: If you want to learn how to recreate the specific synth sounds from the track, you can follow the Synth Tutorial: Ellie Goulding's "Lights" by Syntorial . This resource provides the MIDI files alongside presets for free plugins so you can build the beat from scratch.
The song's iconic, instantly recognizable sound is its main lead synth. According to production sources, this sound is , known as "ARP Raindrop". The MIDI file captures the specific note pattern for this arpeggiator—if you play B2 and then G#2, you will trigger the same melodic sequence heard at the very beginning of the song. Understanding how this arpeggiated MIDI pattern interacts with the synth's sound design is key to nailing the Lights vibe.
The bright, mallet-like synth that opens the track is a classic example of an arpeggio pattern. Its sound is shaped with a short decay (fading to zero quickly) to give it a percussive, plucked quality. This pattern, repeated throughout the song, is clearly visible in its MIDI data.
Ellie Goulding's "Lights" is a timeless electro-pop anthem that has captivated audiences worldwide with its soaring vocals, infectious beat, and mesmerizing melody. Released in 2010, the song became an instant hit, topping the charts in several countries and cementing Ellie Goulding's status as a rising star in the music industry. For music producers and enthusiasts alike, "Lights" in MIDI format offers a unique opportunity to explore the song's intricate composition, recreate its magic, and even create something entirely new. ellie goulding lights midi
| Time | MIDI Note (GM mapping) | Velocity | Effect | |------|------------------------|----------|--------| | 1.1 | Kick (C1) | 100 | Main beat | | 1.2 | Snare (D1) | 95 | Rim click | | 1.3 | Kick (C1) | 85 | Ghost note | | 1.4 | Snare (D1) | 110 | Main backbeat | | 1.& | Hi-hat closed (F#1) | 70 | Shuffle feel | | 2.& | Hi-hat open (A#1) | 80 | Accent |
: For those learning the piano arrangement, Kesh Piano Music and OnlinePianist provide downloadable MIDI files and animated tutorials.
To start, you’ll need a MIDI file that captures the song's complex layers. : If you want to learn how to
When you open a good Lights MIDI, you should see these separate tracks:
A MIDI file (.mid) contains no audio—just note data: pitch, velocity, duration, and control changes. For Lights , this means:
| Element | MIDI channel | Recommended VST | |----------------|--------------|----------------------------| | Main synth | 1 | Serum, Sylenth1, Vital | | Bass | 2 | Operator, 3xOSC, SubLab | | Pad | 3 | Diva, Repro, Logic Alchemy | | Drums (MIDI) | 10 | Drum Rack, FPC, Battery | According to production sources, this sound is ,
Before diving into the technical resources, it's important to understand what makes the track a masterpiece of pop production. Co-written by Ellie Goulding, Richard Stannard, and Ash Howes, the song sits in the key of G# minor and moves at a tempo of around 120 BPM, giving it a driving energy that is both danceable and introspective. The song evokes a folk-pop sound layered with sequenced beats and synth, a style that was defining for the era.
Use a 1/8th or 1/4 dotted delay on the main synth pluck to create that echoing, expansive space.
: A massive library of classic MIDI files where you can often find stems for pop hits.
The harmonic foundation generally revolves around a loop of: G#m – F# – E – B
print(f"Most common notes: Counter(notes).most_common(5)") print(f"Avg velocity: sum(velocities)/len(velocities):.0f") print(f"Velocity range: min(velocities) - max(velocities)")