Tommy Emmanuel is from another planet, the most generous, helpful guitarists on this earth. A quick search will show you a treasure trove of performances . There is only only one Tommy Emmanuel.

When I was a young guy in Australia back in the early 1970’s I would spend Sunday afternoons in the Beer garden on my local hotel watching The Emmanuel Brothers...Tommy and Phil. (RIP Phil)

If you get an opportunity to see Tommy, I believe the best guitarist in the world, in concert, go! I saw him at Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace and he didn’t disappoint. A great entertaining show. One warning: If you know how to play the guitar, or plan to learn, stay away. This guy is so good it will make you sell or throw out any guitar you own and never try again.

Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian that was playing pro at the age of 6 in the family band and considered by many guitarist to be the greatest player alive today and a living legend. He is self taught and combines a number of playing styles to generate his unique sound. He is also legendary for supporting of younger artists and believes it is his duty to share his talent with the world. His older brother Phil who died several years ago was a mean electric guitar player and the great to see the joy and synergy the brothers shared when they played together.

Tommy is quite possibly the best living acoustic player on the planet. You can not go wrong watching anything he does. And YES he is a fun guy, likes to joke around and have fun with his audiences. A+ For a REAL treat check out him doing "Daytripper / Lady Madonna" !!!

Tommy Emmanuel one of the best in the world !!!

He’s considered the best acoustic guitarist in the world....a genius. Also electrical lead. But first, he was a drummer.

Tommy is the best two guitarists on the planet

Chet Atkins handed out the honorific award "Certified Guitar Picker" only four times during his lifetime. Tommy Emmanuel is one of them. Don't need to say much beyond that, really. Other world famous players, such as Knopfler and Clapton for example, all regard him as one of the greatest ever. Is he especially world famous? Not really. Famous to players, especially great players in their own right? Absolutely. As many no doubt will have mentioned in the comments, however, Tommy is also legendary for being a remarkably kind, generous, sweet natured person. I don't know of a single story about him being difficult or unpleasant, but there are thousands of him being generous with his time and vast knowledge with fans, and players regardless of their skills. I've heard him say in an interview something along the lines of "There's no ego, it's not about me. I'm trying every day to be the best player I can so I can channel whatever the universe has to share with everyone through my playing". From a lot of people you'd think that sounds like pretentious twaddle. Not from him, however. He's the sort of person you might just want to clone so there's ALWAYS a version of him alive on the planet. How many people can you think of who fit that profile? I don't have many.

Tommy Emmanuel is one of the greatest living acoustic guitar virtuosos. He puts on a one man show, and it is one of the most entertaining evenings I've ever had. He told stories and payed for about two and a half hours and it was awesome. Check out his "Mombassa" and the videos of him at the Sierra Nevada Brewery.

Ty, the original was done by Mason Williams with orchestration, which adds emphasis to the song. Mason Williams also wrote it. You should check out the original by Mason Williams.

There's a video on KZfaq of a Tommy Emmanuel "meet and greet". A fan comes up to him and asks Tommy to sign his guitar. Before he signs it, he pulls a tool kit out of his pocket and goes to work on the guy's guitar, straightening the truss rod, going over the tuners, etc. You won't ever catch Phil Keaggy doing that. Just a really nice, humble guy and a great guitar player.

Tommy Emmanuel is another Aussie legend. Your joy at seeing him play made me smile so much. Tommy is such a down to earth humble man. Such a joy to watch him play.

All I can say is WOW! I've never seen a guy play so fast on an acoustic guitar. I like the original version of "Classical Gas" by Mason Williams as well. Tommy played so quickly that he didn't allow some of the notes to resonate, however, that being said, Tommy blew me away! The last person who I saw/heard do that was when I saw Carlos Montoya live in 1981. Yes, Mr Montoya played a classical guitar, but I was equally impressed. Bravo, Tommy!!! 😊💜😊

Tommy is from another world. I can't believe 5 brain dead people gave this thumbs down. They should'nt listen to any music at all!

You should check out the original 1968 version of this song, with the orchestra backing the guitar player.

NOT BAD FOR a self taught country boy who still can't read or write music in his 60's! If you really want to see what he can do watch him perform "initiation" which tells the story of the ceremonial initiation of a young aboriginal boy. It is beyond amazing. Love to you all.

He is an amazing musician, a true blue Aussie with a great sense of humour. What a great pick, thank you

As a migrant to Australia in 1965 from the UK. I can tell you that I've seen Tommy and his brother Phil live, many times. They put on a show that would leave you just shaking your head in wonder at their amazing talent. Sadly, Phil is no longer on the Planet but Tommy is the most giving person of his time. Check him out Mason. You'll like what you see and read.

I had the joy of seeing Tommy play this live - he is up there as one of the best guitarists in history.

His name is Tommy Emmanuel from Australia. Yes he is great but humble and very good to his fans. He always has a meet and greet where fans will bring their guitars have him sign it and in many cases whatcha them, play with them and give advice on their playing.

I've been a fan of Tommy Emmanuels' for years, and one of my favorite things is to see someone's reaction the first time they hear him play! I've seen him in live in concert, and he's the real deal... and a really humble, likable fellow, too!

Tommy is an Australian legend 👏👏

Tommy inspires guitarists to make one of two choices - A) practice more or B) break your guitar into a million pieces and call it a day.

I've actually saved this song to my Spotify. Tommy Emmanuel is a superb guitarist.

Finally somebody showing the genius that is Tommy Emmanuel

Check out Mason Williams, He is the real deal. Hear it as it was meant to be played. As a muscian, you get it.

The great guitar player Chet Atkins gave Tommy his award of "Certified Guitar Player." Tommy has learned from the best and we're lucky to get to continue to hear him!

The fact he played all around the bass note using his thumb and having to work all those notes in around it while never losing the bass note is amazing in its self .

I got to see Tommy at a small venue a couple of years ago, front row. There was also a meet and greet opening, but it was $50 per person. Lucky for us we weren’t prepared and just slipped the security a 20 and got to meet him. He is the humblest person I have ever met and is very kind to everyone. He would also literally scrape his guitar with his pick, and you could see the would dust come off.

Great reaction! Tommy started playing guitar with his family since he was 4yr old and doesn't read a note of music!!!! He is just one of those exceptional talents you see every once in a while. He can do amazing things on the guitar, as can his brother Phil. Also, note how he uses his thumb to change the root note. Peace.

He was a member of John Farnham's band in the early 80s. Check out 'It's a Long Way to the Top' from Farnham's more recent Concert for Rwanda, with Tommy Emmanuel playing lead!

Tommy is a guitar master,this isn't how the original is played

Tommy Emmanuel one great Aussie guitarist. He and his older brother Phil (RIP) toured incessantly as children to support their family. Both guitar geniuses who definitely paid their dues.

Tommy Emmanuel is truly a 'One of a Kind' Guitarist and an Amazing Live Performer... 'Great Aussie' too. He actually started Touring around Australia playing with his Family when he was just 7 years old.

Ty, my fave quote about Tommy Emmanuel is one i've heard said about other greats: "Tommy inspires young people to start playing guitar, and makes those who do play wonder why they even try!" In the Holy Name of Jesus, God's Peace and Blessings upon You and Yours, Stay Healthy! -trout

The single greatest guitarist to ever put pick to string. A genius with an almost preternatural talent and a wonderfully humble disposition to boot. A gift to music!

An Australian legend right there ! Tommy is brilliant with anything he touches. He has such a wonderful attitude and is one hell of a nice person. Thank you for sharing. Lerv from down under \m/ \m/

Everything about T.E. (CGP) is genuine. I've seen him play live three times and even got to meet him once. He's the real deal, and just a modest and friendly guy. Someone once said "modesty is the clothing of talent" ...and Tommy has both; modesty, humility and unlimited talent!

Wow !!! Just wow....a joy to watch and a joy to hear

If you thought he looked slightly familiar, he was in John Farnham’s band in the early ‘80s. He’s also in the new documentary about John, “Finding The Voice”. The official trailer is on KZfaq as “John Farnham: Finding The Voice”. It was made by Sony Music and there’s a rumour that they may release it in the USA too.

When Chet Atkins, Les Paul and Eric Clapton say you are one of the best guitarist in the world, you are.

Tommy Emmanuel is rated as one of the all time greats of acoustic guitar playing of all time. Somewhere in the top 3 or 5 of all time. (Some rate him as the best..others have different opinions but all agree he is right up there. He is also a really nice guy. He added bits of other songs to that version of classical gas. Classical gas played as a straight version is a lot simpler than that (still not easy, but simpler than the version in this video). And yes he is Australian

When this episode popped up on my you tube, I couldn't wait to see the expression on your face as soon as he played the first bar. I LOVE Tommy Emmanuel! I loved Classical Gas when it came out, had not heard Tommy laying, so thank you to the one that suggested this one.

That’s what hours and hours and years of practice does plus awesome talent, love for the guitar

I've never seen guitar playing like this ! The man is a genius ! Thanks for playing this ! God bless you !

Great piece of music. This player makes one instrument sound like many.

After seeing Tommy play, a guy said to him that he was going to throw his guitar under a bus. Tommy said, 'don't do that, it's not the guitars fault.' Keep playing whatever makes you happy!

Simply a master..wonderful player..Tommy and his Brother Phil are wonderful ambassadors for Australia..his genius on the guitar is amazing..and this famous tune is shown in its purity on this video.i am so happy you enjoyed it..Keep Well Keep Strong My friend

Man if you ever get a chance to see him live go see him...one of the top concerts of my life. Tommy Emmanuel is truly one of a kind

Tommy is the greatest. Not just on the guitar but just an awesome person all around. Met him a few times now.

And that, ladies and gentlemen is, according to the guitar hall of fame legends of the past, the greatest guitarist EVER.

Yes, I remember this one. Haven't heard it in years. In the late 60's Mason was backed with an orchestra. It had a totally different vibe.

He’s the acoustic master and certified. Seen him so many times.. brilliant Aussie talent

Tommy Emmanuel is only one of four people that Chet Atkins gave his Certified Guitar Player Award to.

So fun to watch someone listen to Tommy for the first time. Your facial expressions perfectly capture the way I felt the first time I heard it. Got to see him in concert a few years back. Life changing.

Great reaction. I don't know how anyone can't enjoy that performance. Just makes you smile from ear to ear.

When Tommy came to Boise, he went outside and greeted the line of people waiting to get in. Go listen to more of Tommy and his brother Phil playing together. The two of them make magic. Tommy on acoustic and Phil on electric.

I have always loved this song. I've heard it a lot with an orchestra & him heading it all up on guitar. It just shows how talented he is, him playing it as a solo on acoustic guitar.

Watching some of your older videos on the music. I am 49 and have NEVER heard of this guy before. HE IS AMAZING!!!

He actually was the backing guitarist for my sister (Billie Wilde) when he first started out in the '70s. She hired him to be a duo.

Fell in love with this song living in San Jose CA in the late 70's they had an all night movie channel where this was the bumper music. Searched for and found the 45, bought it and it's been a favorite ever since; not this version which is choppy, but the original by Mason Williams much younger. This one shows his guitar chops while the original version is much softer an engaging.

Worlds best guitarist

This “dude” was Tommy Emmanuel and he can play anything. The original was by Mason Williams. Tommy is one of the only living C.G.P.’s left, which is an honorary title given by his mentor Chet Adkins.

Classical Gas has always been a,timeless,piece. Such amazing talent here.

Tommy Emmanuel has tons of videos on KZfaq, you MUST react to more, he's probably among the best two or three pickers on the planet! (Albert Lee is also up there!)

This is a pretty awesome cover, dude has amazing talent. No doubt. I do enjoy the original with the orchestra in the background better though. Your reaction was fun to watch!

I love watching Tommy play and this is my favourite piece of music thank you for the trip to a forgotten memory. He and his brother are awesome.

Did anyone notice Tommy twice during the song did a five fret stretch? F to A. If you're not a guitarist, it's incredibly difficult to do, especially at the speed he is playing and he does it flawlessly.

One of only like 6 certified guitar players in the world, saw him in concert and it was amazing.

Good version. I also love Mason Williams and Glen Campbell versions

Another brilliant Aussie. Tommy Emanuel. And he’s a Christian too. Gary Mason Put it our first in the 60’s. Catch him in concert!♥️🙏🏽

August rush is my favorite movie! His rhapsody is my jam and the story is special to me heart. It’s been my fav movie since it came out, haven’t seen anything like it

Listen to Mason Williams, the original and best played him.

Tommy Emmanuel is the best guitar player on the face of the Earth...and also an extremely humble and down to Earth individual. I've seen him live twice, and his concerts are so phenomenal...he really captivates the venue and tells stories about how and why he has written his various songs (This was obviously a Mason Williams song). His concerts are literally life changing experiences...don't hesitate if you get a chance to see him...it's absolutely not worth missing. I suggest you try Lewis And Clark for a next song...get some Tommy written material in. He also does collaborations with other artists...one of my favourites of those is Looking Forward To The Past which he does with Rodney Crowell. About time someone starts spreading Tommy further around the digital airwaves.

Well that was terrifying! Who wants to buy my guitars? Lol! Seriously just absolutely phenomenal!

You should check out his TedX talk - Tommy Emmanuel is an Australian Icon - a lovely man - an iconic talent.... trust me - as a muso - if you liked this check out his Ted talk

Some people don't like this version but Tommy Emanuel is an artist, each artist creates their own version of a song. If everyone played it the same it wouldn't show the talents they have.

At 4:18 he goes into "Walk, Don't Run" by the Ventures. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pd2hasuY39TFY3k.html

Aside from being a killer guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel is one hell-of-a-nice guy, very approachable...he should get a speeding ticket for playing so fast, LOL.

In the middle he tossed in "Walk, Don't Run," and Elton John's "Saturday." He and his brother are two of the best in the world.

Tommy is one of the best acoustic guitarists of the generation, and his brother was not far behind. 🇦🇺🎶🎸

She probably learned to play the original by Mason Williams. That's hard enough!

Tommy is an insane guitarist. He is noted for his acoustic playing, but he started on bass and electric guitar.

I've loved Tommy for years. The greatest acoustic guitar player in the world. Oh and August Rush is on my favorites list.

A masterpiece - and as usual you get an obscure version

Seen him live and he’s the master. He has a brother Phill and they played gigs in the 80s around Australia

Well smack me stupid and call me Shirley Im done ,I quit Anyone want to buy my guitar's, Im done after that, AWESOME!!!!!!!°

You've found another Australian icon!

Tommy is so freakin awwwsum! He makes it fun to watch too.

I will not argue about Tommy vs. Mason. Tommy just made the composition more florid. Check out Tommy with Gabriella Quevado to see the difference.

funny you should mention August Rush. Tommy started playing guitar at age 4, started touring Australia with his brothers at 6, HE HASN'T STOPPED TOURING SINCE. no school, no other jobs, just guitar.

Loved your reaction but man I shouldn't have read the comments... I am way too protective of Tommy lol. In part because his music quite literally changed my life for the better and gave me a renewed interest in learning guitar. If you go to my channel you can find videos of him and I talking and even playing together. And if I were to make a request for you to watch even if it's just on your own it would be to see his new video for his song "Those who wait". It's the song that touched me the most the first time I saw him in person and made me pick up the guitar again. An incredibly beautiful song.

Tommy is a proud Australian !!!!!

I remember taking a master class from him in TN about 10 years ago. He is one of the greatest guitarist in the world.

Finest player in the world.

If you liked the guitar work in this, you really need to check out Roy Clark performing Malagueña on The Odd Couple tv show. His hands are so fast, the camera technology of the day couldn’t keep up!

Tommy is a Aussie Guitar Legend

The guitar GOD MR TOMMY .You gotta watch initiation .How he makes the sounds is unreal.

I grew up listening to this. I think I still have my parents’ album.