there two songs for your granddaughters.
[ Tommy ] I love writing songs for my family. My two grandchildren are very interesting characters to write about... some of it is my imagination about their futures too.
[ WM ] What does the next chapter look like for Tommy Emmanuel?
[ Tommy ] I’ m always trying to write new songs; I’ m looking for new ideas all the time.
the trials of being on the road and the ups and downs of your career?
[ Tommy ] I’ ve always had faith that a loving power in my life is in charge. It’ s up to me to get connected to that power. Things changed dramatically when I stopped trying to be in charge and get myself down to size to be a brother among brothers, to find tolerance and love for others. To be real and honest. To try to give to this world as this world has given to me.
[ WM ] On a recent Sunday String-Along video with Doyle Dykes you mentioned your favorite Bible verse …
[ Tommy ] Yes, it is out of Isaiah.“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name, and you are mine”.
[ WM ] What would your father and Chet Atkins say if they were here today and saw your accomplishments?
[ Tommy ] I hope that Dad and Chet would see my life as not wasted but enjoyed.
[ WM ] What advice do you have for guitarists playing on worship teams around the country to continue to get better?
[ Tommy ] I’ ve never played as part of a worship band, but in any musical situation, I’ d say use photo by Luciano Viti
your gifts for the good of others. Do your best, and always serve the music, not your ego.
[ WM ] How many years have you been playing the Australian-brand Maton guitars?
[ Tommy ] I have been playing Maton Guitars since 1961. My first electric guitar was a Maton, and later I bought some acoustics. I love playing these guitars, they have a great sound and have the best pickup / mic system of any brand in the world. Having said that, I would add that you must find what works for you. So, try a few brands of guitars.
[ WM ] Isn’ t there a Tommy Emmanuel Museum at the Maton guitars factory?
[ Tommy ] If you go to the factory in Melbourne, Australia, you’ ll see all my old guitars and all the prototypes! There’ s also a Guitar Museum in the city of Tamworth( Australia), where I have two guitars on display.
[ WM ] What amps are you currently utilizing?
[ Tommy ] My choice of amp for acoustic guitar is a Da Capo 75-Watt amp made by Udo Roesner. Then for electrics I like Fender amps.( Fender Deluxe amps are known to be Tommy’ s favorite for electric guitar).
[ WM ] On your new album Living in the Light,
[ WM ] How does your personal faith influence your music?
[ Tommy ] I have faith that I’ m doing what I was put here on earth to do, so I never worry about where my“ next” will come from. It will appear; I just must be patient and stay connected!
If you have the chance to see Tommy Emmanuel perform in concert, I highly recommend it. This past fall I went to see him perform again at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville and he did not fail to mix incredible musicianship with entertainment and humor. Tommy’ s Living in the Light album is available everywhere to purchase or stream. There are also rumors of one or two new albums being released in 2026. To have a closer look at Emmanuel’ s guitars of choice, crafted in his native Australia, you can visit the Maton Guitars website. Tommy Emmanuel is a constant traveler of the world who loves to perform and teach( at his music camps), plus he’ s always up for talking guitars too.
TommyEmmanuel. com
Extra Credit: Sunday String-Along video. Watch two of our favorite guitarists( Doyle Dykes and Tommy Emmanuel) talk about their Christian faith and play their hearts out on their acoustic guitars. 44 January 2026 Subscribe for Free...