Guitarists: The One Thing You Can Do As Well As Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy Emmanuel is a guitar icon. If you’ve heard him play, I don’t need to explain. If you haven’t, take some time to watch the above video.

(Of course, Mike Dawes is equally amazing, although he has several decades of catching up to do.)

But as I was watching this video, I noticed the first comment, which has been pinned by the channel:

This comment really struck me.

I’m an average guitarist on my best day. I can play most chords, incorporate riffs and fills into my playing, and even butcher my way through a short solo if I need to. I’m good enough to play at church and hopefully one day in an old-man band.

Approaching the ability of Tommy or Mike is just out of the question. Even if I had the desire, I don’t have the time.

But this comment reminded me that even if I can’t do the technical things those guys do, I can enjoy playing as much as they do. And if I’m honest, although I do love playing my guitar, I could work on my skill of enjoying it more. Not only that, I can work on my ability to let that joy show in my body and on my face.

I’d encourage you to watch this video or check out either guitarist on YouTube, and then work on incorporating more joy into your playing.

Because after all, if we’re not having fun, why are we doing it?

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