Hi, there. Can you give me some suggestions on how to choose good musics for my game? It is game about wakeboarding(3D). The player will play it in three different scenes. One is mysterious, next is qiuet but beatiful, the last one is happy and light. One scene need one backgroud music. Or can you tell me the good music genre for each scene? Or which musical instruments can bring good effect in a certain scene? Thanks a lot! [Edited by - juan3happy on November 30, 2007 3:27:44 AM]

Hey Juan a couple things come to mind. I operate on the more classical spectrum so these ideas might be a little musty but I think they would be highly effective if implemented correctly.

Primarily you have picked a theme with, I think, one of the most expressive genres of music... Tropical. Here are a few thoughts. First off don't be afraid to explore compound meters! You could have a lot of fun that way.

Mysterious.
-Running bass line incorporating dissonance.
-Occasional rhythm oriented interjections by higher voices.
-I would highly suggest using a marimba. Check out "Rain Dance" on the Album Prisms by Rebecca Kite or Rhythm Song by Paul Smadbeck as performed by Evelyn Glennie.

Beautiful.
-Major key tonality.
-Stick to instruments with cleaner timbre (less overtone) For example use Voice, Flute, Cello, Horn.
-Shoot for Stars by Bobby McFerrin and Yo Yo MA off the Album Hush. It is absolutely gorgeous while still very lively. This is by virtue of the clarity of Bobby's well supported voice and the cello whose timbre makes up for Yo Yo's sometimes questionable technique :)

Happy and light.
-Major Key Tonality
-Calypso or Cuban Son style.
-Again take full advantage of percussion. Marimba's, Steel Drums, Tonal Drums.
-Listen to Sun Paints Rainbows On The Vast Waves By David Bedford, Also Check out the background music to Diamonds On The Souls Of Her Shoes.

Hope this helped.