Craig Dobbins is a guitarist, author, and composer. His books and recordings are available through Mel Bay, Hal Leonard, Alfred Publications, and CBD Music. He has contributed to Acoustic Guitar, Fingerstyle Guitar, Fingerstyle 360, Fingerstyle Guitar Journal, and Just Jazz Guitar magazines, and writes a regular column for Mister Guitar (the journal of the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society). Craig is also the author and publisher of Acoustic Guitar Workshop and Lick of the Week.
His CDs Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs and Christmas Time were featured in Acoustic Guitar magazine's Hit List. Craig's compositions have also been recorded by other guitarists, including Winfield Fingerpicking Champions Pat Kirtley (Through the Tears) and Richard Smith (That's My Boy). In 2015, Dov'è Andata La Musica, the Italian-language version of When You Go, was featured as the title track of the duet album by Dodi Battaglia and Tommy Emmanuel.
Craig has performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, shared the stage with noted players such as Tommy Emmanuel, and worked with guitar legends Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, and Paul Yandell.
In 2013, acclaimed guitar maker Kirk Sand introduced the Craig Dobbins Signature Model acoustic/electric nylon string guitar.
In 2016, Craig was inducted into the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.
Craig and his family live near Austin, Texas.
Photo credits (L-R): Chris Carlson; Julie S. Dobbins; Maxine Cochran.
Quotes:
"Craig Dobbins does great work- it's a cut above." - Chet Atkins
"Craig Dobbins, besides being a great person, does the best job of tabbing and presenting fingerstyle guitar of anyone I know." - Paul Yandell
"Craig, I'm flattered that you consider my compositions worthy enough to go in your publications. I'm really grateful for that, and if you don't get this quote right, I'm gonna break both your thumbs!" - Jerry Reed
"Craig Dobbins is a gifted player, arranger, and instructor in the
art of fingerstyle guitar." - Doyle Dykes
"I have
been enjoying and admiring
Craig Dobbins for many years. His playing is as smart, sensitive, and
soulful as it gets. He always gives you top shelf composing and
playing. I'm proud to call Craig my dear friend!" - Steve Wariner
"Craig Dobbins is a fine guitarist and arranger. His recordings
and books will be a valuable addition to your library."
- Bill Piburn, Fingerstyle Guitar Journal
"Craig is one of the finest players in the fingerpickin' world today. The fact that he is such a great writer and arranger is a blessing for guitarists everywhere. I am so proud that he plays one of my instruments!" - Kirk Sand
