Here's How: Merle Travis' 'Cannonball Rag' with Tommy Emmanuel

One of the most beloved anthems for finger-picking guitar players is "Cannonball Rag". Originally written by Kennedy Jones and popularized by Merle Travers. Finger-picker extraordinaire, Tommy Emmanuel shares his own take on the song, how he takes it apart and then adds his own approach for a truly singular performance.

[geemac]

That's a fun piece. I'm going to sit down and learn it. See you in 75 years.

[mojoefelix]

In another video somewhere, he is asked about his practicing guitar. Says he sits down and plays a very demanding guitar song and repeats it for an hour. This redefined practicing for me. It brought the concept of practice to a whole other level. That is the context of what he is saying here; telling us to use this extremely song as a practice vehicle, just play it over and over and over. I have taken his advice to heart. When I get up in the morning, as soon as I get a guitar in my hands I play my most demanding fingerstyle song over and over for 45 mins or so. It is really helping my guitar competence, not only with that song, but in all my many other fingerstyle songs.

[robarnold]

Is it possible that Mr. Emmanuel is the very best guitarist on the planet? I, personally, think so!

[MrMudEagle]

How could thumbs down this? Even as a You could play your whole life, and never reach the pinnacle of this mountain of skill. If you wanna know what mastery looks like you have found it.

[joshv]

the best thing guitar center has ever done.

[thebootleggersmusicgroup]

Thank so much for giving my Grandfather the Writers credit on this. Something even Merle did not do, who Was taught it by My grandfather version Jonise would have loved
Paul The Bootleggers Music Group!~

[drothberg]

I don't play fingerstyle acoustic, but I love Tommy's playing. He's got to be one of the best guitarists alive.

[ChiliPumpTheFunk]

I really hope someone discovers who this amazing guitarist is today. Tommy Emmanuel literally changed my life for the better. And my guitar playing.

[faustinolopez]

Now, isn't he a magician. He does it in front of your eyes (even slowly), and you still don't see the trick. This video was posted the day of my birthday, thank you Tommy!.

[mikeoliver]

Tommy says “I’ll play it for you at a medium pace“ holy cow! That was smoking fast. What a great Guitarist

[robertrockwell]

This guitar was in tune when I bought it...I'm using that one!

[keithrowe]

I went out back, filled my guitar with dirt, and planted azaleas in the sound hole.

[Aaronius_Maximus]

@ 1:55 such an amazing talent.. I hope Tommy Emmanuel is made to be immortal and just never goes away. True legend here, and one who was inspired by other true legends! This man has not only helped drastically improve my own playing but also introduced and encouraged me to dig more into the likes of Lenny Breau, and of course Chet Atkins.

[jdhitshine]

“Alright enough of this fun””... I was inspired by this, practiced for months, was proud of what I accomplished, back to realize I have failed.

[Terrub_Ullum]

“Let me play it through one time for you at just like a MEDIUM pace” 😂😂😂

[mikepittman]

I don't want to brag but I can play it all the way through, note for note. 😀 The rub is, it takes me 3 days instead 90 seconds! 😂🤣😂🎸😉

[jonmaclennan]

Wow! Such an incredible song to warm up with! Thank you Tommy! ⚡️🎸

[thememorytravelerReset]

Your enthusiasm and fun puts a smile on my face, a jive to my step and hug in my heart!!

[hitlereinstein]

Loved the emmanuel brothers tuning up, comic routine. Was lucky to see them. Some get precious, about their skills, but this bloke loves to share.

[warrengardiner]

Such a top bloke...makes you proud to be a guitarist, a finger picker and an Australian....