San Diego native Alex Guillen first learned to play the guitar from his father at age twelve. At age sixteen, he began taking lessons from Flamenco guitarist Diego Corriente, and within three years was performing at local live music venues and private parties.

After his album Nuevo Paraiso (P&G Music Productions) was released in 2003, he began touring with his world music band Calima. That same year, he decided to leave his nine-to-five job to concentrate on being a full-time musician.

Guillen has also taught guitar, bass, ukulele, piano/keyboards, and recording techniques at Guitar Center Studios and Rock and Roll San Diego.