realy? phil is older// jesus,tommys got to take better care of himself. its got to be pretty harsh to be as great a player as phil is only to have your kid brother to top you. but, then again phil LOOKS younger,, so maybe its just that hes noot working himself to death
roman14032 I hope I look that sprightly when I'm approaching my 60th birthday! He still does 300 dates a year! I only wish I had that kind of energy NOW! I guess it goes to show what doing your passion does for you.
We now live in a world of who is better than who/ American Idol/ America's got talent/The voice contest bullshit. It's not a goddamn contest, it's Tommy Emmanuel playing the guitar.
eighta peach Guitarists are in awe of the guy because we have some understanding of the literally decades of work and dedication it takes to play like that. If you like the music made by some person with a little basic musicality and a good understanding of Pro Tools better, fine. There's nothing wrong with that. But there's also a place for people for people who literally dedicate their lives to a thing and blaze a trail for others to follow. You don't get that with autotune. Not all things are equal.
After reading comments here, I am somewhat dazed. There is no comparing SRV or Jimi with this. They are 2 different ball games. I must conclude that this lack of understanding comes from non players (guitarists). When you play solo acoustic you have to keep up the rhythm and fill space with notes, because there is no band behind you. Both SRV and Jimi would look at this and say "boy I wish i could finger pick like that." keeping the bass notes going while soloing or playing chords and melody is a true art form that neither of them had accomplished.
Oh, people are like that... always a question of taste - Who 's Better? Who 's Best? ... sort of like a Who's compilation - wait that was! ;) I often feel sorry for those who cannot appreciate what someone with a talent shares with them, See they just don't understand... One day is gone and you're left with emptiness or anger, I'd imagine Hendrix would be flattered, a cover - even in a medoly - is an honor, is a pat on the back, someone listened and they cared. ... reminds me to quote hearsay of hearsay, Told by Chaz... Jimi used to drag him into clubs and force poor Chaz to listen to the most god-awful bands and after they left Jimi excitedly pointed out the cool things the band did great with.
I think its sad people still talk about this.The kinda think i talked about when i was a tennager in school. Rating guitarists is just silly. Leave that kinda trash for Rolling Stone magazine. Just learn to enjoy the music people. Whos best doesnt matter..at all =S
Mattias Jonsson Ok now we know you are an expert, but did you know expert is defined in two parts, x is a has been spert is a drip under pressure. born on different continents, your are trying to race a mini cooper with a sherman tank!
I agree Both of the Vaughn brothers said TOMMY in person is a life changing experience...Took 20 years to finally see him in person...went with my brother who is a big blues guitar fan...BOTH OF US WERE SPEECH THE WHOLE RIDE HOME...I saw Tommy after the concert and when I a finger-picker too and knew SRV back in texas but gave it up while battling huntingings for 16 years....TOMMY reached over the table ad gave me a much need hug...
He'd play to an empty stadium as long as it meant he could still play. The guy truly loves playing and shares his music and teaches anybody, anytime. He's a gift to the music world. And totally humble.
I saw Tommy about 15yrs ago in a small auditorium with about 120 people after he had done a FREE workship for school children on a Sunday. I was totally stunned and still am when ever I hear him.
I am lucky and old enough to have seen many great guitarists in my lifetime. I put Tommy up there with Jimi and Andres Segovia, the three guitarists who moved me the most of all I have seen. It's real hard not to mention Joe Pass, Mike Bloomfield and dozens of others whom I have idolized, but Tommy is probably the most astonishing guitarist of them all. I have plunked on the guitar off and on most of my life and I still do not understand 1/100th of what he is doing, but I know enough to be in complete awe of it. A wonder and a wonderful man to his fans.
Love all the comments on this post from people who really know their music ie guitar skills. l'm so proud of this hard working, down to earth, Aussie, who has persevered his whole life, with such enthusiasm and joy, to achieve this world wide success, and respect.
+allymayful I wished I could say it as well......I knew of him, but his Chet Atkins beginning had me pidgeonhole him into well, unhip, but skillful playing. I think this is where the snap judgements, first impressions really deprive one of the true guitar musicians. The ones that examine every nuance of the sound the guitar is making and make it theirs. A true visionary and it is my loss by prejudging prior to investigating. Color me humbled.
Lee Truman Thanks Lee. What you describe is really the human predicament in all aspects of life. l feel personally offended every time l read a cynical comment about my other 'Aussie' favourite- the Bee Gees. So many, including the media only comment on their 'disco' era, completely ignoring their 5 decades of brilliant creations in a variety of genes.
i also heard claptone claim that hendrix was the greatest at one point. and that jeff beck was just 'the other side of the coin' to him.. whatever he meant by that...
Interesting to read the nay sayers posts... If you don't like,not your cup of tea, fine. To not hear the depth of this performance is on you. This is a true musical visceral virtuosity. It's Stunning.
I didn't think you were ... I appreciate you understanding my post , really reading it and responding. I agree with you that all music has validity ( except soft jazz..lol ) ...but musicianship is comparative... Taste is one thing, undeniable extreme abillity is another. When the two coalesce it's the best of the human artistic expression.
Tommy OWNS this instrument. Every guitarist who ever lived worships this guy. Probably the greatest guitarist who ever lived. Great technique, great showman, great guy!
I saw him live a couple of years ago, and he played with so much energy, enthusiasm, and joy, even though it was probably his 500,000 gig after decades of touring. He just loves what he does, and it's a pleasure to witness him in full-on acoustic flow.
Tommy E is a master in every sense of the word. He grooves as deeply as the best drummer, has amazingly creative and highly musical ideas, and has the most outstanding chops to execute those brilliant musical statements. His chops are dazzling, yet his wonderful musicality is even more staggering. All delivered with playful dynamics, and the zest of a consummate entertainer. If you love music, do yourself a favor and go to one of his concerts. These youtube videos are cool, but the experience of hearing him in person is far more profound. A genius artist of this caliber needs the $upport of an appreciative audience. Go to hear him live, so you can enjoy being in the presence of musical genius. The experience will enrich you in ways you can only imagine...
1. Listen to him, 2. Smile because this man is showing us the power of Love, Music Style, 3. Then when you get over the shock of what you have just seen & heard a man do with a piece of wood and six steel strings, try to steal just one or two of his ideas and implement into your own playing. That is one mortal man's successful take on one of God's gifts to humankind. How can you exist on earth and not love what TE presents to the world. He is always grateful, always humble and can blow your socks off with his range and technique. Tommy Forever.
I'm seeing Tommy in Nashville on the 13 of Feb. Looking forward to seeing him. Can I just say who give a shit about opinions of who is better? It is, after all, just a bunch of opinion. If it speaks to you and moves you, listen to it. If it doesn't, don't.
Amazed at the "who's better?" stuff. Anyone who knows anything about Jimi would know that Jimi would hugely respect Tommy. And Tommy's respect for Jimi is obvious just from the fact that ummm... this video exists. It's definitely not my favorite Tommy Emmanuel music but it's fun.
I got to see Tommy for the first time at The Sheldon here in St. Louis in 2018. It's about a 700 seat theatre and believe me, you really get to see the genius of Tommy playing. We're so appreciative of Tommy for coming to The Sheldon and sharing with us his talents and enthusiasm for guitar music. This was the best time I've ever had watching an acoustic performance from what I see as one of the greatest guitarist whoever played the guitar. Go see him live, you won't regret it. Thanks Tommy and please keep coming back to St. Louis we really do love ya. p.s. Hope your family is doing well with the passing of Phil, that totally shocked me. He was one hell of a guitarist too. So sorry about his passing. Peace.
There is nothing like seeing someone so good at something, that obviously fills them with immense joy from, whilst simultaneously installing astonishment, awe and excitement from all in their orbit. Just WOW!!!
+john bethell what about Vlatko Stefanovski, have you ever heard of him, it is a bit cheecky to say hes the greatest since there are so much guitar greats, that haven't had the chance, but for sure he is top class
you're wrong there mate Clapton bought Jimi his first leftie guitar, before that he was play the right hand guitar backwards, and Ive heard Eric saying Jimi was GOD
How many lifetimes has he been playing?... one life is not long enough to get so talented... he is obviously channeling the souls of every musician that ever existed... Lord have mercy this man is unbelievable.
John MC Laughlin is the top of my list since I was in grade school, with Al Dimeola, Larry Coryell, and Paco De Lucia, BUT Tommy put me in his rabbit hole, love this dude
A guys plays a cover and starts a holly war! They would absolutely genuinely respect and inspire each other because they know the skill it takes. Anyone who ever played will be the last to criticize a fellow player The better you get, the more humble you become. If you guys want to one up each other, it's fine neither but Tommy or Jimi have anything to do with it.
For those of you who are saying tommy lacks creativity, go and listen to his album 'only' and tell me that doesn't require even an ounce of creativity.
To all who say they knew or are related to Hendrix, this guy is still here giving us his talent! He has stayed of the juice, smack and shit and will hopefully give us more of the same in the future! That's what make Tommy a great performer and a god given guitarist
I had the pleasure of seeing and meeting Tommy Emanuel at the L.A. Guitar Festival years ago. What an amazing musician. I saw Jeff Beck the other night and found myself comparing the two to see who was a better guitarist. It really is no competition. A totally different style.
There always seems to be a discussion about "Who is the best guitarist". The magazine rags, who have great research tools, can't even agree "who is the best guitarist". I have held great esteem for the instrument as a guitar. I count myself as a guitar player. Been at it since 1963. I could live to be 100 years old and my skill set will never match Tommy's or even his brother, Phil. I simply have to admire their body of work. My favorite guitar players are Vince Gill, Albert Lee, Eric Clapton, Laurence Juber, Brad Paisley, Tommy and Phil Emmanuel, and among the dead-Jerry Reed, Glen Campbell, Chet Atkins and Danny Gatton. They all have or had unique styles of playing guitar. I do not possess the technical or musical knowledge to even begin to evaluate their mastery of an instrument that I have enjoyed immensely over the years. All I can do is to listen to their music and can claim on some level that their guitar styles are very close to Heaven on Earth!
I saw Tommy And Phil play many times as the Emmanuel Brothers Whiz Band in the early 80's at the Dee Why Hotel in Sydney. Good times! They had both been virtuosos for 20 years by then and have only gotten better every year since. Two of the best guitarists on the planet and True Aussie Treasures. Can't wait to see Phil play the Coast Hotel At Budgewoi, for free, on 11-2-18.
Jimi was the best ,the teacher ,SRV was the brillant student ,never forget guys that Jimi and Albert King were main Stevie influences and logically lived in his past ,Jimi hendrix had nobody playing like a machine gun at his time ,his style ,unique ,comes from outta space ,Mars or whatever place you want ....Yes indeed SRV and Albert King met and played together and Stevie really impressed Albert with what he was doing with his own guitar licks ,he was amazed ...... If Jimi and SRV would have played together ,Stevie would have gone with a brand new guitar as gift ,as a musician and blues guitar player he perfectly knew that the Jimi 's level is just something else ,that is why he did some tributes to Hendrix .... Those tributes lead some people to think he was better than Jimi ,shame on Jimi not having performed red house blues on stage the same way he did on the record(amazing)but he enjoyed to totally improvise this song ....."castles made of sand " "little wing" ,"axis bold as love" ,it is blues and classical music at the same time ,and it is JImi Hendrix's stuff ,it looks like everybody want to find a guitar player to beat that one ,good luck ....
Whenever someone uses the tired old "he has no emotion because he had chops argument " it has been said by countless sloppy guitar players for decades. It is true in some cases but not here. He is not a gut bucket blues guy. He plays a unique style that is an amalgam of his influences (similar to Eric Johnson's approach to playing with many of the same influences but different application of styles). You don't have to be limited in technique or knowledge to have soul.
At the Gates of Delirium I beheld a pale troubadour with a hundred fingers and a voice that sang not except for 6 strings vibrating in syncopated, unified glory.....And my inner voice said....look ye and weep at the brilliance of this Audiotronic Master....EC
He's Hendrix, Reinhardt, Atkins, Vaughn & himself, all rolled up into one, playing them all at the same time ! Has anybody ever really heard anyone remotely like this guy ? Jesus, it just doesn't seem possible, what he does, its surreal !
A few years back, I had the chance to meet him after a show. He is every bit the nice guy he appears. He even played a short duet with a kid who took his guitar along to be signed. He just lives music.
Not to many people devote there entire life, work, hobbies, and everything in between to just play play and play. That's why he is so good. It's remarkable how much dedication and commitment he has put into his craft. For me Tommy is the best acoustic guitar player alive right now. And his personality is very humble
WTF, he doesnt play guitar, the guitar plays him. An absolute genius who plays with his whole body and sole. Nothinhg like it he can do em all. GomTommy Thanks mate
myself.. music is not about competition.. it's not about who is best, it's about making people happy; It's about inspiring people; it's about having fun, not only by yourself, but with other musicians and other people. Both Tommy and Hendrix have done that.. they both inspire others, both make people happy and have changed the world in their own senses. For Tommy, he is probably one of the most genuine, perfect human beings ever. I'd love Tommy even if he never played guitar. He's a good person.
This guy is everywhere. People who've never thought about guitar music before are entranced by him. I bought an album by him some 20+ years ago. It was mostly electric. His sound was really good. I liked it a lot. It lacked the over the top attitude that I see in all of these videos of him now. He appears to be a really nice guy. And yes, he's practiced a LOT. He can really play. That being said, there is a really long list of players I'd want to listen to on any given day. Tommy wouldn't be on that list.
A guy I meet in Tuscany was working occasionally showing how the guitars sounded to people in guitars markets from local makers to more commercial ones. He thought to be pretty good on playing especially acoustic coming from classical school. Over the sudden one day he heard someone playing, shredding, rock, blues, pop, funk and crazy guitar stuff coming from an australian stand of guitars (I don't remember the name). He approached the men that was playing to compliment him, and he was Tommy Emmanuel himself. He said to me that he felt to never pick up a guitar again after seeing him play. But of course that should be an inspiration. :) I believe that if there would be a ranking Tommy Emmanuel would be the best guitarist in the world without any doubt. Peace and love.
Not only can he play anything fingerstyle but he is humble. There are videos of him helping students as well as one where he adjusted a fans guitar at an autograph session.
I could listen to TE for hours he can play every style of music brilliantly .. you can't make such a rash judgement on listening to just a few minutes. Seeing him live is totally mesmerizing.
To co robi Tommy Emmanuel mozna by podzielic na 1.000 gitarzystow i kazdy z nich bylby znakomitym. Takim co gra w najlepszych rockowych zespolach z Rolling Stones na czele. Tommy jest geniuszem gitary i to tej najczystszej: klasycznej gitary.
He was born around few hours drive from here in Sydney at a small country town called Muswellbrook (upper Sydney basin) with a population likely around five thousand at the time. So he is a Sydney boy by extension.
He’s not showing off, he’s showing you his beautiful guitar sounds,
That’s the difference
you may not of heard of him,, but trust me , every guitarist in the world worships this guy
what's more amazing is his older brother Phil is just as good.
i think phils younger,
and yes he is just as good
maybe even better on electric
roman14032 phil is older actually, but i prefer tommy always. Phil is a great lead player, but tommy is better all around i think
realy? phil is older//
jesus,tommys got to take better care of himself.
its got to be pretty harsh to be as great a player as phil is only to have your kid brother to top you.
but, then again phil LOOKS younger,, so maybe its just that hes noot working himself to death
roman14032 I hope I look that sprightly when I'm approaching my 60th birthday! He still does 300 dates a year! I only wish I had that kind of energy NOW! I guess it goes to show what doing your passion does for you.
We now live in a world of who is better than who/ American Idol/ America's got talent/The voice contest bullshit. It's not a goddamn contest, it's Tommy Emmanuel playing the guitar.
eighta peach thank you.
eighta peach Guitarists are in awe of the guy because we have some understanding of the literally decades of work and dedication it takes to play like that. If you like the music made by some person with a little basic musicality and a good understanding of Pro Tools better, fine. There's nothing wrong with that. But there's also a place for people for people who literally dedicate their lives to a thing and blaze a trail for others to follow. You don't get that with autotune. Not all things are equal.
@@ricksunderland1421 good point.
After reading comments here, I am somewhat dazed. There is no comparing SRV or Jimi with this. They are 2 different ball games. I must conclude that this lack of understanding comes from non players (guitarists). When you play solo acoustic you have to keep up the rhythm and fill space with notes, because there is no band behind you. Both SRV and Jimi would look at this and say "boy I wish i could finger pick like that." keeping the bass notes going while soloing or playing chords and melody is a true art form that neither of them had accomplished.
Oh, people are like that... always a question of taste - Who 's Better? Who 's Best? ... sort of like a Who's compilation - wait that was! ;)
I often feel sorry for those who cannot appreciate what someone with a talent shares with them, See they just don't understand... One day is gone and you're left with emptiness or anger,
I'd imagine Hendrix would be flattered, a cover - even in a medoly - is an honor, is a pat on the back, someone listened and they cared.
... reminds me to quote hearsay of hearsay, Told by Chaz... Jimi used to drag him into clubs and force poor Chaz to listen to the most god-awful bands and after they left Jimi excitedly pointed out the cool things the band did great with.
I think its sad people still talk about this.The kinda think i talked about when i was a tennager in school. Rating guitarists is just silly. Leave that kinda trash for Rolling Stone magazine. Just learn to enjoy the music people. Whos best doesnt matter..at all =S
lewabdn Here here. Well said.
Mattias Jonsson
yeah........ i would agree with that assessment.
Mattias Jonsson Ok now we know you are an expert, but did you know expert is defined in two parts, x is a has been spert is a drip under pressure. born on different continents, your are trying to race a mini cooper with a sherman tank!
I agree Both of the Vaughn brothers said TOMMY in person is a life changing experience...Took 20 years to finally see him in person...went with my brother who is a big blues guitar fan...BOTH OF US WERE SPEECH THE WHOLE RIDE HOME...I saw Tommy after the concert and when I a finger-picker too and knew SRV back in texas but gave it up while battling huntingings for 16 years....TOMMY reached over the table ad gave me a much need hug...
Don't think I've ever seen anyone have so much fun playing a guitar. Can't help but love this guy.
He'd play to an empty stadium as long as it meant he could still play. The guy truly loves playing and shares his music and teaches anybody, anytime. He's a gift to the music world. And totally humble.
What a stupid comment
@@larskolkman2506 Agreed. Next time keep your stupid comments to yourself.
I wish I could hate him. No one should be this awesome. Who else loves videos of him and his brother playing? It get's INSANE :)
It doesn't get much better ... the two of them together is just off the charts!
You dont learn this...you're born with it !
A musical genius !
Xelente ❤😊
I saw Tommy about 15yrs ago in a small auditorium with about 120 people after he had done a FREE workship for school children on a Sunday. I was totally stunned and still am when ever I hear him.
I am lucky and old enough to have seen many great guitarists in my lifetime. I put Tommy up there with Jimi and Andres Segovia, the three guitarists who moved me the most of all I have seen. It's real hard not to mention Joe Pass, Mike Bloomfield and dozens of others whom I have idolized, but Tommy is probably the most astonishing guitarist of them all. I have plunked on the guitar off and on most of my life and I still do not understand 1/100th of what he is doing, but I know enough to be in complete awe of it. A wonder and a wonderful man to his fans.
Love all the comments on this post from people who really know their music ie guitar skills.
l'm so proud of this hard working, down to earth, Aussie, who has persevered his whole life, with such enthusiasm and joy, to achieve this world wide success, and respect.
My pleasure. Very easy to do for such a delightful man.
zigorza My pleasure. Very easy to do for such a delightful man.
+allymayful I wished I could say it as well......I knew of him, but his Chet Atkins beginning had me pidgeonhole him into well, unhip, but skillful playing. I think this is where the snap judgements, first impressions really deprive one of the true guitar musicians. The ones that examine every nuance of the sound the guitar is making and make it theirs. A true visionary and it is my loss by prejudging prior to investigating. Color me humbled.
Lee Truman Thanks Lee. What you describe is really the human predicament in all aspects of life. l feel personally offended every time l read a cynical comment about my other 'Aussie' favourite- the Bee Gees. So many, including the media only comment on their 'disco' era, completely ignoring their 5 decades of brilliant creations in a variety of genes.
+allymayful You can say that again. ;0)
You should see him perform live. I did about 3 years ago. I was dead center of the stage and about 10 feet away. It was a life changing experience
WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT !!? Why have I never heard of this guy ? Amazing I was laughing at one point. Fucking genius.
After 50 yrs. of '' guitar playing '' I've been reduced to a guitar holder.
Me too. And not that great of a guitar holder what with all the dents and scratches in my guitars. But that's ok.
Say what you want. -saw Emmanel in concert tonight (3 hours!) and understand why Eric Clapton described him as "the greatest guitarist in the world."
Gary Burlingame Clapton also said Jeff Beck was the best.
Shea Dan that was literally 11 minutes before he met Tommy...
...haha, there's no best, just amazing musicians like Tommy & Jeff.
No doubt the best in my eyes and ears ever
i also heard claptone claim that hendrix was the greatest at one point. and that jeff beck was just 'the other side of the coin' to him.. whatever he meant by that...
Best there ever will be. How many styles has he mastered. Blows my mind . My guitar locked him self in the wardrobe after watching this.
Tommys guitar was once quoted as saying . " HOLY CRAP, I didn't even know I could do that"
@Noldinsky Hahah, underrated comment!
I don't think there isn't much this man can't play-he's mind blowing!
+rbagel55 - Let's hear him play some JS Bach.
+Truth Sets Us Free I'm sure i heard some serious counterpoint at the end of"Rude Mood"does that count?
+Truth Sets Us Free Lets hear Bach play a guitar...silly comment.
If it can be done on guitar he most probably already did it.
I've just found out about this guy... spent an entire afternoon just youtoobing T.E. This shit is so fucking awesome.
Interesting to read the nay sayers posts... If you don't like,not your cup of tea, fine. To not hear the depth of this performance is on you. This is a true musical visceral virtuosity. It's Stunning.
***** Well, my comment was based on others comments, so without them i'd not posted ..lol. I thank them.
I didn't think you were ... I appreciate you understanding my post , really reading it and responding. I agree with you that all music has validity ( except soft jazz..lol ) ...but musicianship is comparative... Taste is one thing, undeniable extreme abillity is another. When the two coalesce it's the best of the human artistic expression.
At the end I almost stood up to clap. I felt like I was in the audience. Mercy!!! What a man can play!!!
Tommy OWNS this instrument. Every guitarist who ever lived worships this guy. Probably the greatest guitarist who ever lived. Great technique, great showman, great guy!
How many lifes would I have to live as a guitar player to reach Tommies versatility and perfection - simply awsome..!
Ain't nobody cooks up a storm like Tommy.
When Tommy buys a guitar, he has a long conversation with it about how hard it's life is going to be but it will spend most of it's life in heaven.
Absolutely One of THE GREATEST players of all Time.
And WHAT A SHOWMAN!!❤❤❤
I saw him live a couple of years ago, and he played with so much energy, enthusiasm, and joy, even though it was probably his 500,000 gig after decades of touring.
He just loves what he does, and it's a pleasure to witness him in full-on acoustic flow.
Tommy E is a master in every sense of the word. He grooves as deeply as the best drummer, has amazingly creative and highly musical ideas, and has the most outstanding chops to execute those brilliant musical statements. His chops are dazzling, yet his wonderful musicality is even more staggering. All delivered with playful dynamics, and the zest of a consummate entertainer. If you love music, do yourself a favor and go to one of his concerts.
These youtube videos are cool, but the experience of hearing him in person is far more profound. A genius artist of this caliber needs the $upport of an appreciative audience. Go to hear him live, so you can enjoy being in the presence of musical genius. The experience will enrich you in ways you can only imagine...
I have to agree. my son and I saw him live 2 years ago and can't wait to see him again!!!
1. Listen to him, 2. Smile because this man is showing us the power of Love, Music Style, 3. Then when you get over the shock of what you have just seen & heard a man do with a piece of wood and six steel strings, try to steal just one or two of his ideas and implement into your own playing. That is one mortal man's successful take on one of God's gifts to humankind. How can you exist on earth and not love what TE presents to the world. He is always grateful, always humble and can blow your socks off with his range and technique. Tommy Forever.
I'm seeing Tommy in Nashville on the 13 of Feb. Looking forward to seeing him. Can I just say who give a shit about opinions of who is better? It is, after all, just a bunch of opinion. If it speaks to you and moves you, listen to it. If it doesn't, don't.
Love knows no "best." Neither truth. The light of both shines through this man.
Amazed at the "who's better?" stuff. Anyone who knows anything about Jimi would know that Jimi would hugely respect Tommy. And Tommy's respect for Jimi is obvious just from the fact that ummm... this video exists. It's definitely not my favorite Tommy Emmanuel music but it's fun.
Tommy loved Steve playing listens to him all the time
I got to see Tommy for the first time at The Sheldon here in St. Louis in 2018. It's about a 700 seat theatre and believe me, you really get to see the genius of Tommy playing. We're so appreciative of Tommy for coming to The Sheldon and sharing with us his talents and enthusiasm for guitar music. This was the best time I've ever had watching an acoustic performance from what I see as one of the greatest guitarist whoever played the guitar. Go see him live, you won't regret it. Thanks Tommy and please keep coming back to St. Louis we really do love ya. p.s. Hope your family is doing well with the passing of Phil, that totally shocked me. He was one hell of a guitarist too. So sorry about his passing. Peace.
Dear Tommy , you make us better...thanks a lot.
There is nothing like seeing someone so good at something, that obviously fills them with immense joy from, whilst simultaneously installing astonishment, awe and excitement from all in their orbit. Just WOW!!!
Accoustic guitar God Tommy Emmanuel Never to be beaten on guitar
john bethell He is the best in the world, in my opinion. Tommy IS a Guitar Genius, God!!!!
+john bethell what about Vlatko Stefanovski, have you ever heard of him,
it is a bit cheecky to say hes the greatest since there are so much guitar greats, that haven't had the chance, but for sure he is top class
I stand by my opinion and if Eric Clapton thinks Tommy is the best he has heard then who am I to argue
you're wrong there mate Clapton bought Jimi his first leftie guitar, before that he was play the right hand guitar backwards, and Ive heard Eric saying Jimi was GOD
+domobran1 vlatko is great…but not even close to TOmmy
There's only one other man that is thus man's equal...if that's possible...Pat Martino. Both in another hemispheric atmosphere!! Simpy incredible!!
How many lifetimes has he been playing?... one life is not long enough to get so talented... he is obviously channeling the souls of every musician that ever existed... Lord have mercy this man is unbelievable.
None of us are trying to be better than someone else. We are just working on being the best we can be with what the good Lord has given us.
I agree but only if you mean arms because you gotta earn talent
can you imagine the hours of practice this man put in....????
John Tommy start touring with his family at age 3
John MC Laughlin is the top of my list since I was in grade school, with Al Dimeola, Larry Coryell, and Paco De Lucia, BUT Tommy put me in his rabbit hole, love this dude
Say yay say nay, it doesn’t even matter. He is talented beyond words.. but I say, dang.. Wow 🤩
A guys plays a cover and starts a holly war!
They would absolutely genuinely respect and
inspire each other because they know the skill it takes.
Anyone who ever played will be the last to criticize a fellow player
The better you get, the more humble you become.
If you guys want to one up each other,
it's fine neither but Tommy or Jimi have anything to do with it.
For those of you who are saying tommy lacks creativity, go and listen to his album 'only' and tell me that doesn't require even an ounce of creativity.
Always a pleasure to watch and listen to. And a real nice guy. Thanks for posting!
To all who say they knew or are related to Hendrix, this guy is still here giving us his talent! He has stayed of the juice, smack and shit and will hopefully give us more of the same in the future! That's what make Tommy a great performer and a god given guitarist
Wow why have I never heard of this guy before??? He is fantastic....complex, technical and best of all, seems effortless for him...
His brother Phil is just as good! Listen to him too , or both doing duets.
Welcome to the real-world of guitaring 🎸😎
I had the pleasure of seeing and meeting Tommy Emanuel at the L.A. Guitar Festival years ago. What an amazing musician. I saw Jeff Beck the other night and found myself comparing the two to see who was a better guitarist. It really is no competition. A totally different style.
This guy would inspire anyone to learn the guitar but to play like him would be a prayer come true ..
There always seems to be a discussion about "Who is the best guitarist". The magazine rags, who have great research tools, can't even agree "who is the best guitarist". I have held great esteem for the instrument as a guitar. I count myself as a guitar player. Been at it since 1963. I could live to be 100 years old and my skill set will never match Tommy's or even his brother, Phil. I simply have to admire their body of work. My favorite guitar players are Vince Gill, Albert Lee, Eric Clapton, Laurence Juber, Brad Paisley, Tommy and Phil Emmanuel, and among the dead-Jerry Reed, Glen Campbell, Chet Atkins and Danny Gatton. They all have or had unique styles of playing guitar. I do not possess the technical or musical knowledge to even begin to evaluate their mastery of an instrument that I have enjoyed immensely over the years. All I can do is to listen to their music and can claim on some level that their guitar styles are very close to Heaven on Earth!
Just " Clean" , that speed on acoustic 🔥🔥😍
I saw Tommy And Phil play many times as the Emmanuel Brothers Whiz Band in the early 80's at the Dee Why Hotel in Sydney. Good times! They had both been virtuosos for 20 years by then and have only gotten better every year since. Two of the best guitarists on the planet and True Aussie Treasures. Can't wait to see Phil play
the Coast Hotel At Budgewoi, for free, on 11-2-18.
Jimi was the best ,the teacher ,SRV was the brillant student ,never forget guys that Jimi and Albert King were main Stevie influences and logically lived in his past ,Jimi hendrix had nobody playing like a machine gun at his time ,his style ,unique ,comes from outta space ,Mars or whatever place you want ....Yes indeed SRV and Albert King met and played together and Stevie really impressed Albert with what he was doing with his own guitar licks ,he was amazed ......
If Jimi and SRV would have played together ,Stevie would have gone with a brand new guitar as gift ,as a musician and blues guitar player he perfectly knew that the Jimi 's level is just something else ,that is why he did some tributes to Hendrix ....
Those tributes lead some people to think he was better than Jimi ,shame on Jimi not having performed red house blues on stage the same way he did on the record(amazing)but he enjoyed to totally improvise this song ....."castles made of sand " "little wing" ,"axis bold as love" ,it is blues and classical music at the same time ,and it is JImi Hendrix's stuff ,it looks like everybody want to find a guitar player to beat that one ,good luck ....
sir Zembla unfortunately at the end of jimis life, jimi wanted to accomplish way more. Sadly he died.
I've never known anyone eñjoy playing the guitar as much as Tommy Emanuel. inspiring x
Whenever someone uses the tired old "he has no emotion because he had chops argument " it has been said by countless sloppy guitar players for decades. It is true in some cases but not here. He is not a gut bucket blues guy. He plays a unique style that is an amalgam of his influences (similar to Eric Johnson's approach to playing with many of the same influences but different application of styles). You don't have to be limited in technique or knowledge to have soul.
At the Gates of Delirium I beheld a pale troubadour with a hundred fingers and a voice that sang not except for 6 strings vibrating in syncopated, unified glory.....And my inner voice said....look ye and weep at the brilliance of this Audiotronic Master....EC
He's Hendrix, Reinhardt, Atkins, Vaughn & himself, all rolled up into one, playing them all at the same time ! Has anybody ever really heard anyone remotely like this guy ? Jesus, it just doesn't seem possible, what he does, its surreal !
A few years back, I had the chance to meet him after a show. He is every bit the nice guy he appears. He even played a short duet with a kid who took his guitar along to be signed. He just lives music.
Not to many people devote there entire life, work, hobbies, and everything in between to just play play and play. That's why he is so good. It's remarkable how much dedication and commitment he has put into his craft. For me Tommy is the best acoustic guitar player alive right now. And his personality is very humble
WTF, he doesnt play guitar, the guitar plays him. An absolute genius who plays with his whole body and sole. Nothinhg like it he can do em all. GomTommy Thanks mate
The one and only guitar god on this planet today...ain't anything as more entertaining as this beloved person...love 'im mate !
Smokin"
Damn always loved Tommy's take... great medoly!
myself.. music is not about competition.. it's not about who is best, it's about making people happy; It's about inspiring people; it's about having fun, not only by yourself, but with other musicians and other people. Both Tommy and Hendrix have done that.. they both inspire others, both make people happy and have changed the world in their own senses. For Tommy, he is probably one of the most genuine, perfect human beings ever. I'd love Tommy even if he never played guitar. He's a good person.
TE is not a guitar god, he is THE guitar god.
This guy is everywhere. People who've never thought about guitar music before are entranced by him.
I bought an album by him some 20+ years ago. It was mostly electric. His sound was really good. I liked it a lot. It lacked the over the top attitude that I see in all of these videos of him now.
He appears to be a really nice guy. And yes, he's practiced a LOT.
He can really play.
That being said, there is a really long list of players I'd want to listen to on any given day. Tommy wouldn't be on that list.
Tommy is a broken mould - none like him with full respect to Jimmy et al. Tommy is a force of nature
Tommy goin right off!!would dig to see him play more electric guitar though!!Cheers
If God and Tommy Emmanuel had a concert together, God would be the opener.
Wkwk
I wonder if God would graciously open for Tommy and then Tommy would thank God for the gift that God gave him.
for my meanin the best in this genre,but you can t compare him with hendrix,he was an great innovater,tommy is just...GREAT!
As The late great Chet Atkins said when asked "how good is he?" Chet replied "He's the best damn finger picker in the world!" I would agree!
I don't know how one can dislike this, a true genius performer...
Tommy Emanuel is the greatest. His mastery over the Guitar is phenomenal !
The fact that he does all of these things on an acoustic guitar makes it that much more amazing to me.
Truly unbelievable display of skill. Impressive.
Emmanuel Tommy = ET The alien on the Guitar :-)
How... does he get so much music out of an acoustic guitar? Amazing! Thanks for sharing this.
Wow!!! I'm blown away! That's true guitar skill
Amazing Tommy Emmanuel♡ Australia's Greatest/Finest Guitarist. Thankz for the inspiration Tommy. Manuia & God bless♡
The best instramental hendrix ever!
Tommy Ray Hendrix
jimi ray emmanuel
A guy I meet in Tuscany was working occasionally showing how the guitars sounded to people in guitars markets from local makers to more commercial ones. He thought to be pretty good on playing especially acoustic coming from classical school.
Over the sudden one day he heard someone playing, shredding, rock, blues, pop, funk and crazy guitar stuff coming from an australian stand of guitars (I don't remember the name). He approached the men that was playing to compliment him, and he was Tommy Emmanuel himself. He said to me that he felt to never pick up a guitar again after seeing him play. But of course that should be an inspiration. :) I believe that if there would be a ranking Tommy Emmanuel would be the best guitarist in the world without any doubt.
Peace and love.
LOVE, LOVE AND LOVE THIS AMAZING MAN...Such passion, such talent xx
Not only can he play anything fingerstyle but he is humble. There are videos of him helping students as well as one where he adjusted a fans guitar at an autograph session.
It just doesn't get much better than this.
The true prodigy appropriates a piece he doesn't just reproduce.
I'm not comparing Jimmy or Tommy. The two have an crazy talent ‼‼
Phenomenal Tommy Emmanuel! for those that are not in the know Tommy is a working legend!
After about 1 min I have real tears on my cheeks... Damn!
Durham June 6 can't wait, will be my third time seeing TE live. always a good show.
On top of the world listening to this right now. Thanks Tommy!!!
another magical Tommy moment!!!! Thanks
Ive never been a fan of a million notes a minute, each note has to have 'feeling' and mean something for me !
Couldn’t imagine listening to this for an hour ……
I could listen to TE for hours he can play every style of music brilliantly .. you can't make such a rash judgement on listening to just a few minutes. Seeing him live is totally mesmerizing.
I've seen this guy in concert, he squeezes every note out of his guitar like a sponge, quite a show.
Tommy the master of the string fabulous
Hendrix could only dream of playing like Tommy.
To co robi Tommy Emmanuel mozna by podzielic na 1.000 gitarzystow i kazdy z nich bylby znakomitym. Takim co gra w najlepszych rockowych zespolach z Rolling Stones na czele. Tommy jest geniuszem gitary i to tej najczystszej: klasycznej gitary.
what I find the most amazing is the fact that he has a pick and is also using his other fingers in tandem, not something everyday
Thankyou Tommy. Haere mai ko Aotearoa , kei tere ! ( Come to New Zealand , soon !) Arohanui (Big love)
He was born around few hours drive from here in Sydney at a small country town called Muswellbrook (upper Sydney basin) with a population likely around five thousand at the time. So he is a Sydney boy by extension.
The ultimate showman. The Master. God, I love this guy...
man Tommy you are theeee greatest that ever was or ever will be