Tommy Emmanuel Thumbpicking Masterclass

Arguably the world's finest acoustic guitarist Tommy Emmanuel takes us through the basics of how to use a thumbpick so you can play your own version of Elizabeth Cotten’s Freight Train
Full lesson with full music and tab bit.ly/tommyemmanuelmasterclass
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[@simon_patterson]

A free guitar lesson from the best acoustic guitarist in the world, who happens to also be a helluva nice guy and a good teacher. How blessed we are to be alive in this current era.

[@precisionsoundworks8371]

So true, Simon. I could watch this every day.

[@adamg9518]

As always hats off to him. The man earned it. He works his ass off and loves the instrument. I love dropping people's jaws showing him off on youtube. Simply another level.

[@WhiteCranK]

Boast more... come on

[@pietbliksem]

Quite right, Simon. I remember back in the '70s (dating myself; I know) having to figure out the beat of the Travis pick from a Frederick Noad method, without recourse to any audio - let alone video - help. There were some methods, mainly pop oriented, which had a compact cassette attached but my teenage pocketbook didn't stretch that far. Kids have got it good now; starting up on your own is much more of an option.

[@KevinHallSurfing]

@@pietbliksem You were a teen in the 70's? Lucky bugger, 60's for me. Anyway I remember when he introduced this method as "Tom's Thumb" a long long time ago. 👍🇭🇲

[@jitendrapandey176]

At 10:30 He said , "It's not about the music yet, this is learning skills. so it's the skills. when you practice the skill enough, it's like magic; it turns to Music, but you can't have the music before skills; you need to work on skills first." Awesome 🔥🔥🔥

[@mannyatyourcorner4043]

Thanks

[@shelbymurphy3579]

I think it’s interesting how some great musicians hold the exact opposite belief. Victor Wooten would disagree unequivocally. He says that the way to learn music is to just start playing with people who are better than you and that technique can come later. Learning music, he believes, is like learning language, and you don’t have to learn all the letter names and all the grammar rules before you are allowed to speak-you do it and everything fills in. His approach completely contradict’s Tommy’s yet neither of them are necessarily wrong.

[@leeonardodienfield402]

@@shelbymurphy3579 yeah but he still practiced for thousands of hours. he didn't just show up and start jamming. the "just play" stuff is nice and all but no one can play without learning how to play the instrument.

[@LasinoCapsen]

​@@shelbymurphy3579 I wouldn't say it contradicts Tommy sayings. I listened a lot V.Wooten, watch his dvd, read his book. He is clearly fond of praticing, building new exercices, learning new techniques. V. Wooten is that kind of "skilled oriented" player and known for it. I wouldn't take any of his advice towards musical skills since he started to play very young among a whole musician familly. It is easy for him to say, drop the knowledge, trust you ear. He already has been well trained, as you discover it in his bullshit voodoo book. Muscic schools, conservatories, teach well since ever and teach first skills.

[@viennapalace]

@@shelbymurphy3579 Victor Wooten is a fantastic bassist, one of the all-time greats, without a doubt! But when he starts talkin', I tune out...

[@ampman45]

Everyone pay attention you are watching a living legend

Amem to that

[@FordyHunt]

How many geniuses can just sit like this and chat as if you're having a pint down the pub? Tommy is an absolute treasure.

[@kingtriplebbb5347]

Yes Sir. 👍

[@carnaciousG]

I actually saw him in concert 20y ago when I was a teenager and found his music "cool" even though I wasn't that into guitar picking. Now I'm casually looking for guitar picking tutorials and happen to found this video. Well, this is my destiny now 😂

[@JustinDomanais]

🤘❤️

[@sandoncrowder7839]

“You can’t have the music before the skill, you’ve gotta have the skill first.” Perfect quote

[@randallstuff1341]

Interestingly Slathe, I was 4/5s through the lesson and began reading commitments, I started reading your quote at the very moment Tommy spoke it in Vid. I stopped playing after years of having my guitar as my best buddy, but that was stressful and patience exhausting as having a loved, but untrained pooch biting every hand and ankle. I’ve been considering taking up, picking and strumming a guitar again and these lessons and truths hit home. A “perfect quote” indeed and strangely it was double enforced Serendipity, all in one moment. Too cool

[@terryjohinke8065]

Being an Aussie I am biased. Tommy is a national treasure. His concerts are not just that- they are experiences.

[@paulkeefe4835]

Not only is he one of the world's premier guitarists, he's an excellent teacher.

[@dmellen6045]

Being honest here, I don't even play guitar, and I was enriched and fulfilled by this

[@augmentedkeys5971]

You should be.

[@dharmaofdog7676]

Tommy could play a pair of tightly Laced Up Sneakers! Brilliant. Developed MAJOR Girl Crush when I met Tommy years ago when he was playing w/Robben Ford at Bottom Line. He played "Initiation" which blew me away. I ran down to the Club every night they played just to hear that Song - couldn't get enough of it! and find Tommy truly THE nicest Guy ever! That was some Gig to remember.

[@briandennehy6380]

There's never enough thumbs up for Tommy 👍

[@javiceres]

Lol

[@markfreemantle7608]

I thought he said that he carried 6 thumbpicks with him at all times?

[@axeman2638]

I see what you did there.

[@tommyvega7948]

the rule of the thumbs is that you should say "pardon the pun"

[@dEadERest]

No 199

[@newstart49]

I've been playing for 54 years (Since 1965) and this man makes me sound like a rookie. But I keep playing and learning- mostly playing. I still love the way my old 1972 Ovation sounds- mellow and old, like me. My old friend!

[@luisrobertodiazquintanilla5580]

I'm mind blown....but , practice makes perfect, let's do it, this man is a living treasure

[@Cuisinenomade1]

It is funny how the best are usually really humble, and yet others that no even close to be that talented are so prideful and call themselves "guitar sages", and yet here is a man, that doesn't call himself anything and yet is a great teacher, and player and is HUMBLE! Many of the so called "teachers" of KZbin could learn a thing or two from this man... Thanks for the lesson!!

[@user-rh7uk9uv2h]

Who calls himself guitar sage? You say say s a g e remain who does that

[@Suremane]

Rick Beato

[@priscillanewton6216]

"When you practice the skill enough it's like magic it's turn to music, but you can't have the music before the skill." Tommy Emmanuel / first principle in music theory.

[@jankarimson8344]

10:28

[@sguerilla6142]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJ2UnqqMgL6JqsU

[@MrVinceq]

And there I was flying on step 2 and feeling like a musical god..... Although to be fair its a beautifully stated truism from an awe inspiring talent :-)

[@humanfly2044]

So what about bb king

[@jeffmurphy101]

It really clicked for me when he said that. I don’t feel so bad about not knowing what the hell I’m doing yet. Only been playing for 2 weeks

[@ForestBaileyMusic]

Only Tommy Emmanuel could convince me to retry the thumbpick. What an amazing teacher!

[@jakobvalko561]

try a metal one, i can't get down with plastic ones myself. like he said, find the one that feels right for you

[@wmurphy632]

Me, too--I'm going out to get some thumb picks!

[@chlduiowks]

I agree 61 years old and I'm going to try it again.

[@viennapalace]

Even my Mum loved this guy... What a legend! See him live if you can. It's worth it.

[@mojowilder]

my god! I could spend the next ten years just learning what he's showing in this video...incredible!

[@TheShadman47]

Great guitarist and what a lovely guy.

[@adambond589]

Martin Page "great" doesn't cover it one of the best in the world

[@JoeSzilagy]

I saw a video once where a guy asked him about adjusting a truss rod or something after a workshop, and instead of doing the expected usual thing of politely just telling the guy to take it to a reliable guitar technician at a music store, Tommy actually adjusted it himself!! When on earth would you ever see any other famous guitar player do something so kind and considerate?!

[@simonkeelon2492]

Bro please can ya tell me what guitar he's holding bruh I just wanna buy a guitar exactly like him

[@TheShadman47]

It's a Maton think.

[@adambond589]

@@simonkeelon2492 it's a Maton (Australian company) EBG808 TE is the model its his signature model, I have one and Tommy has signed It, it's the best acoustic guitar ive ever played they are pretty expensive though £2000 English pounds, hope this helps 👍

[@fenderstratguy]

6:50. That’s gold, right there. “Your thumb should play the chord root note of the chord you’re in.” And the scales fall away from the eyes

[@lovesallweneed]

I'll try that early in my next life. Meantime at 74, hard to teach this old dog new trix. Love you.

[@jesusislukeskywalker4294]

there has never been a greater time to learn.. don’t put yourself down bro. you can make some awesome music with a few pointers .. 🚬😎

[@danjopaluska6082]

5:45 just thumb example. step 1 7:53 example 2. chords 8:45 syncopated chord example with thumb 9:34 arpegio example 11:00 freight train song 13:25 review of steps 1-5

[@lifedecoded9842]

He's so insanely precise, it's unbelievable.

[@rev.jimjonesandthekool-aid4488]

Life Decoded a machine.

[@danny-devito]

Tommy Emmanuel and The Rebellious Digits

[@blackie75]

@jeff jefferson You have a great country music name. "Ladies and gentlemen, all the way from Louisiana......JEFF JEFFERSON!"

[@waterhead90]

@@blackie75 'and the rebellious digits!!'

[@lt6109]

This is someone who's explored every possible sound a guitar can make. A true guitarist. Nothing but respect from me.

[@Voxtender]

Now I know what I can spend the next 10 years practicing.

[@therecordholder]

wonder what you'd think of my playing?

[@mt-nv4jd]

I started in 1959. Still learning.

[@Noitisnt-ns7mo]

4 Realz.

[@bromarvids5186]

Quite possibly the best lesson I've ever had. Mind blown

[@magicrobharv]

Any lesson that Tommy Emmanuel teaches is worth listening to over and over again. Nuff said!

[@WaterMan-ss6eb]

Tommy is amazing. All those yrs of practing have put him at number 1!

[@williamadamsmusic3025]

Tommy Emmanuel is a living genius... He's taken what Les Paul, Chet Atkins, James Taylor (among others) have done, and taken it to far beyond the next level... Watching him play continues to be jaw dropping! I'll never come close to what he does, so I do not even try. Online lessons from him just make me laugh, because even his basic lessons are way, way, waaay over my head... But he is in my heart forever. I'd give nearly anything to see him live. Damn Covid-19 for stopping artists and bands from performing live! But I think we're getting closer! Keep your fingers crossed, get vaccinated, and pray for the return of live performance!

[@milesfromneworleans]

You're absolutely correct about T.E.. I'm not sure James Taylor belongs on that list though. I don't consider him a pure guitar player really. What about Merle Travis and Doc Watson instead?

[@williamadamsmusic3025]

@@milesfromneworleans if you have never watched James Taylor up close, especially playing More recent compositions, his guitar work is deceivingly complex... You think you're going to pick up his parts easily and quickly... Good luck!!! He plays incredibly complicated chord and finger work... He doesn't show off with speed very often, but I'm telling you, he plays weird chord voicings and picks with all four fingers... He never rests his pinky finger on the guitar like so many finger style guitarists do. He may not "smoke" on the guitar like Michael Hedges or Tommy Emmanuel, but he plays the guitar like it's a piano. Like I said, good luck figuring out his parts and complex time signatures. He's an understated master... Leagues above all other singer/songwriters as far as I can tell! Give his later works a chance (try "NATIVE SON" for example), I think you'll hear what I'm saying! And I've been listening to Doc Watson for at least 50 years, and Chet Atkins, Stephen Stills... The list goes on and on, but I definitely place Taylor very much on that list! Long live JT! Long live the acoustic guitar! It's an art form of it's own... very different from the electric guitar, though I love them both for reasons all their own. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@milesfromneworleans]

@@williamadamsmusic3025 J.T.'s brilliant musicianship cannot be questioned! Like you say though, he plays the guitar like a piano. I imagine he was a piano player originally. This shows in his guitar playing. The jerking fingers with the hammerons are his unmistakable signature.

[@dnt5volvo]

This guy is a great teacher.. breaks down and explains what 'cheats' your fingers try to do.. and how to avoid it.. his way of explaining systematically is brilliant.. love this.. and am sure this will improve my playing.. he leaves nothing to guesswork.. ace.. thanks tommy.

[@craigbuchan]

As someone who has always played with a pick trying to learn this is almost like playing a completely different instrument. Tommy makes it look as easy as breathing! What a legend!

[@NickJardine]

It really is. I’m in that boat and it’s so damn hard.

[@zakutei]

i was literally able to start arpeggio thumbpicking within an hour of watching this video, god bless tommy

[@richtfingers]

What an excellent lesson! I think Tommy is God’s gift to the guitarist community!

[@dontgoout1434]

What simple stuff and just basic playing is this your aim beginners

[@ldelcarmen]

See this man play live if you can. I had the privilege to do so a few years ago and I was just left speechless. A man with a great soul with an absolute command of the guitar. A master.

[@7884golfguru]

Me too Louie in Brisbane Australia,truely the man,have you seen his brother Phil he’s a legend down under as well

[@RackhirTheRed]

This is fantastic. Thank you very, very much Guitarist and Mr. Emmanuel.

[@jbr1134]

Shook hands with this gentleman after he performed in my hometown and had a conversation about the great gig he just finished. Feeling blessed having met the greatest guitarplayer that lives on this planet….

[@felineth56]

So many precious good advice! Another great Master!

[@l.mu.433]

Tommy is a Legend! He is a Universe!! A Messiah for Guitarists!!! Love him a lot!! Long live the Tommy! :D

[@heidi-jane]

Aww, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your thoughts on tuning - it is soooo nice to hear someone care so much about this! You are fabulous - thank you!!

[@the6strings]

The nicest guy. He's always having fun while ensuring everyone does the same. Respects🙏

[@TrueBlueBoogie]

I had the unique honor and privilege to see Tommy Emmanuel perform live in Ponte Vedra, FL: 2018. Took my guitar student with me. What a gifted and innovative guitarist, Tommy is!! He is an Inspiring and mind-blowing talent!

[@motooilermotooiler9597]

Tommy is really a godsend - someone who shows not only how to play but also how to live in a polite, humble, helping way. A true master.

[@larrydering1598]

I love Tommys playing and humble attitude. He is the real deal. I admire all the thumbpicker as this is my style as a Chet Atkins follower. Incredible talent and showmanship.

[@SuperSparkyMark1]

Wonderful. Thank you Tommy! One of the absolute greatest!

[@steviespaind4307]

An absolutely priceless, FREE, lesson form a master! Thanks Tommy, you are an awesome guy who gives back.

[@jamesdoyle3885]

Amazing talent. Every little nuance sounds incredible.

[@dakzer55]

Tommy is a really good teacher. Explains it so well. Masterclass 👌

[@edgardpedrosilvajunior6947]

Thanks for the wonderful classes you share with us, Tommy. What a great and gentle man you are. Blessed be forever.

[@stevegrill4284]

Thanks Tommy for generously sharing!

[@ufxpnv]

My company retired me at 59 and I had been playing guitar since I was 19. I have played in several garage bands as a hobby. At 59 and a half, I decided I was going to learn how to thumb pick like Chet Atkins. I did exactly what Tommy said, just used my thumb. I spent hours plucking the bass notes on E, A, C, G and many other chords. I probably logged 40 hours of just thumb picking the bass strings. I threw a few chords together so that I could play some melody with my thumb picking and made up my own tune. That started me down the road and I've been going ever since. I like taking old jazz songs and applying the technique. It seems to fit the stride piano beat. I've not seen Tommy play with anyone, that they didn't do the 'I'm not worthy' mantra, even Joe Satriani.

[@Cloppa2000]

As a rock guitarist 30yrs ago playing Van Halen and Michael Schenker covers, power chords and solos, I could never do something like this. After a while I got married and lost interest in playing! Haven't picked up a guitar in probably 20yrs now! Just found this guy today and feel absolutely inspired to pick it up again. (cannot believe I never heard of him before now!) This short video really is a true masterclass! It has so much in it and in such a simple progressive way! Gonna go get myself a thumb pick or several now.. and start playing again. Hopefully it won't take me 10yrs to learn this song! Also love that he recommended other songs as that was my question getting near the end of this video! I used to have to learn songs off of vinyl albums, a few notes at a time.. seeing it played is so much better. Hope he's done a few more videos like this...

[@NickJardine]

So, how is your playing going?

[@Balataone]

Beautiful lesson! This is the real stuff.. hard work and commitment will produce results, I’m in! Thank you Tommy! 🙏❤️

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

10 years in mastering the thumb pick by the Master! what a dedication! never give up!

[@TheoKaiserMusic]

This guy inspired so many musicians ! this is just insane how dedicated he is. Thank you so much Mr. Tommy Emmanuel !!!!

[@davecks3042]

He make it looks so simple . He is the roger federer of guitar. Expensive tutorial made free by humble person. Thank you Mr Emmanuel

[@edgardpedrosilvajunior6947]

Thanks for the Masterclass, Tommy. I know, before this great musician there is a wonderful soul, full of love. That feeling reflects generously lively in your music. Blessed be forever.

[@scottspaldingofficial]

Amazing video. After playing guitar for over 25 years I'm glad I finally watched this!

[@jmetalsmith1362]

Absolutely a gentleman. And you know he's done what it takes to get to be as accomplished as he is.👍

[@oliverocket]

Man! After 5 or 6 years playing the guitar this man just shows me how much I still need to learn! So much respect for this legend! Awesome lesson!

[@tennisbum3686]

Tommy, what an excellent teacher you are. Your techniques, breaking down everything into bite size pieces is what I do as a tennis coach, learning one step at a time

[@Danledz]

Tommy is so incredibly good, that only guitarist truly know how good he is. Before i started playing the guitar, i said "he´s pretty good". 3 years of playing every day for hours later and now experiencing music from a guitarists point of view, i am speechless. Technically, arguably (of course) the best.

[@joesmith-ok8ip]

Tommy is a generosity guru for thumbpickers, love this guy

[@steveburke3923]

Tommy, I appreciate a master like you taking the time to teach those of us that are so far behind you that we need binoculars just to see your next chord. Much appreciated!

[@alibasan4267]

Wow!what a precious lesson this is!.. thank you Sir Emmanuel👌👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️

[@mitre1]

Incredible class. I’m already improving after just an hour practicing his tips. He’s a great master ( if you can see him live, do it!) but yet so humble and generous. Thanks mate!

[@cameronbrilla3363]

I can't believe I've gone through so much of my guitar-playing life not knowing about this dude, up until very recently. I could listen to him talk on guitar playing for hours and hours. What a guy.

[@TheSamBarrass]

This may be one of the simplest, easy to follow and generous lessons I ever had. And it's FREE! Thank you Thank you Thank you.

[@LibbyG53]

Back to basics, you have reignited my passion for playing !! thanks for the spark!! You are a genius player....

[@jackdaniels64]

Since I heard Tommy and he’s taken me on a totally new musical direction!! He’s now my absolute favourite guitar player and entertainer- Legend!!!

[@benlivingstone4926]

same @jackdaniels64 p.s i hope that is your real name

[@Powerslider]

I discovered him thru YT in 2008 and my musical journey propelled to the stratosphere. Now, 12 years later, i'm playing classical piano pieces from Debussy and Chopin, and i couldnt have done it without Tommy because i've never forgotten his motto i picked up more than a decade ago: GET TO WORK. :D I still come back to TE classics on my guitar tho.

[@m3bbas139]

243 dislikes.. for a free class by a master. Wow. Humanity is so mean online. On the other hand 13k likes :) god bless this guy

[@ITheFight]

I know for real 😚

[@jim9637]

I think there are people who go from vid to vid and just automatically click dislike.

[@talktodayonline3943]

@@jim9637 I think you are right, they probably tubesurf all day and night to fill in time in their miserable lives, jealous and full of venom these people don't know what love and respect mean, we should pity them and hope that one day a ray of sun will melt their cold and sorry souls so that they can enjoy life to the full.

[@davidbirks7166]

Fuck 'em. (What else is there to say?)

[@HEC9]

ALERT => Envy detected!

[@WoodWorkingMuzician]

Absolutely masterful. So many guitarists and styles, Yet Mr Emmanuel is ONE of THE BEST for sure.

[@everly-shadystudios9900]

The fact that he shows everyone the true perspective step-by-step makes this the best lesson I've ever seen in my whole entire freaking life! Not just a guitar lesson but a mental lesson at the same time , Thank you Tommy!

[@maxnuss7236]

Tommy is an another reason why i love guitar playing and also guitar music.

[@cartnhorse]

This is the first time I’ve watched a musical “great“ talking about technique and I’ve actually learned something - thanks Tommy! Usually, the great players are not (shall we say) the greatest teachers.

[@dcreeks3624]

Thank you for the best "free" lesson I've had. I'm learning Flamenco and this lesson has taught me freedom of fingers. Bright Blessing to you.

[@hippyron]

Thank You Tommy for being so gracious and humble . Your personality and playing inspires so many to be better musicians and better people .

[@ronalderskine7780]

Mr. Emmanuel, As a guitarist who has had the distinct pleasure of performing in many different types of music I welcome the opportunity to learn finger style on guitar. I self taught myself to play the Dobro listening and watching Jerry Douglas, Mike Aldridge and many others. I developed the use of the thumb pick and the finger roll. I enjoy watching your videos as I have been practicing your lessons and improving my thumb picking finger style. Thank you Tommy for your wonderful videos and your genuine teaching skills ; you’re the best! Ron

[@zaledalen9931]

Just a wonderful human being. So great to get this lesson from him, even though guitar is not my first instrument any more. Much of what he says applies to the fiddle too.

[@ryanreid9460]

This is the most helpful thing I've seen on the subject. Thanks for sharing!

[@grinpick]

Thanks. This was a very practical and manageable lesson for a wide range of skill levels. And how many artists of any kind achieve world renown and still come across as warm, regular, approachable folks. This, I think, makes the teaching even more effective.Thanks again.

[@anakletor]

We are just so lucky to have people like Tommy Emmanuel - one of the most talented and skilled guitarist in the world sharing guitar lessons for free. It feels as if he's whispering the secrets of guitar playing for all of us, and he does it in such a pedagogical way! Really inspiring!

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Jist listened to Mark Knoplfer talk about playing and then went right to Tommy. I've been schooled

[@silentstormstudios]

Yeah, that's exactly how I got here, too, and I'm glad for it!

[@Ad-Ac]

me too

[@GrahameGould]

Yep, two of the best, and add Brian May and I reckon you might have the top three or close to it. Oh, sorry, Eric Clapton for the top four. And I'm not going to pick the order. They are all better at different things.

[@davidgriffin5145]

I know... should I be ashamed? That stuff resists entry into my brain. I'm sure in ten years when I finally catch on a little and it takes hold a bit. I'll explain it to all these people who didn't even know they wanted to know how to play Merle's stuff. I yi yi.

[@davidgriffin5145]

I also want to thank these guys Mark and Tommy and many many others do these just because they love this music. It's bigger than all of us. The closest thing to God that I'll ever know. Well, a good Woman... that's an entire topic change

[@tcjonesmusic]

This is one of those videos that turned a bunch of lightbulbs on for me after watching it. It's become a staple in my playing and writing now. I'm more comfortable with just my thumb. Very grateful for this video, cheers.

[@robinbhairam7508]

Wow! What a lovely chap ... great lesson, he’s the kind of fella you could sit in the pub with all night and listen to ... brilliant 😊

[@csharpminorseven]

Thank you very much Tommy Emmanuel for the lesson - such a good teacher and great player...thanks to Guitarist too for the video :-)

[@secularDudeNE]

csharpminorseven He also seems like a really good guy.

[@shootcutdeliver]

csharpminorseven Great comment He is so talented- check this out ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3qsfINvp62ehtk

[@jeffsmith1819]

Love this guy! He’s so good it makes me wanna play like him even though I am years away. I love his teaching style.

[@mickthemerciless9694]

He's inspiring not intimidating. If you see him live it's all standard tuning, from what I remember, so you can follow most of it. Just pure music. No bullshit. Great chap.

[@jansinke1023]

Thanks!! This is what I need. Finaly I got at step 4 after a long search for a good tutorial. I think you are the best guitar player.

[@monterreynuevoleon4009]

Who the Hell? Dislikes this free lesson from a Legend...l sat thru both parts because this man is one of the GOAT!

[@AngelMartinez-qs3cf]

I love this guy. I try to play as much thumbpick as possible I was inspired to use the Thumbpick when I saw Johnny Winter using it. He said in an interview the reason why he took it is because he used to listen Chet Akins and Merle Travis. I wish more guitarists would the thumpick. Thank you for posting this. Tommy is the best, my favorite acoustic guitar Player. Rock on Tommy!!!

[@secularDudeNE]

Angel Martinez Do you ever use one as a conventional flat pick? I haven't used a thumbpick often, but when I've played around with one, I find that it works as a conventional pick fairly well.

[@phatbassanchor]

Thank you Tommy Emmanuel, sir!!! My pro music career was entirely on bass. So, those Chet Atkins triplet runs are the easy part. :) What I've been attempting for several years is to learn to finger pick my Guild Classical. I am a silver bearded old man who is very slow to learn these days. In the last 15 minutes watching this video, you just gave me the ground work, including at least a month's worth of exercises to get me from where I am to where I so longingly want to be. I'll be watching this video over and over to follow the map you provided. Right now I can't play like you do on Freight Train. But I'm sure I can follow the steps. Getting my fingers to sit still will take some doing. They are used to either leading the pack or at least following the thumb. :) But, what you said and how you showed the process just made sense in my mind as you went through the three steps. I can even apply this to my bass playing. I have a beautiful Guild classical with a Fishman setup that is my pride and joy. I've tried a variety of picks of all types, sizes and weights; thumb picks, flat picks including all my beloved Dunlop Tortex and Ultex I use on bass and electric guitars, Alaska picks, sea shell, banjo picks, you name it I tried it. On the nylon strings I fair best with my own finger nails. I can get beautiful rolling arpeggios by simply fretting chords and assigning each new note to the next digit going up and back down again. So, I look forward to combining those styles... But for now, let's get that thumb working solo. :) Again, thank you sincerely for this eye and ear opening lesson today.

[@doitnowvideosyeah5841]

One of the Mark series? I have a 73 mark III

[@bernardbarnes9920]

Tommy you do my head in! We were going along nice and simple and then you finish with a flurry of genius that no normal human being could possibly master! haha. Love you Tommy you’re the best.

[@birincicinko]

Such a great modest person and fantastic guitar player amazes me every time he plays.

[@pooonastik1]

For me, it's not even just his skill - it's his improv that he just goes kind of in a fly-by-night fashion and knows exactly what notes and chords all sound well together. He's genius.

[@dagnabbit6187]

But as Tommy stated . Skill before the music . Improv comes later and he didn’t start that way .

[@foorwq7816]

We live in a very different time now...When I was growing up, we only knew about guys like these from old books and magazines, let alone hear them play, because I was born in a wrong part of the world. And now I'm getting a personal lesson from one of them. Wow...

[@stefanruppert1842]

You're an awesome musician and your fingerstyle is stunning....great respect!!!!!😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@rdmkeytohwy]

This is the best introduction to using a thumbpick and also building blocks for fingerpicking that i have seen. He gives advice and encouragement to players of all ages and skill levels. Such an inspiration to watch and to listen to. A jewel of a guy! God bless you Tommy and thank you for sharing your gift of music with the world!

[@danielmccarville225]

Tommy, you’re an inspiration! Saw you recently with Jerry Douglas in Los Angeles at the Sabon theater. I appreciate your teaching videos on KZbin I’ve been playing all my life as well I’m 64 years old and still play out but you’ve helped so much with the alternating base technique that I don’t use that often thanks for taking the time and keep playing my brother you’re the best....

[@mickthemerciless9694]

It's stride-piano on the guitar with the extra higher bass note. So subtle but advanced as most pickers play bum-ching. is. Bass note then fingers. Tommy is the boss.

[@TheArtOfMind]

Tommy use to be a private teacher. Imagine being able to say “Tommy Emmanuel was my teacher”.

[@r.s.1738]

Imagine being able to say "I am T.E's teacher"

[@jackryan4924]

Tommy Emmanuel was my teacher

[@TrueBlueBoogie]

And to hear Tommy reveal he was self taught. Learned from the radio and records. Imagine learning a song and each chord, note for note! Wow!

[@RedRose4711]

He was my teacher. I just never met him.

[@rhllnm]

I can't say that but when I was about 13 I was in a guitar contest and went in to do my thing and looked up and the judge was Mel Bay. Kinda freaked me out but I got through it.

[@chuckmcfadden6782]

He's great. I love his approach of teaching this technique. Thank You so much Tommy! 😁

[@jcsydney4763]

My old music teacher told me he and a mate met Tommy after a gig and he gave them both a free music lesson.. how is that! What a champion !

[@chuckkirkpatrick6712]

The best living guitarist on the planet.

[@patrickclark3337]

Maybe the best acoustic guitar player. I really doubt he could play like Steve Vai on an electric.

[@chuckkirkpatrick6712]

@@patrickclark3337 I'd be willing to bet that there are far more guys who can play as good as Vai on electric than there are acoustic players of Emmanuel's caliber...

[@stratosaurusrex3399]

Guthrie Govan is the greatest.