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At one of Tommys concerts he asked if there were any guitar players in the audience, a little voice replied, "not anymore".

Tommy is so good that his guitar has to practice.

And for those who are confused by theory, Tommy has never had a lesson, doesn’t read music and knows little about music theory. He plays strictly by ear. Amazing man. Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa and many others regard Tommy as the best acoustic guitarist playing today. And to top it off, he is incredibly nice and very humble.

The most amazing part to me is he is not only technically proficient, super clean and fast, but his very soul is in the music. So much passion and emotion. Just killer.

Tommy Emmanuel is known in Australia as a "dead set legend", which is the nation's highest honour.

Tommy threw $5 in my case when I was busking in Cairns in 2003. Felt like ten million would have coming from anyone else. He stayed for the whole song and paid at the end, what a king of a man.

My dad tried to get me to listen to Tommy Emmanuel for years. It wasn't til after he died that I finally listened and I regret not being able to tell my dad he was right. This guy was one of the best I'd ever seen.

Dude, your ability to catch all those moves and analyze them, and play them…on the fly, is amazing. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

As a tour bus driver for a Nashville artist and Opry member, I found myself backstage at the Grand Ole Opry on numerous occasions, just hanging out waiting on the show to finish so we could roll out for the next venue. The most memorable of those was the night TE was there. The man was just roaming the hallways, playing guitar and entertaining just like he was on stage. I stood 3ft away from this legend, and just watched in awe. His stage act is not an act....it's his true personality. Most of the other acts at the Opry that night were just hanging out in his dressing room watching him play. After the show, I'm standing out beside the bus which is parked outside the artist entrance of the Opry, and out walks Tommy Emmanuel. I told him that his performance was inspiring...that it had inspired me to throw my guitar in front of this bus and run over it. He just smiled, and said, "man don't do that, it isn't the guitars' fault." Then he threw his guitar in the trunk of a Toyota Camry and drove off! I've been around some big fish, but this man is a giant.

No one is mentioning the fact that Tommy is playing this on an acoustic guitar, hitting every note clearly on his slides, his hammer-ons, and his transitions, coordinated perfectly with his right hand. He’s truly a master.

You're a brave man Michael. The last thing I do when listening to Tommy is reach for my guitar.

Many years ago my son who was learning guitar, attended a Tommy Emmanuel concert here in Perth, Western Australia. At the end of the concert Tommy asked if anyone in the audience would like to jam with him later. My enthusiastic son put up his hand and he was the only one to do so. So he went back stage, was handed a guitar and they started to play. After about half an hour, Tommy kindly suggested that maybe my son really needed a few more lessons in basic playing. He was also kind enough to give him a few tips. In later years my son said he cringed at the memory, of how silly he'd been to think he knew enough to even contemplate jamming with Tommy Emmanuel.

I made my wife go reluctantly with me to see him recently. Two songs in I look over at her.....tears running down her cheeks. He’s supernatural on acoustic guitar!!!

Just remember, Tommy says he's a drummer that also happens to play the guitar. Put that in perspective.

Tommy and his brother Phil used to tour Australia together in the early 80s . They had a two man show and played intimate gigs in small venues . They had a family connection to the area where I lived and would often play here. My friends and I would never miss a show. Even then , they were absolute masters of their craft . One of their '"party tricks" was to simultaneously strum /pick their guitar while working the fret board of their brothers instrument , and they NEVER missed a beat . They also did a fantastic version of Dueling Banjos , Tommy on his Maton acoustic and Phil on his Strat'. They would bounce off each other as only brothers can and they were hugely entertaining and funny. My friends and I had no idea how blessed we were at the time . Sadly Phil is no longer with us but the memories of these guys grooving off each other will stay with me forever.

I love it when teachers who know their craft are really impressed with the artists we love. (As an Aussie, it’s people like Tommy, Farnham, Barnsie, Sebastian) We know we love them. But most of us don’t understand the technicalities. When you guys love them as well, it makes us very proud.

The only thing faster than Tommy's playing is Michael hitting the pause.

And keep in mind - Tommy has that speed on an ACOUSTIC.

The lightening fast entire neck bend at 17:22 is so awesome.

I have seen Tommy E. about 40 times last 18 years. He once told me that every time he sees me he has to up his game so that I leave in AWE every time. We have become friends. Fan Friend - he is the GREATEST HUMAN YOU WILL EVER Meet. Oh yeah he plays guitar and he is the BEST in the PLANET. - I am honored to have seen him so many times. He told me he needs these friendships as he travels around the world. I got every single one of his books and has taken me years to figure out his style. Yes Years, but worth it. So AWESOME

My fav memory of Tommy was when I was looking at buying guitar in my local store and just started playing a blues riff, then suddenly some dude joined in and it was him. Blew my mind

Tommy Emanuel was a really good guitarist in the seventies. Now he just drops in occasionally to show us what music in heaven sounds like.

I went to see Tommy in Adelaide two days ago. I've seen him on KZfaq many times, but live in a theatre is just out of this world. He plays only Australian Maton guitars, and his music is simply alive, with feeling, emotion and technical brilliance.

Watching you enjoying Tommy is almost as good as watching Tommy. Brings back memories of my Italian grandfather and his guitar. Thank you Michael from Australia

The negative thing about Tommy, whenever I see him play, I want to sell all my guitars.

I've seen Tommy play to half a dozen people, and he played like it was the best gig he ever had.

Rarely have I ever seen such genuine qualified appreciation of talent. Though I certainly am, Mr. Palmisano is clearly not lost in Tommy's amazing interpretation. I'm so awestruck that he's able to follow what Tommy does at all, but the best part really is that Mr. Palmisano does this with such an easy admiration. What an amazing teacher you are Michael! Cheers!

Brilliant reaction. Your honest, open prostration before the GOAT that is Tommy Emmanuel was wonderful. Your admiration and love of what he does is open and infectious. I only discovered him recently myself. Couldn't believe I hadn't come across him before. I heard that he learned to play in this way because he hadn't realised that bands had rhythym, lead and bass guitars (as well as recorded overdubs) and so, when he tried to learn to play the songs he heard on the radio, he thought he had to play all of it. Together. At the same time. Incredible what humans can achieve.

Tommy told the story of how he came up with his arrangement to Rick Beato. He said he played a lot of bars early on, where the audience has the attention span of a two-year-old. So he had to arrange Classical Gas so it would grab their attention by the throat. I think he succeeded. Great reaction.

The original composition by Mason Williams, ( wich is absolutely great) , is in a way slower tempo and has stacks of instruments to back it up. Tommy made it his own way and uses only his guitar to fill your ears with overwhelming music. What an absolute beast he is.

As someone who doesn't even care much for guitars, I can say this is one of the most amazing things I've ever experienced IN MY LIFE!

I had the great fortune to see him live in my hometown in the UK about 15-20 years ago, I had never heard of him but noticed on the flyer that he did part of the opening ceremony at the Sydney Olympics and thought 'he's probably pretty decent' well, to say I was blown away would be an understatement, he is a one mad band and beats on that guitar like a beast. Probably the best live show I have ever seen.

When Chet Atkins first met Tommy, he told Tommy "I should have been the one coming to visit YOU" Tommy is amazing!!

17:41 mark - 'Michael rests guitar on lap': Universal sign of surrender.

Michael, you said it somewhere in the middle "look how he's enjoying it". You can always see Tommy having a blast 🙂. That's so important I think to enjoy it and to convey that enjoyment. Sincerity Sincerity Sincerity. Thanks for this. Tommy is just unbelievable 🙂🎸🎸

Damn Michael this is probably the 30th video I've watched from you without ever commenting. My God man your passion is infectious and your explanation around music theory seriously does resonate, I can't imagine how Tommy wouldn't be blown away by your commentary. You are moving musicianship forward. I certainly can't imagine there are too many players in the world better than Tommy Emmanuel.

I saw Tommy and Phil in the late 70's at a Pub in Sydney in their band Goldrush, Tommy was the drummer and Phil was lead guitar. During the show Tommy would get up and Phil and him would play the one guitar. We could all see then they were both something extraordinary. They are both Australian treasures. RIP Phil.

DUDE!! I'm laughing so hard because you are so enamored and humbled. Your respect for him is off the charts and I love that! I love the fact that a professional guitar teacher holds Tommy up to such a high level! So awesome! Thanks for this video. It makes me appreciate your art even more!

We need a Tommy Emmanuel REACTS to Michael's cold breakdown! Enjoyed this very much. Your GIT teacher was right to cancel class that day to witness the great Tommy. The thing is, I've also had the pleasure to witness Tommy live (a few times) in some very intimate (small crowd, up close & personal) venues, and he plays EVERY song with the same level of accuracy and precision and with the same level of intensity and passion and enjoyment as shown in this video. Then after the show he would hang around and happily talk to anyone and everyone for as long as people would care to. Not only an absolutely "Dead set legend" and true "tour de force" master guitarist and musician, but also a true performer and the most down to earth gentleman that you would ever meet. He will always be a national treasure in our little island down under 🦘

His expertise, your expertise, his magic, your delight. Pure joy.

I spent a year one week trying to figure this tune out & 14 years later I can proudly say I NAIL the first 2 bars of this before COMPLETELY falling apart lol....

If the devil had picked him instead of Steve Vai, Ralph Macchio woulda been screwed

Ive played for 40 years. I only play acoustic. The fact he can do this flawlessly with ZERO mistakes is mind boggling. NO electric forgiveness to hide behind. I have worked on THIS song for hours and hours and oh yeah........HOURS! I will NEVER achieve this level of perfection. He is a true absolute. I'm an 8 year old compared to him.

I really appreciate and enjoyed your honest joy and admiration of Tommy Emmanuels Talent despite your own professional knowledge and I do thank you for sharing this experience. Hardly anything else can be added to that. I did experience two live performances by him and each time "did blow my socks off".

There's great artists and then there's masters. This is a master.

One of the coolest days at work ever was when I was 21 at an Irish bar in New Orleans. This guy comes in with a guitar case, introduced himself as Tom, and said he heard from his friend Eric back home that we poured a great pint and might let him practice before his gig that night. I said all of that's true. And that's the story about how the guy that wrote And the Band Played Waltzing Mathilda sent Tommy Emmanuel to practice at my work.

Besides the magic he shows with both hands the speed and virtually perfect timing he maintains is remarkable. Watching him it looks like he's in a trance and the music is just flowing out of him, as amazing to watch as it is to listen to.

I know nothing about music. This is the best reaction video I’ve ever seen. The emotion and expressions in your explanations help give insight into the importance of Emanuel’s transitions and bridges better than any I’ve seen. Also, it brings more significance to my having seen him this year in Fort Lauderdale. I didn’t know what I was watching but I was there because I knew how stellar he is. You are helping me understand more deeply why that is. Had this stuff been around when I was seven, 53 years ago, I would have been a musician. There’s no time left in my life for it. You are fortunate to have the knowledge and passion you have. Thanks for the video!

Tommy is next next level the man makes you proud as a Australian.

Tommy Emmanuel finished a show in a country in Eastern Europe. He and his entourage went to a local hotel where the young local boy was playing solo guitar in the lounge. Within 15 minutes Tommy and the young man it struck up a conversation. Long story short they exchanged contact information and Tommy goes to the president of a certain music school and says I want start a annual scholarship program for gifted guitar players. There’s only one condition, the very first scholarship must absolutely go to a young man I met recently. And thus this young man from a war torn country in Eastern Europe attended this music school for free for four years. That’s the kind of man Mr. Manuel is. And for privacy sake for the sake of the young man and for the sake of Tommy, no names are being mentioned. But tell me Emanuelle is deep, authentic, and as many of you know his life as a young man when he and his brother and family including his father basically lived on the road in Australia and played music played music played music morning noon and night forged a man great talent strong as an ox, with that tender loving heart, who thinks always of others before he thinks of himself. And man what a great sense of humor! He lights up the room and I’ll tell you what no matter how bad you feel no matter how shitty your own life is. 15 minutes in a room with TE is like breathing the air of kings. And everything I have described in this paragraph has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with his musicality or his guitar playing. All of that is gravy. If Martians landed tomorrow and zapped Tommy with a ray gun, God for bid, and he forgot how to play guitar, it would be tragic, but as long as he remained the human being that he is, the loss, ultimately, would not be that bad. Is a rare and special human being in the world is a better place because he’s in it.

Gotta say, I love this song, but now I love it more after your breakdown. Now I understand way more what is happening in the song from a theory point of view and it makes me more amazed at the absolute talent on display. Thanks for the great video!

Man I lolled so hard watching this reaction vid! I just discovered your channel and it's cool you're doing harmonic analysis, it gives it a completely new dimension! And this performance is devastating...saw him once and I remember getting out of the theatre completely blown away. Man...the guy is a God!

I feel like watching these (which I love) is the equivalent of my kids watching other kids unbox toys or watching other kids play video games on KZfaq.

The great thing about Tommy is, someone could play all the notes he is playing, and yet his sound remains so distinct. The dynamics and articulation is just out of this world. I love him.

Out of the countless hours of Phil and Tommy playing my all time favourite is their rendition of the Last Post. It's haunting

I have loved this song since it first came out. You helped me appreciate it more!

Tommy is a true master of the instrument. Every little nuance you hear is 100% intentional.

Tommy and his late brother Phil started playing in the early 60's, and he still practices 4+ hours a day, plus his performances. As he has said when he goes on stage to perform his fingers know where to go through muscle memory. He also says he is lucky to be able to play music as his work. He is also a very humble person who helps and encourages young musicians. He loves his Maton guitars. He's a great Aussie. Greetings from Oz, Dennis

I’ve watched Tommy play this a few times but now I am so absorbed in it now knowing what is involved thanks to you!

Tommy Emmanuel is Australia's greatest export! For a long time he was only known in Australia, so glad we were able to share him. He deserves all the international recognition for being an amazing guitarist and top bloke as well. Watching Tommy as a little kid invoked both feelings of inspiration to play and also to give up guitar at the same time. Haha.

The only thing more fun than listening to Tommy play is watching him... he enjoys every second of playing, every single time he plays ..

HEY Michael - THIS video should be MANDATORY to watch for any any fan of anything Guitar related - Michael You are Amazing and a Joy to watch - In Tommy - there is more steak than sizzle - Tommy is simply an amazing guitarist and artist - thank you for recognising Tommy's skill - Tommy has that same mastery of the guitar that Jimi had - Truly a Joy to watch and Listen - greetings from down-town locked-up Melbourne Australia

I've delighted in watching so many of these educational videos from professionals like Michael, yes for the analysis and yes for the insights to improve your own playing, but as much to see the humility, respect, and awe from people like him toward a master like Tommy being someone who is already deserving of respect for his own skills and mastery of this wonderful musical instrument. Its a shared experience and worth every second of your time to just be involved in it albeit passively from behind your computer screen. Thanks so much Michael. You are on my must watch list.

Michael, Thank you for helping me appreciate Tommy even MORE !! I don't even play, but I loved your disection of his musical progressions and the wonderful dynamic shifts in his playing. And I also apreciate the Respect you are showing. Knowing It and DOING IT ... Def Two Different Things ! Tommy reigns supreme !

Ive watched Tommy for years. And being australian myself, you sort of take it for granted. But to see and hear you talk about it and break it down is so respectful. He’s awesome is’nt he! Love it! And he loves the Maton. They are beautiful. Great vid. Cheers.

Tommy is the MAN. There is a video of him and Billy Strings playing together that is magic

Even as an Aussie I find it hard to believe we generate so much amazing talent among only 24 million people.

Tommy Emmanuel has been playing guitar for the best part of 60 years, yet his enthusiasm / love of playing is clear for all to see ...... He's a legend and what's more, he's a good bloke too. One of the greatest musicians Australia has ever produced. Worth mentioning his late brother Phil was a very good guitarist too.

He's not only one of the greatest living guitarists, he's one of the greatest guitarists to have ever lived.

Great stuff! Enjoy all your breakdowns!

I was at a concert at Baylor University many years ago where Tommy had the half filled house rockin'! Someone in the front row asked him how he was able to anchor his thumb and get to impossible positions around it. He held up his hands, and they were a completely different shape from one another. Hours upon hours of practice had reshaped his left hand. Amazing dedication to his instrument.

My Dad and I used to see him in small pubs and bars whenever he was in Sydney in the 80’s n 90’s. Honestly jaw-dropping.

My favorite artist! And as an Aussie we couldn’t be more proud! Seen him a number of times live and he is breathtaking.

Tommy Emmanuel has left the planet. After lift off he is circling Venus working on a new album….🎉🎉

I witnessed the Master live multiple times , especially love when he sends the band off stage and plays their instruments : drums bass keyboard rythm guitar in a loop then plays lead over the top . Won multiple national Flamenco competitions in Spain , plays Chet like Chet , so check out his albums you will not be disappointed ! You may want to burn your guitar but don't hahah ✌️♥️🇦🇺

The look on Michaels face when TE warps the guitar is priceless. Literally burst out laughing in my office lol

I went to a Tommy Emmanuel Show when I was 15. I just couldn’t believe what you could do with just a guitar. He inspired me to pick up and learn. Been happily playing ever since. Tommy = THE GOAT

I love Tommy's skill on the guitar, he's a rare true genius, started playing at the age of 4 and was pro by 6, touring Australia with his family until the government ordered him to go to school lol. This is one of the best analysis vids I've watched. Man I wish I understood chord theory better, or at all.

Michael, I love your enthusiasm for TE’s brilliance. Every time I watch particularly this number, I have to pick my jaw up from the floor. I wish I had your knowledge of music theory. Thank you for posting.

I truly appreciate your enthusiasm for music and your passion to explain these things in a way that brings emotion to the mechanics and theory. You have a great way of explaining things that make ME as excited as you are, even though I have no idea what you're talking about most of the time.

Dude. I just want to say your guitar/music ability is top notch. The way you can pick something as complex as this apart, shows your true musicianship. Tommy is on his own level, but you my friend, are also on a level of your own.

His left leg jigging is a big part of his time keeping. He says it himself. He sets his whole body up to play like this. It is a wonderful technique and he does it because, he just loves music. It is that simple. When he plays with Billy Strings, you can see how much both of them love to push each othere. Thanks for covering this too. He plays Mayton guitars, which I have too, EBG808, and they truly are great guitars and good value for money too.

As a bass player of 35 years I get where you're at as a musician. It's that ability to know what key and chord structures at first listen, and hook right in. I also relate to your frustration when the answer is in front of you but you're just not quite getting it right and you know it! The smoothness of your playing comes only from putting a lot of hours in over a long period of time. May it continue to shine. As for Tommy, I don't know where he found his hours. He blew me away when I saw him 20 years ago. Tommy Emmanuel is a dead set Australian living legend.

Bro you’re so good for being able to follow this with such ease at that depth! It’s amazing fr. I been playing over 20 years and I can’t do it that smooth. Excellent ear for key change

he is such a great man, I've had the pleasure of talking to him when he was invited to a small jazz festival here in Italy (called Baronissi jazz) . The day before his performance he was sitting 2 seats away from me listening to an amateur jam session... he was the only one with a couple of beers hidden under his seats XD

Thank you Mike! I love Tommy's amazing Guitar skills! You brook it down. Nice job!

Mike, keep up the great work. This is an entertaining, educative and engrossing look at the technical talent of, yes, the world's best 6 stringer. Thanks.

Thank you Michael, Tommy is one of the best guitar player in the planet. Maybe you can react to Alip Ba Ta, the best talented fingerstyle guitar player from Indonesia.

someone said: ‘ After tommy playing Classical Gass, the guitar needs a cigaret’..

First time watching your channel. I loved your take on Tommy. I was actually looking for him when I came across your channel. Awesome job brother 👏. Thanx for sharing. I'm a new subscriber! GBU

Watching Michael loving Tommy’s guitar playing is as enjoyable as watching Tommy in this vid! Thanks for posting Michael

I talk to him way back in the days and he told me getting to read Ted Greens Chord Chemestry was a game changer.

I feel like anyone that plays guitar finds Tommy Emmanuel amazing.

Watching you enjoying tommy is as much fun as watching tommy himself . You pick up all the small shit and the passion and admiration in your voices colour, and the excitement in your eyes hits all the right notes bro. You’ve got the best description in facials and detail of the content, brings a smile and deep down under love of one of our favourite fair dinkum dead sets certifications. Mr Emmanuel.

Respect to you, Michael! You’ve got great chops and expert understanding of music theory. Your on the fly analysis of this performance was amazing.

Not only is he playing very technical and a lot of notes, he doesn’t make it sound boring, he adds dynamics, good phrasing and also, just an overall awesome performing presence.

I know Tommy and Phil Emmanual very well. When I was growing up...my parents used to have them over to stay when they were touring around Queensland. Unfortunately Phil died couple years ago and I used to do the sound for him and sometimes open for his shows. I remember when I was a child Tommy and Phil used to play the same guitar at the same time... playing three different songs...Bass, Melody, and lead all at the same time, and not even looking at the fretboard having a cigarette and a whiskey all at the same time. Absolutely mind blowing.

Enjoy how you share your technical knowledge with your respect for Tommy. Helps to understand why this man is such a great musician. thanks.

I’ve got goose bumps seeing and hearing this. Thank Michael for trying to keep up!