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Tommy Emmanuel – Maton, Soundchecks, & Guitar Wisdom
William Thomas “Tommy” Emmanuel (born 31 May 1955) is an Australian guitarist, songwriter and occasional singer, best known for his complex fingerstyle technique, energetic performances and the use of percussive effects on the guitar. Although originally a session player in many bands, Emmanuel has carved out his own style as a solo artist in recent years, releasing award winning albums and singles. In the May 2008 and 2010 issues of Guitar Player Magazine, he was named “Best Acoustic Guitarist” in their readers’ poll. In June 2010 Emmanuel was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.
What are your top takeaways from Tommy? Leave a comment below!
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what passion and a great inspiration for a beginner guitar geek
I decided to night that I’m going to attend Tommy Emmanuel guitar camp in Scotland in may! For all levels. https://tommyemmanuelguitarcampscotland.com/
I’m thrilled
Going to see him play live in November. Can’t WAIT!
Its a pitty Tommy and his brother Phil don’t play together any more. Phil is as good.
Here is an example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi1LoKfrctU
First off, Tommy is the Man! He is a true guitar god. I had never heard a Maton until I saw him play the first time.
When he says in a past life he was a rock and roller. He still is. Look up the YouTube of him playing electric with Joe Satriani and Phil Collins of Def Leopard.
I have been drumming or fronting bands since 1976. Currently I have been performing in Virtual Reality. Well I perform in my studio while my Avatar appears to be performing on a computer screen. I literally am the band. I perform for about 80–100 people per show. Two shows a day 5 days a week. On the weekends I do two hour live tribute shows of various bands. Tommy hit me right in the heart. You are there to entertain the people not other musicians. I will get Avatars of other musicians at my shows and I immediately start playing to them kissing their ass. Being cordial is OK but don’t work to impress them. They don’t want you there next week. They want the opening.
Tommy has played with a bunch of my idols. He always is the life of the party and is so welcoming to other performers. Life of the show.
My takeaway is Always play your best even if you are only playing to a crowd of one.
Have fun
Find the guitar that you love and forget about brand, price, style or what ever the latest guitar hero is playing.
Love, love , love !!! Great interview with some amazing advice . Tommy seems like he would be a blast to hangout with. Really enjoyed this one Tony !!.
Thanks so much for watching Paula!!!
Cheers,
Tony
I really liked this interview. And now I feel good about my guitar. It’s what I like to play, and it may not be the top end but it’s me. I also noticed he has a thumb pick. I just started using finger picks and really like the sound. And I I’ll try to think like a band and not just a lone guitar player now.
Amazing interview! Question….and probably stupid How was he playing guitar when his right hand was scratching….did I miss something?
I believe Corrine he was playing a lagato of hammer-ons and pull-offs. You see him pick the string to get it going then sets of to scratching while the other hand is a playing away.
Willie Nelson plays a lot of songs in this style.
wonderful
“My whole body’s a metronome.” “I’m still just fartin’ around looking for things that I do to make them better.”
Great video!
This:
“Make your arrangements Interesting.
Look for the good songs.
Find good keys to play songs in
and always look for the good songs.
“Fight mediocrity tooth and nail,
and if you get a good melody,
milk it for all it’s worth …
“if I really love this song,
I think you will, too.”
—Tommy Emmanuel
This is one creative man … so glad you had a chance to interview him!
What a fun interview, nice job Tony. I loved the comment about playing the guitar you just can’t put down.
Tommy Emmanuel was born with the rhythm I would love to find inside me so that I can “be a band.”
The rich warmth of his Maton has always been heavenly.
Very informative interview packed with excellent ideas. Lots of high points here including: ” you must have fun”, “…play the songs that you like.” And, “pick the guitar that is right for you.” You guys are real pros. Thanks so much.
Fantastic attitudes, entertain the crowd, find songs you love. Thanks Tony for introducing me to Tommy.
My dream was to do what I am doing now, traveling the world being a concert player. This is where I am (indicates down low), and this is where I want to be (indicates up higher). How do I get there?
I’ve got to stick at it, I’ve got to be disciplined, there has got to be quality and integrity in everything I do, and I have got to be concistent; and get people’s attention. It’s taken a long time. I’ve always had my eye on the prize, and I still do.
…remember you are out there to play for the people, you are not out there to impress musicians. What you want to hear at the end of the night is when are you coming back, that’s all you want to hear.
(On percussive style) “ I’m a metronome, my whole body is a metronome.”
(On guitars). “ You have to find what works for you!”
(On playing). “And you’re really just doing it for fun! “
Plays, arranges and composes like a band. Uses lush, full chords but not to overpower the melody and he plays rhythmically like a drummer.
I like the fact the he plays songs that he loves and his advise to not get hung up b the cost or brand of a guitar. If you like the way it plays and sounds, that’s the one for you!
Thanks!
Lisa E.
What a great interview, well done Tony. Tommy just seems like a really fun guy I bet you a blast hangin with him. I get what he’s saying about finding what works for you I’ve never been a follower and don’t want the responsibility of being a leader, no me I march to the beat of my own drummer and I like it that way.
“Fight mediocrity tooth and nail…”
My top rake away would be when he made the statement that he thinks like a band. I would love to pick up a guitar and be a band. The second was choosing a guitar that I loved instead of by name and price.
My biggest takeaway came at the end. Play what you love and find what works best for you. I play Yamahas not because I can’t afford higher end gear, I just love solid wood Yamahas. I’ve been waiting to get good enough to justify a good Taylor or maybe a Martin but Tony’s advice to play what you love is going to be my guiding principles from here out. Thanks for sharing this interview with a living legend!