Tommy Emmanuel Talks Guitar String Care and Tuning Techniques | Reverb Learn to Play

Tommy Emmanuel finger picks on a guitar enough to know that string care is key if you want to maintain the tone and playability of your instrument. The Aussie fingerstyle hero joins us today to discuss his preferences, share his expertise on string and acoustic guitar maintenance, and give us some pro tips on pulling on the heartstrings of string dealers.

[richarddavidspano]

I was his guitar road tech for a few years- we would change strings every show, and sometimes again during intermission! Tommy just “knows” what he wants to hear and I got real good at stringing 3-4 guitars a night real fast, and strove to satisfy his exacting standards because he Knows and can demonstrate how important to his sound the string setup is. 192 TE shows and never once was bored and every time heard something new and sweet and astonishing. An honor…

[lman]

The real Guitar Hero. No one on the planet like Tommy. Classy to the bone.

[RhinoDNA]

When stationed in the Philippine Islands during WWII, my father sent $2 to the Gibson Guitar Company along with an order for a couple of sets of strings. For the next 3 years, he received a set of strings every month...at no charge.

[Vocela]

Tommy Emmanuel always reminds how much life is worth living!

[artysanmobile]

How incredibly generous of Tommy to impart this sort of priceless knowledge to beginners. These things can take many years to learn on one’s own.

[lamgun]

So here I am listening to Tommy tune is guitar....and I could listen for hours just tuning, and learn something new every minute. Tommy is the master, and so totally approachable and so not full of himself (with every right to be). Always a fan, Tommy. Thank you.

[stringbender]

Good solid information! Tommy is as amazing of a gentleman as he is a guitar player! So real and so pure. I never get tired of hearing and especially seeing him play. Probably my all time favorite guitarist!

[robroy]

Sat a few feet away from Tommy last night, he played all the hits and told some good stories. Man, what a player!!

[davidaylsworth]

Thanks Sir - your tip about changing up the strings is spot on. I’ve used Ernie Ball on my Epiphone dreadnaught for a long, long time now. After hearing your tip I changed to D’Addario and it’s made a world of difference to the tone. Great tip indeed.

[guitarwithbob]

Who better to learn from than the king of the strings, the one and only Tommy Emmanuel. This is a masterclass in the history of strings from the origin of custom strings to how to find the best gauge for your guitar. Candid knowledge that comes from a true love of the guitar. Thanks for all the inspiration, Tommy.

[timothycassler]

Tommy is a class act...such a great guy and an unbelievable musician...

[soundknight]

I remember watching Tommy did this one his VHS video years ago when I was a lad, he was so inspiring (not just his playing but the way he talked about it). I still use this method to this day.

[darrendix]

"I can't afford to eat, but can I afford to buy a new set of strings!" You are the man, Tommy. I used to be homeless long ago, and new strings was DEFINITELY the priority over eating, because I could street musician it and make the money back. I remember getting change from food stamps specifically to buy new guitar strings!

[SteveHilliarphotography]

Another wonderful contribution to guitar players everywhere.

[Wismr]

Tommy Emmanuel was the one that made me choose some new strings for my one and only beloved Dreadnought. He's right again after 4 years the same acoustic guitar with the same strings did get somewhat dull... Changing keys, strings and Attack make your guitar speak/ evolve, that's what I learned from him at a concert about 10 years ago.

[dinosman]

Nice humble guy. Thanks for sharing Tommy. Best wishes From Adelaide

[aussie_philosopher]

People been calling me crazy for years because I do that process Tommy was explaining. A guitar sounds it's best and rings out better when perfectly in tune no doubt.

[kaijrix]

Mr Emmanuel, if you have any spare guitars that may need a loving new home, I'm a guy with limited resources but love your style and guitars. Thank you for all the knowledge you give out. I'm still learning a lot after all these years.

[johncollins]

I also appreciate that Tommy's playing hasn't been hidden with too much post production digital jiggery-pokery like many channels do. Great video Reverb .

[Cigarsnguitars]

There aren’t any words that describe this mans talent. From a humanitarian standpoint he is equal to or exceeds his talent. Phenomenal on so many levels.