Allen Van Wert: Author, Innovator, and Music Theory Revolutionary
Allen Van Wert, known as "R0B0T," is a trailblazing guitarist, author, and educator who has redefined the way musicians approach music theory and guitar technique. With a career spanning decades, Allen has not only mastered the instrument but has also transformed the way it is taught and understood through his groundbreaking instructional books and innovative methods.
As an author, Allen has penned four influential books that have reshaped music education:
The Science of Music: A revolutionary music theory book that corrects the many flaws of traditional music theory.
Ear Training For Guitarists: A comprehensive guide to developing a musician’s most critical skill—listening.
Modern Songwriting Secrets: A deep dive into crafting memorable, impactful songs in today’s musical landscape.
Robot's Technical Guitar: A best-selling ebook that has become a go-to resource for guitarists seeking to master advanced techniques and theory.
Allen’s approach to music theory is anything but traditional. He challenges conventional methods, offering fresh perspectives that empower musicians to think creatively and break free from rigid frameworks. His teachings emphasize practicality, encouraging students to apply theory in ways that enhance their playing and songwriting.
In addition to his written works, Allen is the creator of the Ultimate Picking Program (2016), the world’s first AI-powered guitar trainer. This revolutionary app identifies a player’s weaknesses and provides tailored exercises to improve speed, accuracy, and technical proficiency. His passion for innovation also led to the creation of RandoBeat.com (2019), a rhythm generator designed to help musicians practice and compose with randomized patterns, further bridging the gap between theory and creativity.
A self-taught guitarist who began on a homemade instrument built by his father, Allen turned down a scholarship to Berklee College of Music to forge his own path. His unique journey has made him a sought-after educator, contributing lesson packs for platforms like GuitarBots (now Yousician) and teaching on JamPlay.com.
Allen’s influence extends beyond education. He is the inventor of "Robot Tapping," a revolutionary guitar technique that mimics the sound of a video game, showcased on his 2005 debut album, ROBOT. His YouTube channel features world-record speed demonstrations, high-quality covers, and free lessons, making him a beloved figure in the online guitar community.
Allen Van Wert is more than an author or guitarist—he is a visionary who has changed the way musicians learn, create, and think about music. Through his books, innovative tools, and relentless passion, he continues to inspire a new generation of artists to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in music.