Acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel is often asked why he tours so much.
His response?
“I’m trying to get good at this. This is what you do. You work at it! How else are you gonna get any good?”
While Emmanuel’s mastery of the acoustic guitar can certainly be attributed to his years of touring, it’s also clear that he has a natural ability for the instrument like few others possess.
After all, Chet Atkins honored Emmanuel with the title of “Certified Guitar Player,” a rare distinction shared by only four other people in the world.
With a professional career spanning five decades, Tommy has garnered hundreds of thousands of loyal fans worldwide, in addition to two GRAMMY nominations.
But it’s his live show where Emmanuel shines brightest. Playing close to 300 concerts a year for the last seven years, his performances are known for their humor, performance, passion, and infectious joy.
Below, AN editor Laura B. Whitmore sits down with Tommy Emmanuel to discuss touring, guitar, Chet Atkins, his technique, and much more. Visit www.tommyemmanuel.com to find out more.
Part 1: Touring, background, Chet Atkins
Part 2: Gear, playing technique
Part 3: Tommy answers your questions!
“Play like you don’t know how to play the guitar”: That time Miles Davis stopped his entire band to give John McLaughlin some unlikely advice
“You wanted me to come on your track and do something in a Spanish style. I thought, ‘I have to show him how I do it on the whole guitar’”: Marcin shows an astounded Will Smith his virtuosic guitar technique
