If you’re a serious guitar player, you probably already know about Australian marvel Tommy Emmanuel, but I only just discovered him, and my mind is thoroughly blown. In high school, I was never without my guitar, Audrey. I dragged that acoustic 6-string everywhere with me, and I just assumed my whole life would be like that. Alas, adulthood delivered less music and more paperwork. I lacked the stomach to make it as a performer, so off to the corporate world I slunk. In other words, I’ve barely played since high school. But I was at one point skilled enough to be able to fully appreciate a genius when I stumble across one, and Emmanuel is the best I’ve ever heard.

Emmanuel is particularly well known for his still at giving the effect of a full band with just his one acoustic guitar. It’s genuinely exciting to hear and watch him play, but it’s also quite daunting. One commenter on TikTok said “I was going to try this, but I thought I’d go for something easier. Like Quantum Physics.” They’re not wrong!

You can follow Tommy Emmanuel on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.