Alfred Cottin (born December 21, 1863 in Paris; died January 18, 1923 in Paris) was a French guitarist and composer.
Little is known about Cottin’s life. Together with his brother Jules Cottin (1868–1922), he studied guitar with Jacques Bosch in Paris. He composed several pieces and performed in Paris. He probably played a Torres guitar. When Francisco Tárrega performed in Paris, Cottin was responsible for the organization. Tárrega dedicated his work Recuerdos de la Alhambra to him. They knew each other well and were probably also friends. Cottin certainly learned a lot from Tárrega.
Cottin wrote a series of easier pieces for solo guitar, which were published in four albums of five to twelve pieces each, as well as several duets and at least one trio for three guitars. He also wrote numerous works for mandolin, often in duets or trios with guitar and piano.
His best-known and most popular works are “Ballade du Fou” and a piece called “Balalayka.”