The Tommy Emmanuel Interview | World’s Greatest Acoustic Guitarist

In this episode I interview world famous acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel. At the age of six, he was touring Australia with his family band. By 30, he was a rock lead guitarists playing stadiums. At 44, he become one of five people ever named a Certified Guitar Player (CGP) by his idol, music icon Chet Atkins. Influenced by, the Merle Travis/Chet Atkins fingerstyle of guitar picking, Tommy developed a style of solo guitar playing that encompasses the range of a whole band - covering drums, bass, rhythm, lead guitar and vocal melody simultaneously.

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[RhianSheehanMusic]

Tommy is the real deal. At age 20 I was dabbling heavily in acoustic guitar fingerpicking style, and a huge fan. I met him after one of his shows here in New Zealand. We got chatting, he'd heard some of my music I'd sent him, and to my amazement he said, "What are you up to tomorrow? Shall we have a jam? Bring your guitar." The next day I arrived at his hotel, and we spent a few hours jamming. I struggled to keep up. I played him a few of his own compositions I’d worked out (mostly incorrectly) by ear. He taught me a bunch of techniques and tricks, how to be more resourceful with my playing (“always find the easiest route” when playing a lick), and told me off for not using a thumbpick. Obviously, my playing was shoddy up against his, but when it was time to leave, he looked me in the eyes and said "I know you're going to have a career in music, so stick at it kid." It was that comment alone that gave me the confidence to pursue my own music. He is a big reason I still work in the music industry today, 20 years later (albeit, not as a virtuoso guitarist unfortunately!). Tommy has phenomenal otherworldly talent, but he's also an incredibly generous, kind, inspiring and gracious human.

[PatrickJWenzel]

Tommy pushing the quintessential Australian character trait of his generation by quickly interjecting after he finishes playing to avoid having to navigate a compliment. He knows his hand skills are great but he doesn’t want that to foreshadow the songs that have been gifted to him through the hard work of everyone that has inspired him. He’s a true custodian of music and the people that have influenced him. What a gift.

[robbiepeterh]

The fact that Tommy is STILL learning is the most humbling thing I’ve heard in a while

[SirBelmerD]

This channel deserves multiple awards for what it's giving the music loving community. The educational value, the level of passion and respect you showcase, the quality in production, and wealth of information you present in your videos, and the unique ability to bring titans of the industry. There's really no other channel like this one.

[RobertBakerGuitar]

Got to see Tommy a few years ago live and it was amazing how his energy filled the entire room. Still in my opinion the best guitarist alive.

[pmishraofficial]

This channel has always been a masterpiece. It’s now becoming the one-stop source of great exclusive music content that we’ve always wanted. Rick, we all owe you big big time!

[jeffschelling]

Rick looks like a kid in a candy store watching Tommy play. There is no one else like Tommy!

[edgewound]

Tommy Emmanuel's enthusiasm is infectious. His love for playing music is completely tangible. It's impossible to not smile when he plays and talks. Love him.

[kevinhodgson]

My wife and I saw Tommy live in 2018, one week before she died. She loved his music and playing and had all his CDs. Tommy Emmanuel will always be special to me for giving my wife her last joyful concert.

[loumarzeles]

Speaking as former music editor at a national newspaper, I have to say your style of interviewing is really excellent. It takes a lot to avoid the most common mistake (being overly star struck) and get to the heart of the job, allowing your guests' genius and demeanor to come out. You make them feel safe and appreciated without being fawning. Very professional and a genuine public service! There's no one doing this better these days.

[mikmop]

I'm exactly the same age as you Rick, and coincidentally born in the same year, and within about a month. I've been following Tommy since I was in high school. I lied about my age to get into a pub in Sydney where he and his brother Phil were playing, just to satisfy my obsession with guitar.

I got some lessons from both of them around that time and you could not have met two nicer people. RIP Phil. I would make many bootleg recordings of their early pub gigs and have been following Tommy's career ever since then. We always knew even back then, that one day Tommy would be playing the world's great concert halls.

Tommy always kept telling me that I should come to a Chet Atkins Society convention in Nashville, which I did for the first time a few years ago, to celebrate my recovery from cancer. And he dedicated a song to me during his performance, and mentioned that when he was starting out in the business and playing pubs, I had been to more of his gigs than he had. To this day, he still remains one of the nicest people in the business.

In all the years I've been following your YouTube channel Rick, I've been hoping that you would one day interview Tommy. I am so glad you finally did. His kind heart is only eclipsed by the fact that he has pushed forward the boundaries of playing Fingerstyle guitar further than any guitarist would have thought humanly possible. And the hard work and effort he has put into in helping other guitarists develop their skills and carry on this fine musical tradition, cannot be understated.

And likewise the contribution your channel has made to the pursuit of music, will also I'm sure endure the test of time for future generations of people to enjoy. Gentleman, I salute both of you.

This interview made me cry. Been listening to Tommy almost all my life. And yet he still has new things to offer to the world. True inspiration.

[mademepickaname]

Not only an unbelievable player, but so generous with his time and knowledge. What an ambassador for the instrument Tommy is.

[GetInspiredMedia]

As an Aussie, I am super proud of Tommy Emmanuel Rick. When I was living in the North East of England back in the late 90s I was told by a dear friend that Tommy Emmanuel was playing in one of the local pubs. Having know of Tommy for years as a stadium performer I said, no he isn't! So, with scepticism, I booked into the pub with another Aussie friend who was working with me in the UK. We decided to go to the pub early to have dinner and we met Tommy in the restaurant. He was so warm and friendly and we chatted for a little while. We were honoured to have Tommy dedicate a number of songs to us fellow Aussies in the pub - that was packed with about 50 people. It was a magic night and Tommy performed for about 2 hours without a break. It was one of the best ever concerts of my life. So glad you managed to nab him for this interview Rick. So good!!

[studioblogic]

This is the best 54 minutes and 19 seconds in the history of the world. There are musicians that inspire and then there's Tommy. Sixty six years old and as vibrant and vital as a world class athlete. Even unsaid Tommy teaches us that humility and ability are inseparable twins and you HAVE to do the work while loving every second of it.

[robertwelch]

I've played for over 50 years accustic. I'll never be as good as Tommy. To see someone achieve a level of almost perfection is humbling. It's a gift . love to watch him pick.

[vladavasiljev]

Nobody ever played the guitar with more pure joy than Tommy. That's why he is so special to me. Ultimate happiness of guitar playing.

[zenboy]

A true Australian gentleman. Stunning guitarist and a hell of a bloke too. His brother Phil was a killer player too. Rest In Peace Phil.

[williamstdog]

“World’s Greatest Acoustic Guitarist”
Finally a YT video that is NOT click bait!
Thank you for showcasing & appreciating greatness Rick! 👏👍🔥♥️😊😎

[billwendt]

With Tommy, the first thing that impresses you is he's technically a great guitarist. Then, you realize he's using that great technique to MAKE MUSIC. The music is #1. Finally, it's his attitude, his humility, his love, his approach that makes him Tommy Emmanuel.


Echoing the comments about Rick's channel. Such a resource. He knows what good stuff is, who the greats are, and he does his homework.