also be used.
Sheng	Accordion (22) and Harmonica (25) can mimic its polyphonic capabilities.
Suona	Oboe (69) would be the closest equivalent. Trumpet (57) can be used for brassy and bold parts.
Hulusi	Clarinet (72) can approximate its mellow and smooth tone. Recorder (75) can also be used.

Percussion

Instrument	GM Equivalent
Bangu and Dagu	Note 36 on Standard Drum Kit, namely various snare and tom patches, can be used to imitate Bangu. Taiko Drum (117) for the Dagu
Gongs, and Luo and Bo Cymbals	The Chinese Cymbal (Note 52) is included as a specific patch on most drum kits, though you can use the Crash Cymbal (Note 49) or Ride Bell (Note 53) to spice things up.
Muban	Woodblock (116) can be used to imitate the Muban, Hi Wood Block (Note 76) on drum kits can also be used.

Further Reading

• University of Michigan guide for replicating the authentic feel of Chinese music
• Vi Control forum thread