Tommy Emmanuel At Berklee

Tommy Emmanuel recently gave a Master Class at Berklee College of Music, in Boston. If you are a guitarist, then I can’t think of a better way to start your week than checking out these videos. There’s a few on youtube – I’ve just picked out three.

Evolution as a guitarist

Here Tommy talks about his evolution as a guitarist, Chet Atkins and his own sense of style. And, before anyone asks – yes, all the fingers on my left hand are longer than those on the right.

Practice

Tommy answers a student question about practice routines.

Waiting for a plane
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Having joked about how much time he spends in airports, Tommy plays a tune that he wrote while waiting for a plane. It’s a classic example of his style, technique and sense of groove.

I grew up listening to Tommy play and his music has always been an inspiration to me. He almost exclusively plays acoustic these days, but he used to play a lot of electric as well and his phrasing and tone had a big influence on me, when I was trying to figure out my own style. Moreover, I’ve had the privilege of meeting him a few times and talking with people who have worked with him. He’s a great guy, with a wonderful sense of humour and a deep love of guitar music. Moreover, Tommy is disarmingly quick to praise the work of other guitarists (even in very different genres) and to recognise those who have inspired and taught him.

Anyway, even if you feel rushed this week, try to make some time to check out the videos.

[tags] Guitar, Fingerstyle, Tommy Emmanuel [/tags]