Rhythm creation theory, general contemporary theory books?

[bloodyMary]

Hi! Can someone recommend me some books on rhythm creation theory?
I 'm also looking for some contemporary music theory books..
So far I've come across classical harmony theory - 4 part voice leading, chord functions, etc. This is nice, but I find my knowledge lacking when I try to compose contemporary music - I've got too many questions unanswered - how to arrange a bass line, rhythm-guitars, drums... I suspect it's not just a matter of trial and error, there are rules and I want to learn these!

For example, when I write a melody, I am aware of some basic guidelines which help me avoid many mistakes.But when I write a kick/snare line, it's just trying out many things and jamming for me, and I spend way too much time trying to invent something well-known...

[herodotus]

Hi! Can someone recommend me some books on rhythm creation theory?
I 'm also looking for some contemporary music theory books..
So far I've come across classical harmony theory - 4 part voice leading, chord functions, etc. This is nice, but I find my knowledge lacking when I try to compose contemporary music - I've got too many questions unanswered - how to arrange a bass line, rhythm-guitars, drums... I suspect it's not just a matter of trial and error, there are rules and I want to learn these!

For example, when I write a melody, I am aware of some basic guidelines which help me avoid many mistakes.But when I write a kick/snare line, it's just trying out many things and jamming for me, and I spend way too much time trying to invent something well-known...

If by contemporary music you mean pop music, then I am afraid there are no real rules involved. Most forms of pop music going today have their roots in the spontaneous musical utterances of unschooled musicians.

If you want to get some insight into how this music is made, I recommend studying the music itself. Buy some tablature or sheet music of popular songs. Look at books like the Beatles Complete scores or Led Zeppelin Classics.

For drum parts, I can't recommend the Drummers Cook Book too highly.

[bloodyMary]

Thanx for the reply, I'll definately check out the 'Drummers cook book', but I still think there are some books on general composition/harmony of small genres (like song), in classical/jazz music, and the rules can apply to both rock and pop..Actually, I have books on jazz harmony, and need more info on other composition aspects - like how to build a structure of the song..
So, can someone advise me something like this?

[VicDiesel]

need more info on other composition aspects - like how to build a structure of the song..

There is a web site where someone explains the structure of all the Beatles songs. That would be quite worthwhile looking into. Those guys were among the best song writers ever with regularly very creative ideas.

Victor.

[flippya2000]

There is a web site where someone explains the structure of all the Beatles songs.

http://www.icce.rug.nl/~soundscapes/DAT ... s_on.shtml

[bloodyMary]

Wow, this is definately going to help a lot! Beatles wrote some of the best rock/pop tunes ever, and were indeed very creative!

[Room Temp' chi]

Thanks flippya2000!!! I'm a Beatles fan who had heard that The Beatles work was "dissected" like this but I'd never run across it. Thanks ton's,I'm geekin! room temp