Allen Hinds
Roles: Guitarist, Composer, Educator, Session Musician
Biography
Born in Auburn, Alabama, in 1956, Allen Hinds was exposed to blues and R&B at an early age before expanding into jazz and fusion in his teens. He attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston and later relocated to Los Angeles on a scholarship from Guitar Player Magazine to study at the Musicians Institute (MI) in Hollywood. He has remained a dedicated faculty member at MI to this day, teaching improvisational technique and fretboard mastery.
Renowned for his expressive touch, "liquid legato" technique, and eclectic style, Hinds draws influence from artists ranging from the Allman Brothers to Allan Holdsworth and Wayne Shorter. As a highly sought-after session and touring guitarist, he has performed or recorded with luminaries such as Randy Crawford, Gino Vannelli, Patti Austin, Roberta Flack, BeBe & CeCe Winans, and The Crusaders. His original music has also been heavily featured on television programs like Pawn Stars, Sons of Guns, and National Geographic specials.
Solo Discography
- Fact of the Matter (2005)
- Beyond It All (2006)
- Falling Up (2008)
- Monkeys and Slides (2011)
- Fly South (2016)
- Held to a Different Standard (with Brad Rabuchin, 2019)
- The Good Fight (2024)
Gear and Endorsements
A known tone aficionado, Hinds utilizes a blend of vintage and custom modern instruments. His notable gear and endorsements include:
- Xotic Effects + Guitars: Co-developer of the signature Xotic Soul Driven AH overdrive pedal, and player of the signature Xotic XSC-AH and XTC-AH guitars.
- Strings: Signature Curt Mangan Nickelwound Electric Strings (Fusion Matched 10-47 set).
- Guitars: An array of vintage and modern pieces, including a '52 Esquire, a '59 Gibson Les Paul historic, a '62 Gibson SG, a '67 Fender Telecaster, and various Yamaha (like the SA-2000) and Ibanez models.
- Amplifiers: Known to use Two-Rock Amplifiers, Fender '68 Custom Deluxe Reverbs, and Bogner amps.
Allen Hinds — Onramp | HUSH X LIVE Pro | Donner Live