Tommy Emmanuel says bluegrass and Americana guitar is officially in safe hands with a new generation of players who have come along to “shake us out of our comfort zones”.
Speaking to Guitar World, the Australian acoustic guitar virtuoso was effusive in his praise for four young players who have “raised the bar” for the art form, and just as importantly, turned a new generation of fans onto it.
“Trey Hensley,” said Emmanuel. “I’m glad to see the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards thought so, too.”
But Emmanuel couldn’t stop at one. There were three more, including a Gibson signature artist, a former Guitar World columnist, and another player whom the IBMA considers bluegrass guitar royalty.
“Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle and Sierra Hull have come on like a tsunami in Americana/ bluegrass,” he continued. They’ve raised the bar, stretched the boundaries and won the ears and hearts of the young generation.”
1939 Martin D-28 played by Trey Hensley – YouTube
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Informed by the likes of Chet Atkins, Django Reinhardt and Paco De Lucia – “the greatest guitar player I‘ve ever seen, period” – Emmanuel’s approach to the acoustic guitar is still radical long over 45 years since the release of his debut album, From Out of Nowhere.
Even electric guitar luminaries such as Joe Satriani have said no way could they do what he does on acoustic. “I routinely humiliate myself by putting on a live DVD of Tommy Emmanuel, and I go, ‘I will never achieve that!’ [Laughs] But thank God for Tommy for doing that,” said Satriani, speaking to MusicRadar in 2022.
Molly Tuttle – I Love It (Official Music Video) – YouTube
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For many players, Emmanuel is the archetypical acoustic maestro. But even he feels the challenge coming from the next generation, and welcomes it, too. “More power to those young guns who come into our world to shake us out of our comfort zones,” he says.
Emmanuel also had some props to share from one of the old guard – a guitarist who has consistently reinvented how we he approaches the instrument, who has not stopped.
“I also think Robben Ford has killed it in 2025,” he says. “He’s kept writing, recording, shooting videos, touring with multiple lineups and shown us all what an artist can do. His sound is revolutionary; his enthusiasm is infectious. More power to you, Lord Mr. Ford!”
In another recent interview with Guitar World, Emmanuel shared his trick for putting a capo on the right way to avoid tuning issues.
“Thay’ve Raised the Bar, Stretched the Boundaries and Won the Ears and Hearts of the Young Generation”: Tommy Emmanuel Names the Emerging Players Flying the Flag for a New Era of americana and Bluegrass
Tommy Emmanuel’s Perspective on the New Wave of Americana and Bluegrass Artists
Tommy Emmanuel, the legendary acoustic guitarist renowned worldwide for his fingerstyle technique and soulful playing, has recently praised a fresh wave of artists who are pushing the limits of americana music and bluegrass. In his words, these emerging players have “raised the bar” and “stretched the boundaries,” captivating not only longtime fans but also energizing a new generation of listeners and musicians.
Emmanuel’s insightful observations highlight how this vibrant new era embraces innovation while honoring the roots of conventional American music styles, pushing Americana and bluegrass beyond their historical confines.
Top Emerging Players Revolutionizing Americana and Bluegrass
Here’s an overview of some key players Tommy Emmanuel has named and the qualities that make them stand out in this evolving genre:
| Artist/Band | Style highlights | Innovations & Contributions | Why they Matter for the Young Generation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensky Bluegrass | Progressive Bluegrass, Jam Band Vibes | Combines traditional bluegrass with rock, jazz, and improvisation | Appeals to younger fans through high-energy live performances and genre fusion |
| Molly Tuttle | Contemporary Bluegrass & Americana | Masterful flatpicking guitar technique; powerful songwriting and vocal skills | Represents female empowerment in roots music, inspiring new audiences |
| The Infamous stringdusters | Modern Bluegrass, Fusion | Fuses bluegrass traditions with psychedelic and indie influences | Draws diverse crowds, revitalizing interest in bluegrass |
| Kelsey Waldon | americana, Country-Infused Roots | Writes honest, heartfelt lyrics with classic country storytelling | Connects deeply with younger listeners craving authenticity |
| Billy Strings | Bluegrass, Rock-Influenced | Brings high-energy guitar licks and genre-blending innovation | Helps introduce bluegrass to rock and modern roots fans alike |
How These Artists Are Raising the Bar
- Innovative Soundscapes: They blend bluegrass with indie rock, jazz, folk, and psychedelic elements, creating fresh, genre-defying music.
- Technical Mastery and Emotion: Amazing instrumental skills paired with songwriting that evokes deep feeling help these artists resonate with broad audiences.
- Cultural Inclusivity: Many emerging players embrace diverse influences, expanding Americana’s traditionally narrow cultural definition.
- Engagement with Younger Fans: Through social media,dynamic live shows,and collaborations,they connect with Millennials and Gen Z.
- Environmental and Social Themes: Contemporary lyrics frequently enough reflect pressing social issues and environmental consciousness, appealing to socially engaged youth.
Understanding the Impact: Why This matters for Americana and Bluegrass Genres
The resurgence and evolution of Americana and bluegrass aren’t just about musical aesthetics-they reflect a broader cultural movement:
Connecting Tradition with Modernity
Emerging artists honor a rich musical history while making it relevant to today’s world, ensuring continuity and evolution rather than stagnation.
increasing Genre Accessibility
By incorporating diverse genres and collaborating across musical boundaries, these players make Americana and bluegrass more accessible and appealing to wider audiences globally.
Fueling Festival and Live Music Scenes
The energy and originality of this new generation are revitalizing festival lineups and live venues, which is critical for the survival of roots-based music.
Case Study: Billy Strings-Blazing the Trail of Modern Bluegrass
Billy Strings exemplifies the fusion of tradition with boundary-pushing innovation in bluegrass music. Known for his virtuosic guitar skills and genre-hopping performances, Billy has achieved rapid popularity, winning multiple prestigious awards and selling out major venues worldwide.
He incorporates elements of rock, blues, and psychedelic jam band styles into classic bluegrass foundations. This approach not only honors the genre’s past but injects new life and energy, attracting a younger audience.
Benefits and Practical Tips for Emerging Americana and Bluegrass Musicians
- Study the Roots: Deeply understanding traditional bluegrass and Americana techniques is essential before experimenting with fusion styles.
- Push Your Creativity: Don’t shy away from blending genres or incorporating modern themes into lyrics and instrumentation.
- Engage Your Audience: Use social media platforms and live performances to build a loyal, young fanbase.
- Collaborate: Working with musicians from different genres can inspire new musical directions and open doors to broader audiences.
- Stay Authentic: Genuine expression-both technically and emotionally-is key to winning hearts and ears.
Firsthand Experience: What Upcoming Players can Learn from Tommy Emmanuel
Tommy Emmanuel’s career is a masterclass in breathtaking skill paired with heartfelt music-making. Aspiring Americana and bluegrass artists can embrace his approach by:
- Practicing diligent technical mastery, focusing on fingerstyle guitar techniques and rhythmic precision.
- Prioritizing emotional connection in performances-music should communicate stories and feelings, not just notes.
- Embracing humility and continuous learning, as Tommy frequently enough credits his own growth to constant exploration and collaboration.
- Supporting a community of musicians and fans, understanding that Americana and bluegrass thrive on shared experiences and connections.
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