Molly Tuttle & Tommy Emmanuel on how to sound and play better

[@astrofire68]

Great advice on practice. I started learning Trumpet in 1976 and it took me about 7 years to be good at it (just good). When I took up Guitar in Jan 2023 I fully expected that, with at least one hour of practice each day, I’d be “good” at it in 2030 - just good, not amazing, just good. The only way to learn an instrument is to apply structured, quality, practice over a long timeframe - there aren’t any shortcuts…..also, my first Trumpet teacher always said “10 mins practice when you want to is better than a half hour when you don’t”…that’s what helped him get on over 160 albums during the 2nd world war era.

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

Such an awesome quote from your trumpet teacher, and so true!

[@stevenmeyer9674]

What a humble guy Tommy is. He is the ultimate team player.

phil was more a rocker than tommy saw them hundreds of times in australia

[@toddmcintosh83]

Yes! Such a natural guitarist and so confident and loves to play, for the love of it! He’s willing to be an accompanist to allow his partner to shine! So giving and appreciative for the sake of the music! Even though he is larger than life! I respect that so much!😉👌

[@rachmann516]

I think the sound comes from the head; it's and internal thing. When your mind goes somewhere else but it's not connected to what you're playing, it just doesn't sound as good.

[@carlatoby5808]

Agree. The best musicians are humble and generous. Tommy is both. It's a joy to listen to him. I mean, I gotta admit I hate him a little because he does make it look so easy...but it's a loving kind of hate 😜

[@coalville1234]

I was lucky enough to see Tommy and Molly on their U.K. tour. Just one word- brilliant!

[@startingfingerstyle]

me too, weren't they magnificent!

[@richarddavidspano9856]

When I toured as road manager/tour manager/FOH Engineer with TE early on in his American breakthrough years, I would advance shows with new venues by specifying a 3 piece power trio-guitar, bass and drums including kick, pa with a minimum 3 way FOH with subs…some venues pushed back, and I Quote” he’s just one guy playing acoustic guitar?, what do we need all that for?” I would insist, front office would specify in the contracts, and when we arrived, usually just Tommy and me and GM, and I set up his ONE (truly awesome sounding acoustic guitar ) rig, the small black German amp w an alessis midiverb, and more than once there were a few pushbacks and sneers and ….then he would pull out the Maton, plug and tweak, nod at me, and blow them off the stage…he is a remarkable force of Good Nature and tremendous talent and originality. A privilege….

[@johnbinford6706]

Very cool!

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

@@johnbinford6706 I'll second that, John! And thanks to Richard for the great personal story!

[@TheArtofGuitar]

I love Molly, I love Tommy. heck I together I can barely handle it!

[@HannahCope88]

@TheArtofGuitar Molly is awesome, I got into her thanks to the radio station I listen to. Tommy is a legend 🙂

[@sk8pkl]

Crooked tree was beauuttifful omg. Ooufff. I got chills

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

Yes, such a nice tune, and do I detect a bit of an unusual "time change" during the refrains? Just very subtle but caught me off guard.

[@writereducator]

The metronome has become my best teacher: (1) to work up difficult passages to tempo; (2) to keep the groove going; (3) at tempo, to uncover your flaws. Another important teacher: a digital recorder.

[@someguy4505]

This is truly special. This will be talked about for many years.

[@stevelestermusic]

Groove is everything

[@johnwise7693]

Yep. If you are on time and in tune, your pretty well there.

[@captainkangaroo4301]

I used to know Molly’s dad, Jack, many years ago before she was born. He’s an outstanding musician as well.

[@stevegurgon]

Tommy and Molly are both genuine personalities.. I love them both.

[@karmadave]

I agree with everything especially Molly's comments about the right hand. It's the most difficult thing, for me, yet the essential element that provides the 'groove'.

[@MelodyMaker]

Such sincerity and eloquence in providing us with those three topics of improvement each. Tommy has mentioned in the past about how his practice entails practicing songs.

[@jonrettich-ff4gj]

Thank you for these profound gifts of insight. Even if you don’t play the exposure can only enhance one’s listening. Thank you so much

[@tomtomtom7200]

Thank you Molly and Tommy, great conversation, and some fine music. Yeah, to me the guitar has always been a lifelong trip... I'm 63 and still learning HAH!

[@grantrogers1858]

Tommys fills and ryhthm sections are amazing. Both amazing

[@PianoGuitarVocal]

Hi Tommy! Beautiful human beings. Beautiful sound. Thank you!

[@dsing67]

My new favorite duo. What a great combination.

[@jadeedmundson5715]

Wow! Sounds amazing! Molly is so underrated as a singer/songwriter, likely because she is first thought of as one of the best flat-pickers, but she is such a talented artist, love to see her get to be a household name!

[@timothyritchie5290]

Saw this tour and wish I could have gone every night- breathtaking show

[@Mr.PhatsVarietyVibesShow]

i like this a lot those 2 are very good... she has that American folk style music sense...

[@seanspring1360]

Sounds GREAT! Looking forward to seeing Tommy here in Canada later in the year Thanks Tommy & Molly 💜

[@DjNikGnashers]

Saw TE live in the UK a couple of years ago, it was literally one of the highlights of my life so far.

[@iused2BAfireman]

Incredible. Golden. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing your talents to the world.

[@davidp4350]

These two people are so awesome, and that song is so awesome too, love it.

[@DansenEnSchijten]

Man, was this special... All that wisdom and music, simply fascinating.

[@Jean-PaulTheubet-rq5mh]

Molly although is fantastic!

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

Tommy's last chord there... so nice! Great point made about practice. Neither Molly nor Tommy just woke up one day and could play like they do. They've both practiced their butts off. Sometimes I think we guitar players use our "tinkering with gizmos", and our seemingly constant tweaking and "modding" of our instruments, as an excuse not to sit down and PRACTICE. I'm definitely guilty of that!

[@jimadams5574]

oh man - you two sound beautiful together! I love the sound of an acoustic guitar and this actually brought tears to my eyes it was so beautiful. Thanks for this and for all you two do for music. Now I'm gonna go play my guitar and try to sound just a little like you two do lol - thanks for the pointers!

[@scottbryant7090]

Those hands!!

[@SuperLeica1]

"How do I get to Albert Hall?" : "Practice, practice, practice!" These two, as they said, have engaged to develop their guitar skills all their lives. It's obvious, You can hear it! This also make them understand each other's endeavours, which creates wonderful co-operation. BTW, the lyrics of "Crooked Tree" (at 12:35) is among the best I've heard as a musician for 40 years, it quite nails the feeling I've had while trying to find my own "sound".

[@leefranks1181]

Wow Molly and Tommy are so inspirational, this video really made me think about my sound, such positivity, thank you guys ❤

[@denisrichardson3260]

these two are just great together!..i hope they do more together in the future

[@mrcolin2u]

I would absolutely love to see these two in concert 😃

[@Jean-PaulTheubet-rq5mh]

Tommy is incredible

[@shashilight]

Love Tommy's sweet harmonies - vocally and from those amazing fingers! ❤

[@cburns3256]

Great !

[@HughEllisBennett]

Whew, that was awesome.

[@don911donny9]

Great playing and great advice

[@tonykehoe123]

I can only sit back and admire the talents of both . I have been playing for twenty years and still play the same as I did when I first started whilst having written more than 500 songs

[@stantonkramer2986]

Great advice! Fabulous shirt, Tommy!

[@smandez2023]

For years that I’ve listened to Tommy I thought, “what could be better than this?”. Now I’m listening to Tommy and Molly together and, what can be said? It just brings a smile to my face. ❤

[@geraldwest3428]

Simply beautiful! Thank you!😊

[@rkoblues24]

Thanks for the great tips. Acoustic playing is definitely unique to electric playing.

[@wanderingsoul7935]

Getting a better sound comes from the heart too, not just the hands.

[@MoeEezay]

True beyond the comprehension of most.

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

Amen to that, Soul!

[@400_billion_suns]

Love these two, and that was such a nice song at the end. Really enjoyed it. Thanks for bringing it to us.

[@xyzman001]

Molly's right hand technique. I get it. Now I gotta practice it. Yhnx for sharing

[@gcolnr]

Great interview, and love Tommy’s shirt…looks like a Bob Marley influence.

[@peterpulpitpounder]

Tommy, I've seen you play "Amazing Grace" many times, and it reminds me of the "essence" of true life, and of the critical importance of giving God the glory in all we do. Music comes from God and is truly a gift from above.

[@markelovett]

Nice job both. Love Molly’s right hand. Wish i could get it.

[@breakandrun70]

Wow, what voices, Molly & Tommy sound so good together. They certainly sound & feed off each others style. Molly reminds me of Allison K. They have such distinct voices. Tommy is also very gifted, he can harmonize with everybody, If he can't he makes up with his playing ability. Thanks to the both of you for the awesome lesson & video, looking forward to seeing more. Made my day too!!!

[@mtremblay4270]

OUTSTANDING!

[@liamfahey7836]

Beautiful voice. Love the song too. 🎸🎸

[@chrisarnold6852]

Wow, so much awesome for 1 video! What a sweet song,love it❤

[@susanroycroft89]

You know, one of the things I love with your playing is it's not competitive but supportive, what a show, Don here from Hamilton NZ on my Wife's tablet Susan,Sincere regards 😊😊😊

[@DaemonRicks]

Tommy says it all. You have to do that all your life to sound so good. These people are natural born and lifelong practiced talents.

[@235buz]

What a great interview. 👏👏

[@Jean-PaulTheubet-rq5mh]

Great great and great

[@eamonnmorris5331]

A lovely discussion, full of helpful hints for all of us aspiring pickers!

[@norbertb.]

Thank you so much!❤🙏🏻

[@guitarnotions]

This is awesome! Thank you!

[@Moggshad]

Fantastico !!!!!!

[@crazycat1345]

Molly is very lucky to have Tommy to learn from.

[@fischman26-China]

Yep, I need to use a metronome. Lately, volume control is something is something I am working on. Strumming, I am loud but picking I need to lower the volume for more control, then I need to balance it all out. Molly and Tommy are giving great tips.

[@prime-mate]

Molly is so damn awesome...

[@jeriboxx4331]

Pure Joy! Thanks

[@cliftonjarvis8010]

Tommy I will buy you some pants man,for all the help you have given me,just playing around mate😂hopefully you both will come to the Cincinnati area soon, I think you both are great.

[@leftypick4854]

You both are great tenor sax players. Plus you guys should play more polkas, period. Hell, long live acoustic guitar. You lucky you.

[@TheFeelButton]

Great stuff!

[@joezagame5598]

Molly’s sound reminded me of the Indigo Girls.

[@williammead9966]

Totally enjoyable!

[@JackTheRabbitMusic]

Some people speak quietly. Others speak in metaphor. A few talk to themselves. Many are not saying anything at all. Only a handful are fully self aware.

[@andysparks8103]

I record my flatpicking on my phone and listen back to it. It’s a fool proof way to measure progress / be it speed or fluidity.

[@philmansfield8825]

I do that ... humbling

[@alan4sure]

I do that to figure out harmony to fiddle tunes.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

Looper pedal is the way to go' that is if your guitar is electric acoustic.

[@ewinggraphics3384]

Thanks for this! :) (Dave Sharpe here)

[@philmansfield8825]

Open strings...been playing Clap by Steve Howe. Sometimes the open strings jump out too much leaving the fretted string under volume...

[@TheBirdBrigade]

Awesome vid like always. Anyone know a simular microphone at a convenient price? i wanna get my sounds out to you all.......

[@geoffreydonaldson2984]

What I tell anyone brave, foolish or stupid enough to ask my advice. I teach two-year olds, not really older, so when I’m asked by anybody over two, this is the best advice I can give, and this is what I do: when I pick up my axe first time that day, I play a single note and I really, really listen to that note, feel it vibrating the instrument and the air, hear it fade, far, far way. It’s not a long opportunity so you gotta make the best of it …because, if you care to bother doing this further exercise, you’ll realize that no matter what you do, you cannot duplicate that first experience of the day; the second time you play that note, it sounds different no matter how hard you try to listen as closely as you did the first time. That’s a channeling effect in the brain you can’t control. The almost infinite sound textures you hear in that first lovely note of the day are being gathered, readying for the deluge of notes-a song, say-it knows from experience is going to happen very, very soon. And might go on accumulating all day, all that night and around to next morning. Thus I suspect you have to sleep (something to do with dreams and REM, &c-I can’t quote David Levitson) to refresh the first-note-of-the-day effect. I also suspect that’s why some performers go in cold: that’s the effect they want just before they proceed with the repertoire. One might get pretty good at artificially preserving and reproducing that effect as the session goes on. But, as professional as that is, I don’t believe it is possible to capture the personal -uh-I dunno-“zen” of that first, well contemplated note. Of course this is why acoustic instruments-the guitar being the predominant, excellent thing-are so good for starting the day. You can’t do it with electric amplification (but you can with an electric guitar unplugged-just that the effect is shorter and more difficult to savour). Naturally that first full, beautiful, full-bodied chord of the day is similar in effect. But nothing beats so pure and powerful as that first note of the day. My advice: really pay attention to that first note, make sure to do it. I have guitars all over my house and can be pretty nonchalant about grabbing one, getting that idea out into the medium-but the first-note-of-the-day effect, that meditative or, dare I say, even prayerful effect won’t be there if it ain’t the actual thing. Sounds small. Sounds too short. But it can influence yer whole day. Just imagine it’s a song-all in one note. Thnx and all the best. XO

[@feedvid]

Wow!

[@rjb5678]

Me at 6:40 hahaha hope to improve though.... you guys compliment other, great to observe and listen too....

[@I_am_nooh]

That's a sick shirt Tommy!

[@1755ma]

TE pants are mind-blowing 😂

[@williamj.sheehan2001]

I notice that Molly and Tommy hold their pick differently. I tend to hold mine like Tommy (with the last three fingers allowed to relax downward). I've always been interested in the way Molly holds hers, however (with all the fingers tucked upward so as to form a very light "fist"), as it seems so compact and relaxed, and conducive to economy of movement. But I can't make it feel right to save my soul!!

[@noswad75]

What does them doding on each other have to do with playing and sounding better!?

[@shashilight]

Great song, "Crooked Tree" - love that message - that all of us should honor our uniqueness, whether or not it falls into the "perfection" of what society formulates. Yup, if someone else would play my guitar, it would probably sound good!

[@james-gang]

dreamteam

[@aaronrobbanzach29]

Practice and learn to play in the dark. Pitch black. You can’t see anyone and no one can see you. It removes ego and showboating means absolutely nothing. It’s then purely only all about the sound. On another note, I don’t think it’s currently in their paths, but I very very eagerly await and hope to god the there will come a time that Molly and Sully’s paths will cross again and they write some amazing stories. That would seriously melt my brain.

[@stigc.minkstuen]

❣

[@RickDanner]

wow

[@aleksandarstoev441]

❤

[@zemlidrakona2915]

This -> 3:08 ... And you can apply that to any guitar

[@alexanderkhizhnyakov417]

🔥🔥🔥❤❤❤

[@kevinmccormick6434]

Are they playing Crooked Tree in two different keys?.....one guitar is has a capo on the 4 th fret and the other on the 2nd fret. When they play, the guitars sound as if they may be purposely playing in two keys.

[@haydenreidling559]

im a little late lol, but there in the same key! Molly just plays out of G shapes capo 4, and Tommy plays A capo 2. Both end up in B, just different positions, Its good stuff!!

[@Nickreds20]

Uhm, did the guys in charge of this video purposefully covered the Martin & Co Logo on Molly and Tommy's too? Cause guys, everyone knows it's a Martin xD, lol. You can tell by the pickguard. And if its due to some Product placement issue, that'd be hilarious cause in that case you would have had to cover all the Marshalls in the background too.

[@kayanowtoo7593]

The best Male and the best Female guitarists in the world playing together. I might have a pleasure OD if I'm not careful.

[@diggerddawg]

I love to watch Molly's right hand.

[@60beats44]

As Mike Tyson used to say. When they go high, I go low.

[@binwang251]

It's like the Mohammad Ali and Mike Tyson of acoustic guitar formed a tag team.

[@user-eh5gj1hx9z]

Another Emmy Lou Harris!

[@heyokastu2]

where is that crackling sound coming from? is it my computer or is there a fire burning in the background?????

[@musicproductioncentral4540]

The zippers on Tommy's jeans.

[@blocksy6772]

the bracelet and tommy's watch

[@TheBuglas]

Why is nobody talking about those pants?

[@AlmostDrAbe]

🎉

[@scrimblenib]

Open strings are like open thighs ...... Fucking great

[@1cdailey]

Does Molly use a pick or just her thumbnail? I can’t tell.

[@csmith5420]

She typically uses a pick when flat picking, but will occasionally finger pick. She also just used her fingers when she does the claw hammer style.