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.
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[@richarddavidspano9856]

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…

[@RichardTafoya]

Did he keep the same gauges on all his guitars or did anything vary? I've known guitarists who might like to go heavier with open tunings. Also, does he lean toward 12s or 11s?

[@osamabinladen824]

That's fascinating.

[@bigdaddywheels2677]

That is amazing

[@JB-fh6pt]

HELLO CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT GAUGE STRINGS TOMMY DOES USE ON MOST OF HIS GUITARS? THANK YOU SIR.

[@richarddavidspano9856]

@@JB-fh6pt light gauge.012. I hear he has a signature custom set out now, if you search for that. Surprisingly, as hard as he played, with Avery rigid plectrum, he rarely broke strings but I saw his break two at once and before I could get out on stage with a new guitar he had retuned and finished the song- ON FOUR STRINGS. ( ps and I even saw him several times restring while continuing to play and talk! There’s a myriad of reasons why he is who he is.

[@Vocela]

Tommy Emmanuel always reminds how much life is worth living!

[@lman7709]

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.

[@das250250]

What a lovely story

[@AdiHasArrived]

Cuz 2 dollars had more value that time

[@diggitydankenstein3624]

awesome. ww2 daddy. even more awesome.

[@dmitri4005]

Aditya Makhija two dollars in 1940 was roughly $35 and considering a decent lack of strings nowadays runs for $15 with the increased popularity he still got much more than he paid for

[@joshwashburn6251]

The Kaveman have

[@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.

[@TomoFujitaMusic]

Thanks so much!!

[@urieljeffrey8383]

a tip: watch movies at Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching a lot of movies these days.

[@trevorluciano4295]

@Uriel Jeffrey yup, been using Flixzone} for since november myself :D

[@lam6gun]

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.

[@ralex3697]

Such a humble man, brilliant talent

[@timothycassler823]

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

[@huynhngocnamgiang]

when Tommy says, I listen.

[@matthewwesterfield4888]

Nam Giang amen

[@maxwellfan55]

Nam. Yep he's done the hard miles, no substitute for experience.

[@johnfitzgerald4206]

Amen

[@pageluvva]

Well said 👏

[@axe2rock]

right!

[@stringbender57]

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!

[@robroy4058]

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

[@SteveHilliarphotography]

Another wonderful contribution to guitar players everywhere.

[@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.

[@davidaylsworth8964]

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.

[@Wism0r]

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.

[@toamataafa9463]

When Tommy talks, everybody listen👍thanks Tommy👍

[@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.

[@dinosman5232]

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

[@darrendix5163]

"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!

[@Michlandir]

Fantastic tips. It’s those little things that make such a huge difference. Thanks Tommy!

[@dsdphotography]

The song he plays at the beginning and end of the video is called, Kentucky, written by Karl Davis. It's on Chet's Guitar Country album.

[@DustyMcFarland]

Thanks reverb for forking out enough money to get this dude out for so many lessons

[@87Bluesguitar]

This guys a multi national treasure...

[@JohnLothe]

This. A planetary treasure.

[@T.R.U.T.H..]

Well he's Australian and you cant have him! Lol. But I agree.

[@grant5603]

What does that even mean?

[@Bloodonthepick]

Grant international I assume

[@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.

[@JoshuaGriffin1984]

I literally just got my new stings out of the mailbox and was thinking....I wonder what the best way to tune a guitar. Opened KZbin and this popped in my feed. Perfect timing. Thanks!

[@aussie_philosopher8079]

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.

[@ChuckSilva]

Wow.....what an absolute pleasure...thank you Tommy-Reverb.com and KZbin...❤️

[@sotirzvanidjubre4109]

I loved how he explained how he fix the guitar action. He tighten the rod until string sticks to a neck. Then starting putting a relief and when string stops buzzing, thats his good action. LOL Of course we have to realize his guitars are high -HIGH END guitars, so obviously it works that's way.

[@johnbinford6706]

2:46 - A more probable theory is that your ear gets used to the sound of those particular strings, so that when you change to a different kind, the different sound has more "pop" to your ear

[@codyswanson8481]

He said, "I can't afford to eat, but can I buy a set of strings?" I felt that lol

[@alexhenderson8356]

You made perfect sense Tommy. Thanks for the tips. God bless!

[@davidmcdermott6650]

I teach in a high school in Arizona and use your videos for teaching aids. They are a wonderful addition.

[@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.

[@grahamserle7930]

Tommy is the master. Listen and learn from a great.

[@ia5662]

I'm so pumped that I string my guitar properly ala Tommy, mad respect for this guy. I can't even remember if I saw someone use the finger hold technique up on the headstock or if I did it myself, ditto for the pull the string up to measure the length I need. I stretch my strings differently though, I just bend each one as far as I'd normally go on each string around the 7th and 12th frets, bringing each string back up to tune until they hold. Man, my playing is nowhere close to this though, he's effortless!

[@jimmccarley9609]

Thanks Tommy, very helpful info.

[@MrEnoBeano]

I always enjoyed your music. It always made me happy.

[@ChristiaanBurgel]

Pure gold. Thanks Tommy!

[@randallkurzman2577]

Great insite, observation and technical tip on how to string the guitar so the string goes downward on the peg and across the nut to get the best tone and ring out if the strings.

[@KE010101]

Thank you Tommy for sharing those tips

[@maverick.gaurav]

Simple, sensible things. Thanks sir.

[@johncollins5552]

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 .

[@interstategar]

Great teacher, great player...

[@guitaristinseattle]

Amazing talent, great video!

[@WilmerLebron]

Yess!! Everyone Has To Listen To Tommy!! 🎸🎶🔥👍🏻🤟🏻

[@lengwo3168]

very sympathic guy, this Tommy Emmanuel - i like his teachings very much - thank you !

[@IDVDalot]

What a great musician for giving back

[@MrRenoman2011]

Thanks Tommy much appreciated for your video

[@MK-tj5bf]

Great musician and personality! Thank you!

[@bobayersquebec]

Great player and seems to be a gold Sir, like and tanks for the tips

[@lightfoot413]

Thank you Tommy and bless you man...

[@dt1mdlara]

I'm a big fan. Thank you for sharing. God bless.

[@JaromiBiblijny]

Thank You Tommy

[@claudevieaul1465]

Wise words! Get to know your instrument REALLY well... 👍

[@johnnygee1625]

Good advice ! Thanks. Cheers !

[@leomartin8472]

Excellent reinforcement for things I've been doing. Stretching the strings instead of turning the peg if they're slightly sharp and keeping it clean. Thanks for posting. Hearing him talk about the guitar is almost as much fun as hearing him play.

[@davidtaylor2054]

What a lovely bloke. And his playing's pretty good, too ;)

[@lorenzomaximo1818]

Tommy Emmanuel the guitar Wizard of Oz.

[@jefersonvasconcellos218]

Boas dicas,Tommy! Obrigado!👍

[@garyingersoll9349]

What a beautiful sounding guitar you have.....

[@michaelwillis8730]

Thank you for your wisdom and insight on strings & tuning. I think you are definitely onto something with using different string manufactures to restore the "liveliness" as I feel the vibrations related to each frequency & harmonic channels through the wood in a radiant pattern for each tone played. This is why guitars that been played a lot over the years seem to be more responsive versus and old vintage guitar that just sat in a case.

[@Breakbeats92.5]

We have been discussing nuances of the guitar literally for centuries. And we still are.

[@godfreyozzy7128]

I swear by Elixir strings on my Maton 225. Sound great, feel great, and the tuning is rock solid.

[@orgillmathew]

Perfectly said Tommy 🤘

[@telboy1966manu]

Tommy is an inspiration

[@mezzol]

Thanks that was really useful ....👍

[@nerfnerfification]

Many thanks for all this splendid info. My favourite once the guitar is in tune by tuner, pitchpipe or comparison (5th fret against open) is to then hit a harmonic octave at the 12 fret and compare that against the fretted note on the 1st string eg 5th string harmonic octave A against fingered A (5th fret 1st string) and adjust the harmonic string until any 'beating' disappears. Essentially I am checking to see the intervals and octaves on the guitar are correct as they are the important sounds for my solo playing.

[@jojo-fj7lw]

Did you find out a way to fix this?

[@TemplarGuitar]

Thanks for posting this. If Tommy says it... LISTEN - This guy has no peer... an amazing musician, amazing guitarist and a heck of a nice guy. Saw him at the TownHall last year.. spent the whole show with my jaw on the floor...

[@BillyReedMusic]

I'm ready to learn how to take care of my strings and tune my guitar after all these years! I love learning!

[@BillyReedMusic]

7:27: Definitely going to try. No wonder, at times seems like guitar can still be out of tune, even when tuned up. Very interesting insight. Thanks Mr. Emmanuel.

[@prophet0930]

wow that sound

[@cmartin1959-qq2mi]

Tommy is the best thing that ever happened to music and the guitar !

[@claudelussier1678]

Always good!

[@hotrodpat1]

So very good!

[@arentakaishi710]

Damn i love tommy

[@markmartin4522]

God bless this wonderful soul!

[@SergeUnplugged]

Solid tips from the master himself

[@lindaclark5911]

I am heading to wvf,and will be missing seeing& hearing you there! Hoping you get back to heartlandia soon we luv u like crazy in KANSAS😍😍😍🕊🐘🐝🐝🐝🌹🌹🌹🗽🚲⛺🐴

[@pdxfun4888]

Information that is valuable

[@nigelmccluskey]

This guy has found his gem x

[@badhombre4246]

7:15 YES! i thought i was the only one! i always have to fanagle everything a little differently on every guitar.

[@seanit]

Thanks Tommy

[@PoloBonacicD]

I love that!!!

[@VaMike9]

Great video Tommy

[@fhmmt743]

Thank you 🎸

[@Cowboy-e1c]

Sir, I don't have a guitar right now but, I'm sure I will be able to buy one someday and I'll tune it accordingly to your advice, thank you. 😍🎶🎶🎶🎶

[@ukulelehans1959]

Where do you live.?

[@GuanTones]

Tommy is the ultimate guitar nerd and I wanna be a nerd like him

[@Jacob_EstateAgent]

The man, the legend

[@williamswain7465]

You're so great!

[@DMDvideo10]

I learned this exact method for stringing guitars in the 70s. Have used it since. While other complain about their Les Pauls having tuning issues, mine don't...

[@tjames6427]

Martin authentic acoustic bronze strings are really amazing sounding

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Great advice-I was looking at James Taylor's tuning regimen also, he advises not tuning strictly to a tuner either, it is here on KZbin, worth checking out

[@johnfitzgerald4206]

Amazing guy.Amazing guitarist. He comes here and takes the time to teach us. "God bless Tommy" To the guys who commented on his complexion....Wow The only thing shallow around here is your mentality.

[@illusionsfadeofficial]

Awesome

[@davidjiang6368]

1. change your string brands at times 2. keep the string down when winding 3. stretching and tuning and playing some mid-range chords or melodies to make sure it's steady 4. use different tuners 5. clean your hands before playing 6. clean your guitar(s) at times thanks Tommy, great and concise tips!

[@matTmin45fr]

A little bit of 'Fast Fret' before and after playing would be a good idea also... just saying.

[@figjam9530]

wipe the strings and neck of the guitar AFTER playing. every luthier i've met does it. your strings will retain tone noticeably longer. EDIT, clean, dry, preferably purpose-made cloth.

[@ericscaillet2232]

@@figjam9530 also he left out if you really cannot afford new strings and they are not frayed, one can wash them,some boils them etc -I have found Andy handy with water and a good rinse and an immediate drying works wonders to revive the tonal value ,one thing for sure a clean instrument and playing hands is paramount.

[@zeekmx1970]

"Thank You!", Mr. Emmanuel.

[@nicholaswoolfenden5254]

Love Timmy E. Just saw him in Sydney, he said check out Jack Pearson the "best musician" he knew. And I did. Wow. Great player, also humble like Tommy. Plays Squires!

[@billyboy6028]

I love that man!

[@markerwin9167]

Wise words.

[@aze216]

Very interesting!

[@StringsUp58]

I like the way an open C chord will always tell you if your guitar is even a little out of tune. Electronic tuners will only get you in the ball park (so to speak), but your ear will always tell you, especially when you pick 2 strings together. That's the best way to hear if a string is out. Pick 2 open strings at a time, all the way down. This has worked for me for over 50 years.