Music Theory assistance

What are some links or general rules of thumb that have helped you in your journeys of learning and practicing music theory?

http://howmusicreallyworks.com/Index.html


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http://www.amazon.com/Music-Theory-Computer-Musicians-Book/dp/1598635034

MPC'S have computer's inside right

If it's sounds good, it probably is good. If I transpose my drums till they sound "right", they end up in tune with the song.

yeah.

Im more trying to come at it from a different angle. I want to further my knowledge a bit more. Half of the people on here "tweak it till its right" Thats the name of the game man... Thats the first thing that had me attracted to making beats was that I didnt know much theory at all, and it was like theory didnt exist you just kind of go in. But seriously though, more than anything I need to be able to communicate with other talent. Best second language imo.

I've seen some pretty dope formulas for avoid tones, harmonies, ect. Ill try and dig some up and post.

If you let us know how much you know we can halp you. I thought you wanted to learn for making 'beats' because you said "general rules of thumb." There really is no such thing.

My friend sent me this, though I haven't payed attention to it yet. (http://jazzpianoteacher.co.uk/) It's lessons in podcast form. The contents look dope.

Learn Jazz piano, lesson 1 - FROM SCALES TO CHORDS
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 2 - THE 12 BAR BLUES
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 3 - INTERVALS AND THE CIRCLE OF FIFTHS
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 4 - TURNAROUNDS
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 5 - THE 2,5,1 SEQUENCE
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 6 - AUTUMN LEAVES PART 1
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 7 - AUTUMN LEAVES PART 2
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 8 - DIMINISHED SCALES AND CHORDS
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 9 - SUGGESTED LISTENING
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 10 - MAJOR MODES
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 11 - MINOR MODES
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 12 - IMPROVISING OVER 7th CHORDS
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 13 - BEBOP BLUES
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 14 - RHYTHM CHANGES PART 1
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 15 - TRITONE SUBSTITUTION
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 16 - RHYTHM CHANGES PART 2
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 17 - BLOCK CHORDS
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 18 - ROOTLESS VOICINGS
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 19 - INTROS/OUTROS ETC
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 20 - STRIDE
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 21 - OUR NEW FORUM
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 22 - BLUE BOSSA
Learn Jazz piano, lesson 23 - HAVE YOU MET MISS JONES PART 1

It makes it that much better if you have some basic knowledge of music, ie: understanding key signatures, a few scales, major/minor augmented/deminish chords and whatnot and you're in.

But once you take this knowledge and understanding and start using your ear more to identify what works and what doesn't, you might end up taking things a step further by incorporating more instrumental play (guitar, bass, keys, woodwind or brass instruments) along with a sample or two to bring out those ideas or whatever.