What are the best books teaching music theory?

I've been playing the alto saxophone for a few years, and I'd like to learn more about reading and composing music in general. In short, I'd like to have a more in depth knowledge of music (scales, chord progressions, etc.). Keeping in mind that I have a very limited background in theory, what are the best books that I can learn from?

Try one of the "Idiots Guide" or "Music Theory for Dummies" books...no offence intended. I have a hard time with theory and think these really help with the basics.

At http://www.archive.org in their printed materials section, they have hundreds of books you can download for free to help you with theory, composition, orchestration, sight-reading, etc. Find the ones that work for you but hang on to the ones that don't because after a while they will start to make sense, too.

The best books I can tell you about are the ones from W. W. Norton. They have The Musician's Guide to Aural Skills and The Musician's Guide to Theory and Analysis. There is a work book as well as an anthology for the Theory and Analysis one and there are two Aural Skills books. Another, simple and easy to follow, is the Theory Essentials series from Thomson Schirmer.

Go to:

www.wwnorton.com

and

www.thomsonlearning.com (or www.wadsworth.com)

I can guarantee you that you can find these books on Amazon.

Hope that helps! And good luck.

A Music Major...