Strings

Tom exclusively uses ‘Elixir’ long life guitar strings. These have proved perfect for him over a 20 year period. Initially bought as a way of reducing slight noise, Tom noticed the warm yet bright tone they released. His preference is for ‘Polyweb’ medium gauge, but with a thicker first of 0.15″. He really likes the brightness that they bring out in Tom’s 1920s National resonator guitar, but also finds they are the most suitable strings for his beautiful Bearcreek Hawaiian guitar. It almost goes without saying, that they last for ages!  

Tom’s Signature Slide

The TD Signature slide has been developed by Tom over 20 years or more. It combines the weight of steel with the sound qualities of glass in a bottleneck of small outside diameter. Perfect for the best balance of sound with ease of use. The slide is made from half glass, (especially hardened to prevent scoring), and half stainless steel bonded together to form a tube. Players have the choice of two playing surfaces in one slide and for certain instruments, some players prefer the sound of the steel surface whilst others prefer the warm tones produced by the glass surface. Each slide comes in a pre formed pack with a CD of Tom’s music and his introduction to the Evo Slide and a velvet bag.

Tom’s Guitar Technique

Borne out of necessity, Tom’s technique is truly unique and all his own. He is therefore recognisable and has many trademark sounds such as using sounds produced at both sides of the string through not damping behind the slide. Along with his ability to play bass lines and inner strings, Tom produces specific voicing and chord structures finding fantastic variety from Jazz chords and modal influences through to single string runs and the use of his own tunings promote his sound and accompaniment. His picking technique also allow for extra right hand damping and changes in attack and volume when required.

Contact Tom directly for more information or enquiries about teaching and workshops.

Tom’s Guitar Tunings

The perceived disadvantages of playing complex notation with lap style bottleneck (without bar twists), makes it necessary to have imaginative tunings and techniques. Below are some of the common and some less common tunings that Tom uses along with examples of tunes and songs played in a particular tuning.