The Tommy Emmanuel Interview

Over the last 2 years, one of the questions that popped up the most in the comments was: "What does Tommy think about what you are doing?". Well, I recently had the chance to sit down with the legend himself, and fire some questions at him. A dream come true...
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#TommyEmmanuel
#Interview
#Fingerstyle
#Thumbpick
#BoomChick
#Tutorial
#Fingerstyle
#Lesson
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
2:22 Interview
3:44 Jumbo frets or not?
5:25 Fingerstyle Guitar Setup
14:27 Maintaining a relaxed feeling
20:10 Practice
23:00 Beating depression
24:54 Inspiring a new generation
31:36 Can Tommy pick out my "alternative" section?
36:18 It's Never Too Late (Duet)

[@padraigparker1839]

Tim meeting Tommy is like Tommy meeting Chet ! Thank you both for great insight and beautiful music

[@WSBM]

Of all the interviews of Tommy, this one should have by far the most views...well done, Tim. And amazing work teaching the songs to people who want to challenge themselves to play them, but without your instructional videos, wouldn't really have a chance. Thanks for your hard work. PS. When, at the end, you were showing him your modifications and Tommy just wanted to play with you it literally brought tears to my eyes. Together, you two sounded so amazing...like a stereo with blossoming overtones...

[@krossbow_]

Oh my goodness, that duet at the end gave me chills

[@recolaq]

I've seen most interviews with Tommy. They all have a kind of script with the same jokes and stories. This is by far the most spontaneous interview and I loved it. Thanks

[@justarandomdude52]

I'm with you. By now I could stand in for Tommy in most interviews and give the answers for him. But every once in a while something special comes along, like this one. And like the one with Hallerin Hilton Hill, see the links in my other comment. It basically went unnoticed (~6k views in over 3 years), so I am promoting it here since everybody interested in Tommy should see it.

[@recolaq]

@@justarandomdude52 Thanks for the nuance. Reading back my comment, I realized that the second sentence is bit disrespectful which I didn't meant to be.

[@mattiv1]

The best TE interviews are with him talking without guitar in his hands somehow. He says a little different things then.

[@capacho288]

absolutely

[@mikevanleeuwen2858]

I agree. It's great man. You are a great player too Tim

[@buffysteve]

Wow Tim, I have tears in my eyes and a chill down my spine. I'm so happy you got to meet Tommy and he validated that you are a great guitar player too. Well done.

[@TimVanRoy]

Thanks Stephen! It was an incredible experience sitting down with Tommy, no matter how nervous I was. Those compliments really mean something to me...

[@junbinzhao9494]

I was tearing and smiling when you two played together at the end. Hope to see Tommy's autograph on your guitar in future tutorials 👍👍

[@TimVanRoy]

Can you believe this is the third time I've met him, and the 3rd time I forgot to ask? 🤯 I'm always so caught up in the moment I simple don't think about it!

[@WimBlock]

@@TimVanRoy da's een beetje shitty :))

[@fiberlockabatement592]

Tim, congrats for landing this amazing opportunity. Tommy, you are an absolute inspiration and a true gentleman: humble and genuine. I am honored to be learning your technique and better off in life for experiencing your music and strength of character. Blessings to you both!!! Jesse from Canada

[@Craigadammusic]

This is one of the best interviews I’ve seen with Tommy! Thanks 👍👍👍

[@hsrenanhs]

Tommy: a Tim: I can Imagine

[@mainsblanches8793]

That ending reminds me of when I had the chance to play a duet backstage with Tony McManus!!...what a great feeling it is to be playing with mentors!!...

[@TimVanRoy]

Especially when they are as welcoming and comforting as Tommy was! I hope you experience was as inspiring as mine!

[@LukaszTrochim]

Tim, what a honor and fulfilling moment to play together with your idol. Congratulations from Poland.

[@TimVanRoy]

It definitely was a great honor! Thank you for your comment. Wishing you a very happy Polish new year :)

[@charlesjenkinson5020]

Tommy has time for people who recognise his gifting, and want to draw on that. It's called impartation. As he says, its his calling, and he doesn't know how it happens to the audience, but he knows that it does. Powerful stuff.

[@deeman1]

"Wenn er spielt, passiert den Hörern etwas Gutes, und er weiss nicht mal, was das ist, und eigentlich möchte er es gar nicht wissen, er will nur wissen, das der Zuhörer seine Freude hat." Der Kerl ist ein Engel, und er ist so klar und mit sich zusammen, das es schmerzt. Hätte jeder Mensch nur ein Viertel von Tommy in sich, dann gäbe es keine Kriege mehr. Ich bin so froh, das er das ganze komplizierte Zeug spielt, da brauch ich es nicht mehr zu lernen und kann den Kram machen, den ich seit jahren spiele.

[@beanguitar285]

Holy Sh*t. I highly respect Tommy for telling the reason, why he wasn't in a good shape last year. This, this open talking, this open heard of you, is the reason we all get catched by you!! We Love you Tommy! Plus, Tim: It's so beautiful to see how speechless and not beleaving in what a crazy awesome situation you were, not only in the beginning of this interview, but EVERY Time, Tommy played something. I'm pretty sure, you had to calm down yourself everytime. Hahaha Thanks for this great great Interview!!

[@guitar1950]

Thanks to Tommy for agreeing to your invite and thanks to you Tim. This is great! Tim, you are such a personable fellow.

[@jerrymeasimer4573]

What a great interview, I am still a beginner I consider, it is great to see two masters. I never heard of Tommy till I started the guitar. I am so glad I started, I am 62 and two years ago o broke my index finger and I thought playing guitar would make it stronger, I enjoy practicing daily I don’t have a lot of time to but it is something I enjoy, I am a woodturner so I constantly youse my hands, I am so glad I found your channel some time back, you are an excellent teacher and this interview shows you are going a long way just watching watching how humble you are in front of Tommy . Thank you

[@johngarrity6687]

Blown away by the candor and humanity here. Sure U hit all the guitar stuff... Then on family issues T: "There is nothing I can do to fix it, but there is something I can do to fix me." Such a precious Nugget of wisdom from this man. Thx for sharing, Tommy. THANK YOU both!

[@gmsi7d371]

watching tommy on youtube is watching a tribute to hard work and dedication . i cannot even imagine the thousands of hours he trained to become a worldclass guitarist. this is insane. unbelievable

[@TimVanRoy]

I couldn't agree more!

[@Capt-Cran]

You are the best ... and if anyone deserves and interview ... it's you!! ... no person on KZbin has the touch and command of Tommy's tunes like you!! ... CONGRATULATIONS!!

[@jmoorecareers]

Fabulous interview. That was Tommy Emmanuel totally relaxed, just being himself. Thank you.

[@theoloutlaw]

Tommy gets better with age and his interviews reflect it too. The guy wears his heart on his shirt. Wonderful stuff!

[@bigmac51290]

Good lord, the chorus effect of both guitars at the end is gorgeous.

[@Zach-ls1if]

wow, what a great interview, its refreshing to see someone get as nervous as I do. I was supposed to go see Tommy on April 1st 2020 in Vancouver with my best friend. What an April Fools joke that turned out to be, Covid hit and the show was canceled, then my friend died four months later. I'm hoping to go see Tommy in Sacramento soon.

[@bobsguitartunes]

How many guitar players get tho hear Tommy say to them..." You play well Brother?"....very very few. Best compliment for any guitar player.

[@TimVanRoy]

Even when he's long gone I'll be savouring that single quote, alongside all the wonderful music. I never imagined he would just blurt this out...

[@markrogers7546]

Tommy is one of the most gracious human beings on the planet.

[@Pirwatcher]

What a pleasure to see and listen two people which loves music .....

[@johnbuurman]

Tommy is a very nice guy , a great guitarplayer and a very humble person, enjoyed this interview very much, thanks

[@littlesnob]

Tommy Emmanuel's guitar sounds so bright and dynamic. I wish I had the money to buy it.

[@TimVanRoy]

This was a new model with a cedar top, something I don't even think is available at the moment. He didn't use it that night for the concert because the pickup was malfunctioning...

[@GEKO1200]

It was great!!! Bravo! I had also the pleasure to interview Tommy few years ago for a regional radio station in Basel, he’s a gentleman, impossible not to love him🙏💪.

[@TimVanRoy]

I couldn't agree more!

[@idobleier2010]

That's exciting! You did a great job interviewing him

[@JonasCraftUltimate]

Great interview! Glad to hear he’s been sober 18 months, I appreciate how he’s so open and honest about it.

[@mrsecco98]

Congratulations!!!!! , it's really fantastic to see you two masters together

[@jonahstef6204]

That’s what music is about. Truly two masters of their art!

[@Nearsighted-Joker]

Finding your channel elevated my guitar skills to another level INSTANTLY. I learned how to play Tommy's Pink Panther theme even though it sounded way to hard at first - you made it look "doable" somehow. I learned so many new things and techniques from you and it gave me a huge boost in creativity! Thank you for that! :)

[@TimVanRoy]

Great to hear! Although I've been at it for a year or two now, it stills gives me great satisfaction to hear that people are making good progress through the videos!

[@logan7249]

@@TimVanRoy you deserve so much more recognition than you get. I've yet to find another KZbin channel with tutorials as good as yours!

[@kingrobert1st]

The highlight of this brilliant insight into the mind of the one and only TE was when he said the action was down real low but it doesn't rattle. Then he plays it full fury. Strings ratte like all fuck! Outstanding!

[@TimVanRoy]

That's what I thought as well when I listened back to it! But I'm sure if we played it the rattle would be 10 times louder. He really has adjusted his technique to this kind of setup.

[@MsMusicman56]

Another great interview with Tom n tks Tim. I first heard Tommy and Phil in a band here in Melbourne Australia called Goldrush. I thought who the bloody hell is this?? Some will know but Tommy was playing drums, as well as guitar at that time. Funny in those days Tommy referred to himself as a rhythm player. Even then he was a great player and in a comment I heard him say, "well I have to better, I've been told" and better he did. I've followed him and Phil ever since and thanks for the inspiration. btw R.I.P. Phil gone but not forgotten, a truly underrated player.

[@LudoTheRhombus]

I got chills watching you guys play together. What an honour! Congratulations Tim!!!

[@stjepkoboban358]

Tommy was and is a humble genius, following chet atkins path. My Hero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@navaho5430]

Hey pass this on to TOMMY we have just gone through the biggest floods in EAST OZ and its the first time i have adjusted the necks of my guitars even after the devastating bush fires i didn't touch them but humidity WOW. CHEERS.

[@simonpratley3301]

OMG That was awesome! Your questions were great Tim and Tommy’s answers were so down to earth and interesting. I loved when you both played at the end of the interview. Wow what pressure for you man, but you played so well. I take my hat off to both of you. 🎩 I’m from Australia and have been watching Tommy for at least 30 years, since I was a kid…. I have to tell you he hasn’t changed. He’s so positive and such an inspiration, as you are. Thank you Tim for your tutorials and inspiration. Great interview.

[@roywall8169]

Wonderful interview!

[@maxnoish]

Awesome, especially the ending part

[@rendezpadgett9944]

This was excellent! Congratulations on getting to jam a Tommy Emmanuel tune, with the man himself, and having him tell you that your playing is beautiful

[@TimVanRoy]

Even when that compliment blew completely past me at the moment itself, it's a memory I'll treasure forever!

[@christinemiele127]

Now you know first hand why we are all in love with Tommy. So glad you got to do this excellent interview.

[@TimVanRoy]

Yes! When people say "don't meet your heroes" you shouldn't include Tommy, that is certain now 😋

[@stevenmunn58]

It’s inspiring to see someone with so much talent to be so humble and down to earth !!

[@robimac3502]

It was nice to hear what Tommy had to say too

[@joshjamelo5721]

The best interview with Tommy!

[@thyyu1874]

Congrats for landing such an interview, Tim! Really happy for you. And I’m so thankful to hear that Tommy is doing much better now than last year. Prayed for him and all

[@victorb6293]

Tim, you mentioned that you hadn't done an interview before - wow...you did an exceptional job with your first one. Really amazing. Well done!! I particularly liked some of the questions you asked Tommy, which were different to what he has usually been asked in his many other interviews over the years. It was a pleasure to watch and he gave a great insight into Tommy the guitarist, musician and person. I've been lucky enough to see Tommy play here in Australia several times, in venues ranging from full concert arenas, to concert halls to small function rooms and he never fails to inspire and impress. Thanks for sharing this interview and well done. Hopefully you will do some more interviews in the future.

[@TimVanRoy]

Thanks Victor! Tommy always seems to give everything he has. The first time he played a show in Belgium I saw him perform in a venue that could 1200 people, and only 40 attended. It must have been a dreadful sight from the stage, but Tommy just blew through the whole set like a maniac. And now, whenever he plays in Belgium, it's always sold out!

[@jeanislaby9440]

Outstanding interview. I knew the first time I heard you give a Tommy lesson that you were the teacher for me.

[@Pan_Kosmi]

This man... was the reason i started love the guitar and the reason i didnt give up.. thanks Tim for the interview great job.

[@silvenshadow]

Ha. The best part is when Tommy asks you if he's playing it right. What a privilege to see you both together. Interviewing a hero like Tommy as your first interview? Right into hard mode and still pulling it off. Big cheers.

[@TimVanRoy]

That was a bit of a "Twilight Zone" moment 😂 I really thought "is HE asking ME how it goes?"!

[@chrislombardi8870]

I'm so happy and proud of you Tim!! Excellent interview and Tommy looked like he was having a great time playing with you!! Awesome my friend and very well deserved!!

[@shelleyknowlson4921]

How awesome to have the opportunity to interview him. Great play along too 😀

[@Anonymiss_333]

We are all so ha[-y to have you back Tommy. Sending love and years of happiness to come.

[@mikmop]

Having watched all of your tutorials, I was hoping that one day you would be able to do an interview with Tommy. This is my favourite video of yours now. I got a lesson from Tommy about 40 years ago in the early 1980s, and every time I would see him at gigs and workshops thereafter, he would be the friendliest person to me. His personality hasn't changed in all that time. In years to come, your body of work Tim will be considered masterpieces and will remain timeless. And the contribution you have made to students of Tommy's music is priceless. You've done a wonderful job. Thank you Tim 👍

[@TimVanRoy]

Thank you for that great compliment! I'll keep up the work, especially now that it is official that Tommy approves!

[@john-ob7bv]

How have I only just seen this wow Update 1 year on. I finally met tommy what a wonderful man.

[@sourishsarts3dmusic82]

I love this interviews. And van I love your videos that helps me a lot . Tommy is the God of fingerstyle guitar. I love him more than my life.

[@woomi177]

What a gift, this interview. And the joint playning at the end, as if two waterfalls fell togheter to run.

[@masqacordes]

It only remains to tell you, thank you very much for sharing this video. I can tell you that it is one of the most emotional interviews I have ever seen, I really loved it. To this day I have not had the opportunity to communicate with him, much less to see him in person, but with this interview, I have felt closer to Tommy Emmanuel, not only as a guitarist, but as a person. Thank you, thank you so much Tim. Greetings from Spain

[@masqacordes]

I think I've seen the video more than 20 times😀

[@jonc4951]

Great video. It was cool to see you play together at the end.

[@stephendennis7871]

Besides being a fantastic guitarist he also comes over as a very very nice person and full of fun and this is evident by how he greatly helps and saves the interviewer.

[@philiplavere]

I KNEW this day would come!! I even commented it would many months ago! It was nice to see Tommy bring the real you out Tim! Brought tears to my eyes!!

[@TimVanRoy]

Thanks Philip! A lot of people were rooting on this ever happening, I just never imagined it would be so soon (and that Tommy would be the one insisting on us meeting up)!

[@temiongcecilio]

Thanks so much for sharing . Learned so much from Mr. Emmanuel . He is a kind and down-to-earth person . So nice to watch . You are a very good guitar player Mr. Van Roy . You help other guitarists so much in your tutorials . God bless you & family . Question: what is the piece he played at 19:10 ?

[@herbertwolters7130]

Rarely have I seen such a great interview with Tommy. I watched it 3x.

[@christopherheady7377]

Dude the duet made me cry.

[@mikeellis4345]

Great job Tim! I have always found over many decades that Tommy is very a easy guy to talk to. Cheers mike

[@angler7871]

What a wonderful interview! Not only Tim, but also Tommy seems excited.

[@namaguitar]

Greatest TE interview I've seen Tim! I'll aim to do it too!! Thank you and really great job:)

[@thierryfaivre2192]

Bravo TIM respect et merci pour ce super interview 😊👏👏👏👏

[@shashilight]

Great interview! Love what Tommy says about players being unique and bringing their own technique to a song. It seems to indicate his own security in who he is as a player and not emphasizing competition. That's true greatness.

[@TimVanRoy]

Definitely! We shouldn't shy back from doing things "our" way. I can understand purists want it exactly like the original, but that should only matter to them and not to everyone else around them.

[@AlanMcCarthyguitar]

@@TimVanRoy step over to the classical guitar world if you want to meet dogmatic purists 🙂. Lovely interview.I saw him live once and he was just good beyond belief . Do you use standard notation for his music ?just came across your channel today . You are an excellent player

[@TimVanRoy]

@@AlanMcCarthyguitar Hi Alan! Thanks for joining the party here 😜 I use both standard notation and tabs when transcribing Tommy's music. I have a history as a free-lance musician, so I prefer reading/writing notation over tablature!

[@colinaskew9595]

I'm going to see Tommy in Perth Scotland next week. Fourth time I've seen him in concert and every time I'm just blown away at how good he is. Can't wait.

[@TimVanRoy]

I can tell you in advance: he's playing better than ever! He did a version of Doc's Guitar during the concert in Antwerp that was simply amazing. Enjoy the show then!

[@colinaskew9595]

@@TimVanRoy I will thanks. Love the guitar lessons keep them coming

[@bah667]

Such a humble and righteous Human Being! Long Live TE

[@TimVanRoy]

That says it all!

[@scottsnet]

Oh wow!! Tim, this is incredible. Tommy clearly enjoyed the interview, he was so open and honest. 10/10

[@DonaldRoycroft-sm3rp]

Excellent tips, pick it up 'n' play it again 😊

[@sweetveggies]

great interview it was a lot of fun to watch and im sure it was a lot of fun for you to interview him as well

[@TimVanRoy]

It sure was a great privilege, kinda nerve wracking as well 😉

[@larsickenroth7169]

Great talk and so glad he's doing well again. Funny how Tommy being himself can actually make you a bit nervous: you want to get it right. But I can confirm the suspicions: he absolutely is the nicest, warmest and most approachable musician you'll ever meet. Amazing.

[@TimVanRoy]

He most definitely is! He did not have to do this interview, but he did and made it feel like a validation of the work that is being done on the channel here. An absolute legend!

[@sherpajeff]

Wow....I felt like you were living my dream. I actually got a little emotional when Tommy insisted on playing with you. I can only imagine how you felt....likely a blur but in retrospect amazing? Well done....

[@joelin6889]

Just keep smiling when I watch the interview. Congratulations Tim and yes I do feel your nerves and I think it’s pretty normal when you sitting and playing with Tommy

[@christhorpec]

Congratulations - you deserve it! I watched him twice last week, in London and bury st edmunds. Dream come true. What an artist, performer and person

[@TimVanRoy]

I hope he played as well as he did here in Belgium. He absolutely killed it on stage. And what an acoustic ambassador you have with Mike Dawes! His set was amazing too!

[@flamzsuck]

I stumbled upon your site Tim. I will now start my odyssey on trying to learn from you. You are humble,a fantastic teacher and phenomenal guitar player.

[@TimVanRoy]

Thanks! I'm more than happy to have you join the journey here!

[@robertolazary2807]

The best interview with Tommy I ever heard - thanks for that. I am playing guitar since the middle of the 70th and I am still learning. Tommy is one of my ever idols like Leo Kottke on 12-string. Congratulations for your fine job with him!

[@jamesdaly4386]

One of the best interviews with Tommy, thoroughly enjoyed it. ✌️

[@briandesjardins728]

I'm going to die along side the day we lose this man. He is such a gift to the world, truly... he's such a genuine amazing person and probably the best guitar player that's ever lived. I could sit and play with both of you for hours and hours and hours. Tommy lights up with joy to play with others. Your very good too brother!

[@richat1691]

I watched tommy front row at new brighton other day, i was grinning the whole way thru and tommy looked at me and seen i was having a good time ,he Flashed me a grin and i was made up 👍🙂

[@sgcl2276]

Well done Tommy, I live in Australian and stopped drinking over 11 years ago.

[@phillipclarke8871]

Good on you Tommy. Thanks for sharing your experience and knowlege so honestly. All the best to you, team and family.

[@sabeesunwar7558]

How i wish the interview never ended..... Tommy to me is what Chet was to him... I have a dream to meet him in person someday...and i wish him all the best with good health and happiness... Thanks a lot Tim for such an inspiring interview 🙏🙏🙏🙏 love from Nepal

[@TimVanRoy]

It was my pleasure, Sabee!

[@ministryinsong]

What a brilliant interview. Tommy is so genuine and giving, and having never seen you before I had no idea you played like that I’m sure you’ll treasure that time with him for the rest of your life. We’ll done sir.

[@TimVanRoy]

I definitely will! This was a once in a lifetime experience!

[@wolfgangjohann5037]

2 great musicians and kind guys. all thumbs up

[@wolfgangjohann5037]

appreciate 🤗

[@yoelbeche6213]

Wow!!! I just enjoyed every moment of this interview. I've seen a lot of Tommy's interview but this one was one of the greatest. You've asked some really good questions rather than asking same questions that almost all interviewers asks when they do an interview with him. You totally nailed it bro. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@TimVanRoy]

Thanks Yoel! I'm really happy this is landing so well with a lot of people. Realising I had never done an interview before really gave me cold feet!

[@yoelbeche6213]

@@TimVanRoy You're welcome bro!!

[@annieo.4779]

Fantastic interview. So down to earth and real.

[@TimVanRoy]

Thanks Annie! This was an incredible experience!

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

Thanks for asking that question about how Tommy was doing. It also seemed that asking that made you losen up and made the interview so much better.

[@TiagoGalleli]

Hey, Tim. I started following your channel when you had few followers and now you are interviewing the great one. More than congratulations, lad! I hope Tommy comes to Brazil as well. Keep Rocking!

[@TimVanRoy]

Thanks Tiago! As you can tell, the building number of subscribers means I am behind on replying to the comments... But I'm still here! 😜

[@calebscrazyamazinglife1795]

I’m 15 years old and tommy is the reason I play finger style I first heard tommy last year on KZbin and I was Blown away I was just barely able to Play guitar but I wanted it to play like that anyway.

[@TimVanRoy]

Join the club, Caleb! I was already a full-time freelance musician when I first heard Tommy, and it changed my life too!

[@widam]

Amazing interview, love how you played at the end, thanks!

[@chielichiel]

What a sincere and great person you are Tim, congrats on this interview and thanks for sharing and ofcourse for being a good teacher.

[@TimVanRoy]

Thanks Chiel! It really warms my heart to see how well this interview is landing with people. Tommy truly is the best!

[@BoatingJapan]

Seen Tommy from years ago when he used to play in Dragon in ozzy pubs and he has always been the guy down the road who just happens to be one of the best.

[@TimVanRoy]

Exactly! Very approachable in person, absolutely terrifying when he's holding a guitar 😅

[@Adrian-bf6zh]

Had the pleasure to watch him yesterday at the Sydney opera House, it's going to be his new live album. That was several hours ago. He is outrageously good.

[@markedwards7601]

What an awesome interview! Beautiful.

[@mm-zn5hh]

The "maintaining a relax felling" really got my attention,when Tommy answered that, i suddenly realize that it's really hardwork and lots of repition to play relax in front of an audience....coz sometimes whenever i play a simple arrangement that i learned a couple of weeks ago, even i myself can say that i really already nailed the songs, i still feel a little bit nervous.but when i play an even harder fingerstyle songs that i have learned many months ago and i have been constantly playing i never feel any pressure.

[@jimfair3278]

Unbelievable interview Tim! One of the best interviews of a great musician that I've ever seen. It actually felt like you had interviewed him in the past and your were catching up with a friend. When you both played at the end you can just feel that Tommy was enjoying playing with you - that says it all! This was all so genuine and from your heart (just like all your tutorials). Thank you so much.

[@TimVanRoy]

That's a great compliment, thank you! I was actually quite nervous, to be honest ;)