
Allen "Robot" Van Wert teaches his approach to developing technique necessary for fast playing.
Lesson 1
Allen kicks off his technique series with a primer lesson on right hand picking.
Length: 30:52 Difficulty: 1.5 Members OnlyLesson 2
Allen shows you the 24 rudiments crucial to developing finger dexterity.
Length: 7:22 Difficulty: 1.5 Members OnlyLesson 3
Allen shows an amazing muscle building exercise that really works out the left hand!
Length: 9:32 Difficulty: 1.5 Members OnlyLesson 4
This lesson covers an exercise that works on all the major picking techniques.
Length: 11:15 Difficulty: 2.0 Members OnlyLesson 5
Allen shows you a great exercise set that helps with synchronizing your hands as well as stretching your left hand.
Length: 8:18 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
About Allen Van Wert
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Allen Van Wert got the nickname "ROBOT" from his unusual guitar tapping techniques that often sound like a video game more than a guitar. He has studied and played a wide variety of genres. His experimental and eclectic amalgamation of music combining shred guitar, crazy tapping techniques, and electronically infused composition contrasted by a highly emotional soft melodic side, make his debut album a really fun and interesting listen for just about anyone.
Allen has recorded guitar for the famed video game soundtrack composer Jesper Kyd (Composer of Hitman, Splinter Cell and many other big title games) as well as composing and recording for movie trailers and TV commercials. He has also been producing, recording and co-writing for local artists in his small home/project studio.
His three books on guitar technique, ear training and songwriting have helped many students over the past couple of years. Allen has also played in various cover bands in many genres since the age of 16 and has played to over 5000 on a few occasions. He was a featured guest musician on the album "West Coast Shred Fest".
In his spare time, Allen programs video games for fun. Wooo!
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Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.I don't think you're right about slowing this down like that without a reason. Also starting over doesn't seem valid, I urge anyone to just play the portion they mess up on to find out if it's a recurring mess up, or a flub by playing that part only and paying attention to their whole body while doing so, play it above speed and below the speed with the exact same motions. Also learn Mental Play, even for these lessons. Allen, please teach mental play in conjunction with your lessons! It would make you even better teacher! You already great tho.
I have noticed a big difference in my playing, this helped me with my finger independence as well. I'm glad I ran across this lesson thanks dude.
Not my favorite exercise to do, however I started noticing improvements in my accuracy and my pinky mobility in just a few days. Thanks Allen!
You're welcome!
I did not really get this, am i doing it now forever, or when i finish for those 6 days thats it?
Forever
Camera angle from above - Fantastic!
what is the metronome set on for the pace you are playing that at in video?
You say that if you mess up to start over. Do you mean on the same pattern or do I go back to the beginning. For instance, if I'm doing 1234 on the diagonal and mess up, do go back to the first pattern or just start over on the diagonal? Great exercise by the way.
Go back to the beginning of that diagonal portion on the starting fret you messed up on... so if you messed up on the 3rd string.. go back to the 6th and start over there on the proper fret that shifted position began on.
This series has inspired (probably more embarrassed) me to really get back into working through these and similar exercises on a daily basis and to document my progress. My first unexpected observation after a week is that I'm actually weakest leading with my middle finger. I never would have guessed that...weird indeed.
Matt Brown's lesson on practicing includes an exercise similar to this. I like the way you expand upon it with the different ways of doing the 24 patterns. Really is great stuff. I hope you will make more videos. I bought your book on ear training as well. So far so good.
This is excellent!!! Those camera angles work great for this kind of thing. It made it really easy to see exactly what Allen was doing while he was explaining it.
Wish I could agree...the overhead still makes me feel like I need to vomit.
These patterns are pretty cool
This is the worst exercise i've ever done....coincidentally the most helpful.....weird.
Broccoli for guitar.
Brussel Sprouts
Finna Tay ya what... If this was the only cat here, I'd buy the membership! note i'm sane? (well, maybe Kenny blue Ray for a kicker)
Great stuff Allen!! I do have a question though. Why are you looking directly at ME when you say, " you suck at it" ? hahaha #:^)
I completely agree with Jill! That camera angle is sweet! Loving the lessons so far Allen and can't wait for more.