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The Science of Music: A practical look at music theory
A music theory textbook that treats music theory as a science and removes complexity and naming convention issues from prior versions of music theory.
- GenresMusicNonfiction
364 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2024
21 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Allen Van Wert
1 book4 followersAllen 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 5, 2025
Deeply insufferable writing. TikTok Arnold Schönberg he is not. The information was good but it needs an editor more than any book I have read in a long time. Also AI slop all over a book about music is a bad look. Just saying.
April 8, 2025
The books moves you through music theory subjects and makes it easy to grasp. I thought this would be another theory books I'd end up stalling on but the book has started filling in gaps and hooked me.
I began reading and got to page 66. I was like yup, just as I thought. Another theory book with filler. I kept going because the book does flow well.
I got to the part about triads and was like wait, I get the explanation and I know where I can use this to fill a gap in my fretboard fluency. The part I'm really enjoying is that as someone who has tried learning theory and been playing for a long time; I'm able to pick up gaps and understand how to build chords.
I really could go on, but I've become a fan of the author because this book is helping me understand what I should know by now. Ive never had lessons and have stalled reading other theory books. The highlight that will help everyone is the way concepts are explained simply. If I could read 66 pages in and understand better what I had tried to learn before and start filling in gaps then you can too. What's crazy is that there is still so much more left in the book.
A lot of great reference at the end of the book too. Might have to pick up a second copy to keep as a back up, from the wear I anticipate I'll put on my first copy.
I began reading and got to page 66. I was like yup, just as I thought. Another theory book with filler. I kept going because the book does flow well.
I got to the part about triads and was like wait, I get the explanation and I know where I can use this to fill a gap in my fretboard fluency. The part I'm really enjoying is that as someone who has tried learning theory and been playing for a long time; I'm able to pick up gaps and understand how to build chords.
I really could go on, but I've become a fan of the author because this book is helping me understand what I should know by now. Ive never had lessons and have stalled reading other theory books. The highlight that will help everyone is the way concepts are explained simply. If I could read 66 pages in and understand better what I had tried to learn before and start filling in gaps then you can too. What's crazy is that there is still so much more left in the book.
A lot of great reference at the end of the book too. Might have to pick up a second copy to keep as a back up, from the wear I anticipate I'll put on my first copy.
March 20, 2025
This I must say is a genius book that gives you a different look at theory. It's very organized and referenced via guitar and piano! I am a singer, music producer, and a piano and there are eye openers that would change the way you think about harmony. I believe though, that these aspects are explained in harmony class in Jazz and composition but this digs just a bit deeper into it.
This said, I recommend and encourage theory teachers and musicians to look into this book. Also, this isn't just a regular theory book, this is also a reference book of chords and scales and it points which chords work on the mods and scale degrees, very resourceful piece that I believe musicians should have as a toolbox!
This said, I recommend and encourage theory teachers and musicians to look into this book. Also, this isn't just a regular theory book, this is also a reference book of chords and scales and it points which chords work on the mods and scale degrees, very resourceful piece that I believe musicians should have as a toolbox!
December 10, 2025
The best book on music theory!!! The book does an amazing job of making music theory come together in a logical way! The book also has a wonderful high quality feel to it!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews