BIOGRAPHY
A native of Auburn, Alabama, Allen was immersed in blues and R&B from an early age before expanding into jazz and fusion in his teens. After studying at Berklee College of Music, he relocated to Los Angeles on a scholarship from Guitar Player Magazine to attend Musicians Institute — where he remains on faculty today.
Allen has released six solo recordings, including his latest project, The Good Fight. His interpretation of “Keep Forgettin’” (originally recorded by Michael McDonald) continues to receive airplay. His collaborative project Wonderland Park – Just Get In, created with Peter Hastings (of Pinky and the Brain fame) and drummer Chris Wobich, highlights his versatility as both a player and composer. He also released Held to a Different Standard, a jazz standards recording with Brad Rabuchin.
His music is available on major streaming platforms and has been featured on television programs including Sons of Guns, Pawn Stars, and various National Geographic specials.
In addition to his performing career, Allen is a regular featured artist in leading guitar publications and the author of several instructional titles, including Liquid Legato (Musicians Institute/Hal Leonard), Melodic Improv (TrueFire), Fusion Blues Soloing, and the recent release Modern Blues Slide Guitar (Fundamental Changes).
Throughout his career, Allen has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Hiroshima, Randy Crawford, Gino Vannelli, Patti Austin, Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Jon Waite, BeBe & CeCe Winans, The Crusaders, Bobby Caldwell, James Ingram, Joan Baez, and many others.
https://www.fundamental-changes.com/book/modern-blues-slide-guitar/ available at Fundamental Changes.
Currently Allen is teaching private lessons on Zoom
photo by Johnny Buzzerio
Allen Hinds – detailed Biography & Résumé
PROFESSIONAL OVERVIEW
Allen Hinds is an accomplished guitarist, educator, and improvisation specialist
dedicated to developing musicians' technical proficiency and creative expression. With
extensive training from two of North America's premier music institutions and ongoing
faculty experience, Allen brings a unique blend of rigorous technique and artistic
freedom to his teaching. His workshops and clinics have impacted musicians
worldwide, helping them unlock their creative potential on the guitar fretboard.
MUSICAL EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Berklee College of Music – Boston, MA
Musicians Institute – Hollywood, CA (Current Faculty Member)
RECORDED MUSIC & DISCOGRAPHY
Allen has released seven critically acclaimed CDs under his name, each featuring Los
Angeles's finest musicians. These recordings have earned widespread respect and
exceptional reviews, showcasing his artistry and collaborative spirit with premier
session and touring musicians.
PUBLISHED WORKS
Fundamental Exchange Series** – Three comprehensive instructional books published
by a respected London-based publishing company
- Liquid Legato – An in-depth exploration of legato guitar techniques and their
application to modern playing
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Improvisational Technique– Advanced guitar improvisation with emphasis on creative
expression
Modern Patterns & Exercises Contemporary technical development and practice
methodologies
Jazz Theory & Harmony– Comprehensive theory foundation for playing over standard
jazz progressions
Fretboard Mastery– Complete knowledge and command of the guitar fretboard
Applied Musicianship– Balancing technical precision with artistic expression and
creativity
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Allen conducts workshops and master clinics for schools and musicians worldwide,
specializing in:
- Improvisation and creative guitar techniques
- Modern jazz harmony and chord progression navigation
- Fretboard visualization and mastery
- Developing expressive, individual musical voicesAs a faculty member at Musicians Institute, Allen continues to mentor the next
generation of guitarists, emphasizing both the intellectual and creative aspects of guitar
performance.
PROFESSIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Allen believes that technical mastery and creative expression are inseparable. His
teaching approach provides students with a solid theoretical foundation while
encouraging them to develop their unique musical voice, enabling them to improvise
confidently and expressively across any musical situation.
Recent interview with Rick Beato
https://youtu.be/37G7lCgNY5I?si=E3b87H1qYDm8LaXw
Contact
I’ve been lucky
to perform around the world with the greatest bands including Bobby Caldwell, Gino Vannelli and so many others.. well and especially my guys
with Gino Vannelli
with Brenda Russell
JEFF BECK
with the great Larry Carlton
with Gino Vannelli
with Randy Crawford
with Dean Brown
Me and Matt Rohde
with Mike Landau
COOKIES ..fun fun band with Bobby Watson and Maxayn Lewis
Wonderland Park
with James Ingram
with Luke
with the guys and gal…we rock big time but at a higher level than most….Donald Barret, Matt Rohde, Max and Travis!! yeah baby!
Looking for “more” Allen began recording his own music several years ago….all to critical acclaim by musicians and magazines worldwide, his c.d.s “Fact of the Matter”, “Beyond it All”, “Falling Up”, and “Monkeys and Slides””Fly South” and Wonderland Park’s “Just Get In” with Peter Hastings and Chris Wobich are available on I-Tunes, Amazon, and C.D. Baby.com
His c.d’s feature and amazing array of musicians..such as Jimmy Johnson, Vinnie Coaliuta, Abraham Laboriel, Genevieve Artadi, Maxayn Lewis, Jeff Babko, Dave Hooper, Matt Rhodi, JV Collier, Randy Crawford, Tolak Olestaad, Jimmy Earl, Jimmy Haslip, Will Kennedy, Reinhardt Melz, Mark McMilllen, Roberto Vally, Dave Hughes,.Hanz Zermuellan, Joey Heredia, Brian Simpson, and many others……
On staff at “Musician’s Institute” and “Shepherd University’s CSCM” Allen offers a musical blend of jazz, blues, and rock with a “grassroots” style. One might hear guitar influences like Ry Cooder to Pat Metheny, Robben Ford to Alan Holdsworth.
Allen has also done clinics and master classes worldwide, concentrating on improvisational techniques, learning shortcuts,legato technique ,slide playing, as well as a focus on common problem solving for young and aspiring guitarists. His approach is thorough and contemporary.
Being an active studio musician as well as live performer, he has written songs for Larry Carlton, Patti Austin, Jeff Kashiwa as well as many new cable t.v. shows.. “Duck Dynasty”, “Pawn Stars”, “Build it Bigger”, “Son’s of Gun” … just to name a few.