Home » Jazz Musicians » Art Hodges

Art Hodges

Art Hodges is an American guitarist, composer, arranger, and teacher currently residing near Tokyo, Japan. For over 25 years, he has studied, mastered, performed, and taught a variety of guitar styles and musical genres (including jazz, rock, blues, and classical).

At Virginia Commonwealth University's School of the Arts, he avidly studied both jazz and classical guitar disciplines, as well as composition and arranging. He was also a student of guitar guru Tim Reynolds, and attended master classes with world renown artists John Scofield, Jimmy Bruno, Manuel Barrueco, and Eliot Fisk, to name a few.

Since the early 90's, Art has been an eclectic voice in the central Virginia music scene. He has collaborated, performed and recorded with everything from jam bands to classical ensembles. Art may hold the unique distinction of being the only guitarist in history to both memorize the Bach Chaccone in D minor, and portray "Slash" in a Guns-N-Roses parody/tribute band.

For over a decade, Art has been teaching students of all ages and levels to play guitar and appreciate all genres of music. In 2008, Art bid a fond "Sayonara" to his friends, fans and students in Virginia and moved to Japan, where he recorded his debut solo guitar CD, entitled "Easy Living" (available at arthodges.com).

"Easy Living" is a collection of solo guitar arrangements of classic jazz standards. Art's arrangements are rich and polyphonic, often sounding more like solo piano (or guitar duet) than solo guitar. He plays "fingerstyle" (without a pick), in the tradition of jazz guitar greats like Joe Pass, Charlie Byrd, Lenny Breau, and Martin Taylor.

Art's playing seamlessly blends elements of fingerstyle, jazz, and classical guitar. The result is tasteful, fresh, and eminently "listenable". Check out samples of Art's amazing solo guitar playing and his new CD, "Easy Living" at arthodges.com.

Gear

Guitars by Lowden, Martin, Ibanez, Takamine, Rodriguez, Fender, Godin, and Lucca. Amps by Fishman, Fender, Marshall, and Line 6. Microphones by Rode and Shure. Preamps by DTAR and T.C. Electronic.


Tags

699
Take Five With...

Take Five With Art Hodges

Read "Take Five With Art Hodges" reviewed by AAJ Staff


Meet Art Hodges: Art Hodges is an American guitarist, composer, arranger, and teacher currently residing near Tokyo, Japan. For over 25 years, he has studied, mastered, performed, and taught a variety of guitar styles and musical genres (including jazz, rock, blues, and classical). At Virginia Commonwealth University's School of the Arts, he avidly studied both jazz and classical guitar disciplines, as well as composition and arranging. He was also a student of guitar guru Tim Reynolds, and ...

Read more articles
Primary Instrument

Guitar

Willing to teach

Intermediate to advanced

Credentials/Background

Over ten years experience teaching private lessons and group classes. Lessons currently available for students living near Tokyo, Japan. Contact Art's Email for more information.

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Easy Living

Self Produced
2009

buy

Videos

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.