Have a 50$ B&N gift card, Recommend me some music theory books

[herodotus]

The purpose of this thread wasn't just in finding out some popular music theory books, or from users who have read alot, ones that stick out the most to them as being well written, practical for 'computer' use, but also just some books about music in general that people found fascinating that maybe dabbles in music theory,synthesis, acoustics, phsyics of sound, how music effects emotions/chemistry and tips to writing to provoke certain emotions etc.

As a matter of terminology, I think that the books you listed are more in the realm of 'aesthetics' or 'philosophy of music' than theory proper. Music theory is really a theory of harmony, tonality and part writing, with some vague rules about rhythm and meter thrown in where necessary. As I said earlier it could use some work, as it's getting kind of out of date in some ways.

In any case, these 2 free ebooks may be of interest to you.

[jopy]

That said, I would also like to learn how to play the keyboard more proficiently. I already have some video tutorials lined up but any others that have caught your attention for being concise and relevant to electronic music would be of even greater help. I appreciate everyones suggestions and enjoyed reading the tips and other topics that were brought up. Interesting stuff and good points

The genres you mentioned all have links to soul, R&B, and funk. As such, you might like these books for keyboard technique:

http://www.amazon.com/Funk-Keyboards-Co ... 0793598702

http://www.amazon.com/Keyboard-Complete ... y_b_text_y

The harmonies and rhythms from these genres are very useful for a lot of styles of electronic music. The Johnson book (Funk Keyboards) is especially good because it has some very musical rhythm exercises for chords. There's enough there to start using her ideas, and then build your own as you feel more comfortable. I've greatly enhanced my ideas for rhythm by practicing these. Some degree of ability to read music is required, and you will pick up some harmonic ideas as well. Comes with a CD, which is helpful if your rhythm hearing is better than your rhythm reading (which it is for most people).

[nickfever]

I liked the, "Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory."

I think I just called myself an idiot.