Tommy Emmanuel Teaches Variations in "Freight Train" by Elizabeth Cotten | Reverb Learn to Play

[@DM-hk4cw]

Elizabeth Cotten played it upside-down, left handed to boot. She wrote this tune at age 11, which I find astonishing. Great video on this rendition.

[@TheBirdBrigade]

i find it easier to obseve backwards n upside down weirdly....

[@bholderried5555]

Every time you play "Freight Train"-- whether it's around a campfire, at an open mic, or otherwise -- please mention the fact that it was written by Elizabeth Cotton. She's the one we have to thank for this gem of a song, and more people need to know her name.

[@t-rexkalita1379]

Its cotten

[@AmarSingh-bq4nl]

Mister can you teach me like your own son but,I,m from,India,yes,or,No,my,dad,

[@michellelee8276]

Yea, it is disrespectful that he doesn’t even mention Elizabeth Cotten’s name. Also, his version is awful compared to the original. It’s not supposed to be a happy song… it is supposed to be played tuned down.

[@onefull1]

I absolutely agree with all who’ve stated, “Give credit where credit is due.” Miss Cotten rightly deserves a mention of credit. I just recently learned of Elizabeth Cotten, and I’m happy I did. R.I.P Libby.

[@stephenkim7277]

Her name is written on the title of this video .😊

[@tr24291]

I’ve been playing Freight Train for about 40 years and I thought I played it quite well and in one short video he’s given me and every other fingerpicker enough lessons to keep me busy for weeks. What a wonderful gift to share with the world. I’ll never play it as well as him but I’ll sure have fun adding some of those moves to my version.

[@gepal7914]

Try listening to the Doc Watson version. My preferred.

[@alistaira99]

Check out his Travis Picking lesson... You'll have a ball.. 🤣

[@garywillis2031]

I don’t think there is another person on earth that enjoys playing guitar more than Tommy. He does this all day and night and never looks like isn’t having fun both playing and teaching. I met this great man a couple of years ago and it was a time of my life, and I was 75 at the time and he took as much time with the meet and great people that that was necessary. Never get tired of listening.

[@bk1bennett]

I like the little hints that Tommy leaves us that none of this comes without a lot of work: "Rewind this a few thousand times," because that is what I had to do. Of course, he didn't have youtube, but he had a very strong desire to be the best he could be. Wow, what a result he achieved.

[@yadurocky]

bk1bennett very true

[@pardieupopper339]

Practice til your fingers bleed, as Mark Knopfler puts it.

[@Hawkswill]

LOL....I did that with a little portable cassette player.....would tape the songs and then....rewind....rewind!

[@42014202]

I have listened to him once playing Freight Train, and I played exactely like him on my first try, last night in my dreams. Don't know why, it didn't sound as good with my guitar this morning. It seems like if I forgot some notes. Thank you Mr.Emmanuel for taking the time to share your knowledge with us . Thanks to you, at 72, I'm finally enjoying playing guitar.

[@MrBigdee183]

HAHA!! Its probably just your guitar. Thats my problem... My guitar doesnt have all those notes so I gotta get me one of those Maton guitars!

[@EugenioFranklin]

I'm a trash metal guitar player and I'm here because Satriani said Mr. Emmanuel is his favorite guitar player. This gentlemen is a monster and such a great teacher.

[@andytekno]

The best acoustic guitarist alive today and there will never be anyone like him.

[@Latchy77]

Bryan Sutton

[@nedlambton6602]

Billy Strings is better. Fact not opinion.

[@nedlambton6602]

Richard Smith is also better

[@sbkpilot1]

I love the way Tom plays it with the little hammer ons, slides and bends thrown in

[@michaelc5373]

This is actually the perfect demonstration for my skill level. I don't need somebody to hold my hand and tell me where to put my fingers anymore. I've also learned that everything you can possibly work out by ear, you should. It will drastically improve your playing and understanding of the guitar. Trust me on this. Train your ears, and it'll train your fingers.

[@robertfarmer7427]

Tommy, You did a concert back in September of 2021, not far from my home near Columbia South Carolina, at the Charleston Music Hall, in Charleston South Carolina. What a Concert that was! I was fortunate to have a 2nd row seat near center stage at that concert. We bought our tickets way early, as I insisted on the best possible seat I could get. I was a bit mesmerized by the young lady who opened for you. It was a definite treat to see and hear "Yasmine" perform her unique talent. Of course the big moment came when you stepped out and "got down on the strings". One of my "bragging rights" is that I now have been within 20 feet of the sounds radiating from your guitars, while I noticed the enthusiasm flying out of you and listening to the silence of the crowd as they "bent their ears" to not miss a note, myself included. What a performance you gave! Hopefully I will be fortunate to attend another of your concerts again one day. Keep on "Keeping On"!

[@joeesquire5927]

I am 58 now....maybe I’ll get it by the time I am 70.....love Tommy’s unassuming style. He is the best. Period.

[@percival743]

So true

[@Priyadarshan_Nag]

Tommy is a true musician and an amazing human being! Just love this guy 😊

[@GradyElla]

"You'll need to practice that to get it nice and smooth!" OK Tommy my friend, check back with me in about ten years! You are an inspiration to us all Tommy, just like Chet or Merle. Thank you for signing my guitar BTW! You an Mike put on one hell of a show.

[@johnsmith-xr6qy]

I have played this over & over. I left for dinner and came back and found Elizabeth Cotton. Wow she plays a right hand guitar upside down (left handed) without moving the strings!!! Wow that is mind boggling to me (can't play anything but the radio)HOW did she do that?

[@buiminhmusic2935]

Thank you sir very clear teaching and demo for us to learn, my idol, I will learn it.

[@Ratguitar58]

If this video was a record I’d be wearing it and the needle out all day every day… I just can’t get enough of it❤ And thank you for throwing in the Chet Atkins riffs too! Biggest Thanks of Course goes to the amazing Elizabeth Cotton ❤❤❤ For having written this elegant song She started the magic 🪄 🌟

[@vincentsabatino4480]

Tommy never disappoints could listen 24/7

[@tomasd2112]

Just perfection in every way. As a beginner guitarist I have to say that hearing string buzz every now and then in Tommy's playing is very encouraging!

[@chetansanghani6284]

It's going to sound crazy, but I've been slowly coming to love fret buzz and string slide sounds in recordings, it just feels more real

[@travelingsnowflakehermes517]

If you're hearing a buzz it's probably on purpose with Tommy lol

[@thomaslemon3971]

@@chetansanghani6284 Man I thought I was the only one. Been appreciating the little human imperfections more too. The only thing I can’t stand is an out of tune guitar. Makes it distractingly unlistenable

[@eashwar1231]

I agree. That's because Tommy prefers a very low acoustic action.

[@SouthJohnston]

It's not buzzing because of Tommy's playing, it's because the action is so low. If he hit an open string it would buzz too

[@jonathanklass9768]

Tommy is the greatest fingerstyle player in the world. At 66 years and playing since the age of 12 and as a pro too I never fail to be amazed at his unique abilities. Also a riveting performer to watch. Thank you for sharing Tommy!!!

[@jamespruitt3159]

Best 8 minutes I will spend today! Love your music Tommy!

[@waynegreene6405]

Used to watch Tommy and his brother Phil playing at our local RSL at Miranda, Sydney in the early 70s. Bloody fantastic.

[@danielabatabogdanov8586]

To me this is the perfect. He does not make it too easy to understand which leaves me stopping the video so I actually learn the way by heart not just following the teacher.

[@morsecode5078]

Man he makes that guitar sing. Always impressed with the master of acoustic.

[@coolcool4833]

Thanks for teaching ❤ 🙏 🇺🇸

[@joeinterrante7873]

been playing guitar for 50 years, but this..wow so much harder than it looks. I need another 50 years Lord.

[@usernamemykel]

Hi, the Lord sent me. His message: "Sorry, but you're SOL".

[@usernamemykel]

Kilo Mintoni Funny!

[@jimmy-k77]

About a month actually. An hour a day.

[@granada025]

Love it, that was my favorite song 50 years ago and today.

[@stefandoell9660]

I love the way Tommy plays. Some people like to look like they are playing guitar. They pose as a great guitarist. Tommy always concentrates on the melody and only embellishes it when necessary. He is a true musician. Whether his additions are simple or complex, he always keeps the melody in focus. He is always focused on creating beautiful music, not trying to look like a guitar god. I guess that is the quiet confidence of someone who is so skillful that he doesn't need to try to show off. I also like that he is straightforward. He is a true entertainer. Thanks for the lesson. I will practice and hopefully someday I will play it half as good as you do. Hell, even half as good will be enough to bring joy to the people who listen to it.

[@hadenhenha]

This man is unbelievable... great musician, great person! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@skeymoson]

Thank you Tommy for being so generous with your gift.

[@russella5296]

What an amazing man. Such a gentleman with a great sense of humour.

[@jackwild162]

"Just littl' add to make it sound inresting"... add 5 chords, add a key change and like. Every single video you made you make me smile hahahaha amazing dedication for music. You're my favorite guitarist on earth hahaha beyong. Because you hear the music like no one else hahaha. Hope you live 130 years to hear new stuff till I die 😂

[@todd620]

Out of all the styles of guitar I keep coming back to listening to this thumb style. It’s just crazy addicting to hear fast or slow

[@milesotoole8664]

great person and world's best fingerstyle guitarist. I'll learn this song as I"ve learned many such tunes.

[@ldelcarmen]

Finally got the chance to see TE live at Pepperdine University in Malibu last year and if you have a chance to do so, go see him in person. His playing so crisp and articulated to go along with his infectious, self deprecating humor

[@sambeach2726]

In his home Australia Tommy played in all sorts of genres. I saw him with his late brother Phil together. Great show.

[@Tylarross123]

The fact he put this lesson in under 8 mins is superb

[@Josh-it6uy]

What a charming man.

[@Nils3OWN]

He's such a lovely guy! Always so wholesome, but being true and saying it takes immense practice - GOOD practice, to actually play something like this in one take. A few thousand times is not an exaggeration unless you've been playing for decades.

[@ichigoichie369]

Thank you Tom for introducing me to this beautiful song by Elizabeth Cotten.

[@musicfanmusic1249]

I love this guy...his love for music, He's happy like a little child while playing.....true artist and inspiration

[@Hawkswill]

Thanks, Tommy! Wayne Henderson and Clay Lunsford do a SUPER job together on that song here in Wilkesboro, NC......believe you have been here for Merlefest, no? My Hippie Man from the mountains of West Virginia could knock it out! Was my most favorite thing we played together......I just played rhythm, LOL....BUT....I am thumb and finger pickin' now, so LOOK OUT.....maybe at 70...I will become a star! Thanks again for the free lesson!

[@ivanmarkovic8499]

Thanks to musicians in America, folk and bluegrass, fingerstyle has so many beautiful melodies. It's a real pleasure to listen and play something. I wish you many beautiful melodies in your fingers! Friendly greetings .

[@karivahamaki9113]

You are truly a musician and the joy of life shine in your face. My biggest idol in guitar playing has been Mr. Mark Knopfler but now I have to consider again......AND Chet Atkins R.I.P.

[@luvastandardbred8270]

I grew up listening to Chet Atkins playing this and many other songs. RIP Mr Atkins. TY Tommy

[@justinstevens3050]

I can play hundreds of songs in various styles... My grandfather showed me Chet Atkins and his style threw my mind for a loop. As Tommy says at the end of the video, I have rewound this hundreds of times, not joking at all. I am finally getting the feel of the thumb moving on its own without thinking. Thank you Tommy, my family is going to love this one at our camp out this summer. Took me around six months but its getting comfortable. The Ted Greene book that you mentioned in another video is working wonders with my understanding of the fret board.. more thanks 🙇‍♂😁

[@anjar46]

master piece lesson from virtuoso.... what a legacy from legend

[@gflyer45]

I had the good fortune to attend one of his guitar camps, and get some one on one mentoring with him. One of my big takeaways was hidden in that last thing he said in this video, that you should practice it a few thousand times like he did. He’s so good that you just start to think that it comes easy for him, but he works very, very hard on everything he does, and breaks it down slowly. Guys like Joe Robinson and Eric Johnson are the same way, and it taught me to be methodical and patient when working on something new. The other big “AHA” for me that he harps on is to learn songs, not just scales, arpeggios, etc. All of those things have their place, but none of your friends are ever going to say, “Hey, play me a scale!”

[@twen7yseven]

I'm at 3/10000 right now and can hear some semblance of a melody. Thank Tommy, you're the man!

[@trafyknits9222]

TE is perhaps the greatest acoustic guitarist on the planet. He can do just about anything on the guitar. He did this song beautifully. However, when Libba Cotten plays it, there's something so honest, so pure that it just hits me right in the heart. Tommy is phenomenal, but even he can't really match Libba's original magic.

[@stephenmilden9754]

I thought I already knew how to play the song until I watched this. The man is amazing!

[@SMart7751]

Just out-freakin’-standing!! 👍

[@allan2098]

He is an amazing talent and I can state that there is a clear way he is so brilliant. His timing is perfect. Whatever he does, whatever fancy technical trick he plays, he is ALWAYS in time perfectly. So, even if he makes a mistake or fluffs a note, it is in time, and sounds great.

[@telboy1966manu]

What a great player, a humble guy and a great teacher too

[@alexskinner6905]

I love the key change and especially reverting to C with the banjo technique to change it up. He really is the master. I know he would say Chets the master, and he is, but Tommy is my guy!

[@jelmer7214]

jeez, Tommy is talking about it like it is so easy. Awesome!

[@akhyaridainada9074]

He is kind of generous man that would share all knowledge that he has to everybody, Thanks Tommy Emmanuel you're great Master

[@georgeae4tg73]

There is none better than Mr. Emmanuel!!

[@Mirko1957]

God send us this beautifull person he made milions off new fingerpicking guitarists!! When I saw him for the first time on youtube I was totaly amazed and then I started learning his songs!

[@epipick]

Saw him in Bristol on 22 May. Needless to say he was superb and interacted with the audience so well,

[@tadzmaniahits4379]

Thank you very much Sir Tommy for sharing your superb guitar skills. Stay safe and healthy. God bless

[@SetFreeByTruth]

7:35 "There's a lot of ideas that just went by you." Well said, sir!

[@theobeulakker3492]

I love classics, but you are giving the world a lot of happines with you're fabulous way of playing and personalty , by the way I have lived in Australia for ten years , blue sky nice people.

[@waxbell]

Dear Mr Emmanuel, thank you for keeping me humble. I was getting a bit cocky because I have made great progress when it comes to picking a baseline with my thumb (using a thumb pick) and playing a melody with my other digits. To be honest, it feels like a major achievement. However, after watching you play I realize that I have quite a long way to go. I will write another message for you here the day I surpass you. I advice you not to hold your breath...

[@haraldsvik1452]

Took me a whole day to get this straight. And I have been playing for 10 years...

[@BibleStorm]

I've been playing for 14-15 years, got the basic version of this down in about an hour. Long way to go but, it's pretty sloppy. I'd wager your day of practice was 24 times more productive than my hour.

[@eliotttownsend3828]

One of the greats showing us how to play a song that Elizabeth Cotton wrote playing her guitar upside down shows that playing guitar is all about the person playing and nothing to do with anything other then playing for our own shelf enjoyment.

[@garyhull6689]

Amazing. What a player!

[@jeff12877]

This makes me smile.

[@flicky2461]

same

[@ducatibob8465]

Now I'm inspired to tackle Treight Train. Thanks Tommy and thank you Reverb!

[@chirilas5217]

Great lesson Tommy. You make it easy. I wish I could play that way.👏👍👏

[@joe-la-guit]

Yeah Tommy! I love what you’re doing. So good, so fun !

[@marys3333]

This song touches my heart, because my dear father often played it and he taught me the melody, so we played it together many times at home (guitar, me piano and brother trumpet). I am so glad to hear you playing this song. It feels like home listening.

[@manuelmendizabal5942]

Mary S uauuuu that’s beautiful!!!

[@niclasn2695]

I once saw T.E. in the concert hall. I brought another guitar friend who was shocked by his skills. Freight train is a children's song in Sweden (with replaced lyrics), I play this song so often and my wife goes nuts when I do. She's a singer but she doesn't realize how complicated this song is on guitar when you want to play it the way shown in this video. I've played the guitar for about 30 years but this takes some serious practice to play.

[@harrylazard805]

beautiful arrangement

[@rickrodrigues2219]

Thanks for sharing Tommy...not sure it could be made any simpler! It's a matter of dedication & tireless practice...the only way to success!

[@theeaskey]

What a great human . sharing his love for music.thank you tommy

[@jerryv.815]

Being a former Railroader on "The Southern-RR" This song is Dear to me. I did Rail Welding on the Atlanta to Greenville S.C. & Atlanta To Chattanooga Mainlines. I play Freight Train on my 'HD-28V', But 'Not' like Tommy. He's Gooood. :-)

[@CesarAbeid]

Lordy, this is inspiring, and I want to have Tommy over for coffee.

[@rianwaye3453]

Cesar Abeid g

[@treasuredmusic7836]

YOU AND ME BOTH!!!!!

[@danrohde9591]

I've played this song for almost 50 years, but you just show me a bunch of new stuff to try. Slightly different melody, where to play it on the neck, key change from G to E and back, a couple patterns and styles (Atkins, trailing,,,) to play. awesome :-)

[@jayspenser2316]

Wow, is this wonderful! Pure joy and incredibly inspirational for guitar players of limited skill like me. Thank you, Tommy!

[@christopherdunn9488]

I learned more in 5 minutes than in 25 years. Man, Tommy is maybe a better teacher than a player-and that is saying something. i am confident I can play this-and that is inspiration defined.

[@lornedeline4183]

Being both good a Player and Teacher is a rare Gift Tommy is a totaly a great person to share his talent

[@bjtimestar5362]

LISTEN VERY CAREFULY TO HIS PLAYING YOU MEAN A GREAT PLAYER AND VERY GOOD TEACHER......................

[@Kitarastudio.]

Hahaha. I guess you havent ever heard Tommy play before. He is probably the best player on the planet when it comes to the genre he plays.

[@Acoustic_Illusionists]

You are an inspiration for any musician...God bless you..

[@mr.vonruby.2195]

Thanks for the best classes and tips. Better go practice or i`ll never play like you. You are always welcome to visit Denmark , Skandinavia.

[@robertlee8042]

Simpler is open G7. You started the barred G7. I learned it from her! No one fingers it like her on the picking hand because, as you know, she played the melody with her thumb and the base with her index finger.

[@MrRickkramer]

I sort of invented by own (sort of JM slap) version but I guess I’m watching this a couple of thousand times. That boom-chick is just too jolly sounding. Always makes my day. This is a good pinky trainer too.

[@mutchumbo]

It seems Tommy has developed a bad habit of playing the shit out of any song and making us mere mortals feel inferior.

[@justinsousaguitar7106]

LMAO!!!!! So True!

[@jaggercontreras9270]

U didn't get it..

[@kydalchemy]

Sergio Contreras went over his head I think 🤔 It’s actually a huge compliment and a brilliant observation. In the world of jazz, ragtime, bluegrass, most finger-style in general anyone who’s anyone has their own take and interpretation on the standards. Tommy Emmanuel’s consistently standout for being over the top with virtuosity, yet tasteful, articulate and nuanced all the while, somehow, still respecting the true essence of the original. Hence, he plays the living shit out of any cover he puts his hands around. I think that’s what blue grass took away from it.

[@MrRJFlood1]

For humble check out Elizabeth (her tune)picking the bass with her index finger. Cheers All!

[@jerryv.815]

100% Right Blue Collar_Right-O.

[@alexramsey4618]

Thank you Tommy for everything.... My best Regards

[@sandrapolichino8806]

I could listen to you all day !!! So just practice practice practice practice .... etc ..... and more practice forever and ever amen !!!

[@rogerhoman8442]

the best of the best... ain't no words to describe the feeling of taking this in... esp. the part where he goes up to E key... and says the trebles sound great against the deep basses... that's an understatement...

[@kristoffaninkama1393]

A great Aussie guitar legend. Thank you for sharing.

[@GenXstacker]

Awesome. Would love to see some more instructive videos like this explaining the technique.

[@bryonlynn3724]

You make me smile every time I hear you preform

[@erdogan330]

Tommy you are the best guitarist thank you so much for the lessons maybe one day I play like you to.

[@ivymike83]

lol, the quote @ 6:52 couldn't be more Aussie if it tried :P Cracking lesson, and effortless to listen to Tommy playing a basic little song with so many little variations

[@sam127001]

This dude rules !

[@andigoesandi8598]

Great teaching Tommy, and thank to bring this beautiful piece of Lizza Cotten "Right" way

[@jerryhughes4256]

Not in a million years. Wonderful work!

[@keithatkins9044]

I love the way he says, 'you need to practice that'... No sh1t! A lot of practice lol. Brilliant. Thanks for sharing Tommy.

[@henrikjrgensen3099]

You are a inspiration to me mr. Thank you so much.

[@clifforddalton3067]

Marvelous Tommy, thank you for sharing your vast experience with us :) stay safe please.