Best theory books

SO - I've got a pretty good ear, and I can manage some relatively complex stuff harmonically based on what I've learned through years of practice and active motivation to learn more about music.
 
However, the place where my big struggle is is actually with being able to TELL people about theory. I know how to "describe" a 1625 or 251 progression, for example, and some of the other basic things, but the other day a guy asked me which chord to use in tritone substitution and I just couldn't tell him.
 
What I'm curious about is whether anyone here knows of any good books or online resources where I can learn this kind of theory - especially jazz-theory? Perhaps something from a college course or something that can help me get my feet on the ground when it comes to building up from the basics?
 
Thanks a load, fellahs :)

For specific theory questions, it is hard to beat Wikipedia. As an example it has a very detailed article on tritone substitutions.

Hi Dud,
 
Why not read the original ideas instead of derivatives:
 
https://www.amazon.com/Ly...nization/dp/0970373902

Lots of material in those books you mention so you should be busy for a while :) 
 
As far as HOW to apply stuff from Jazz Piano, I dont know if there is anything other than the book, but honestly it does a very good job by itself given you know basic theory to begin with and play the piano at atleast a rudimentary level. There are TONS of exercises in there and even more recommended listening which will help alot. If you are only interested in the theory part it will go faster to go through than if you also want to apply the knowledge in your playing. I am still struggling with parts of it after 20 years :)  

I think a combination of books and videos is the key. Books give you a much more in depth explanation whereas videos provide the audio accompaniment to the things you're learning. You'll get lots of book suggestions but for videos I would suggest taking a look at Groove3 - they have some great music theory courses. The jazz theory ones by Eli Krantzberg are excellent. 

Online class taught by a Ph.D. for $14.99
 
Music Theory Comprehensive Complete! (Levels 1, 2, & 3)
A Complete College-Level Music Theory Curriculum. This edition of the course includes levels 1, 2, & 3.
 
https://www.udemy.com/music-theory-complete/

There is a lot of theory information out there and you can become paralyzed with theory (Have been there).   I agree with BayouBill above, keep it simple.   I would look at some Jazz Fake Books, good chord progressions and harmony in them.   Check out some short and simple theory specific YouTube Videos, ex. like when to use a diminished scale for example.   These short and simple methods help you to retain the information and really understand it.
 
In your example above, if you know 2-5-1, you already know what Tritone substitution is, indirectly.   Take for example Em7 A7 DMaj7.   A Tritone substitution in this case would replace the A7 with its' b5, or Eb.   So your progression would be Em7 Eb7/Eb9 to DMaj7.   Note that Eb is the tritone sub for A, and, A is the tritone sub for Eb.   They are interchangeable.   Play a Bm pentatonic over Em9, play an A arpeggio over Eb9, and then a Bm pentatonic over the Dmaj7 and you will hear the effect of the tritone substitution and likely remember it a long time.   Or you can do the opposite, if your progression remains Em7 A7 Dmaj7 try playing an Eb major (Cm) Pentatonic over your A7 chord.  You will catch a lot of "color notes" in there in either scenario.    If you are a guitar player you will start to see these patterns on the neck and store them in your toolkit for future use.
 
Regards

This guy too. He comes from a classical background, but discusses jazz and pop too. I really enjoyed his Astral Weeks video, but I think his Swing Video that I saw first had some new analysis and info for me on the subject and worth watching.