Andy McKee

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Andy McKee?

Andy McKee, an acclaimed American fingerstyle guitarist, continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his innovative guitar techniques and emotionally rich performances. Rising to fame after his viral YouTube video of "Drifting" in 2006, McKee has since released multiple albums, toured internationally, and collaborated with other renowned musicians. He has not disappeared from the music scene; instead, he remains active through live performances, masterclasses, and online content. Over the years, McKee has expanded his repertoire, incorporating elements of blues, folk, and new age into his music. While he may not always be in mainstream headlines, Andy McKee maintains a dedicated fanbase and regularly announces new projects and tours on his official website and social media. His ongoing influence on the fingerstyle genre and his commitment to music education ensure that he remains a significant figure in the contemporary acoustic guitar world.

What kind of guitar does Andy McKee play?

Andy McKee is widely recognized for his use of custom acoustic guitars crafted by luthiers such as Michael Greenfield and Ervin Somogyi. His primary instrument for live performances and recordings is often a Greenfield G4 acoustic guitar, renowned for its rich tonal quality and versatility. McKee's guitars are specifically designed to accommodate his percussive fingerstyle techniques, featuring wider necks and enhanced stability to withstand alternate tunings. He also employs baritone guitars and harp guitars, expanding his sonic palette for different compositions. These high-end instruments are tailored to meet the demands of his intricate playing style, enabling him to execute complex harmonics, tapping, and slapping techniques with precision. For fans and aspiring guitarists, McKee's choice of guitars highlights the importance of craftsmanship and customization in achieving a distinctive sound in modern fingerstyle guitar music.

What is the tuning for drifting Andy McKee?

The iconic piece "Drifting" by Andy McKee utilizes an alternate guitar tuning that contributes to its unique sound and percussive style. The specific tuning for "Drifting" is DADGAD, which is quite popular among fingerstyle and folk guitarists. In this tuning, the strings are set as follows: D (sixth string), A (fifth string), D (fourth string), G (third string), A (second string), and D (first string). This open tuning allows McKee to create resonant, drone-like sounds and facilitates the use of harmonics and tapping techniques that define the composition. The DADGAD tuning is favored for its versatility and its ability to enable both melodic and rhythmic phrasing on the guitar. For guitarists aiming to learn "Drifting," tuning the guitar to DADGAD is essential to capture the song's original character and McKee's innovative fingerstyle approach.

What kind of guitar does McKee play?

Andy McKee predominantly plays custom-made acoustic guitars, with his main instrument being the Greenfield G4 model crafted by Canadian luthier Michael Greenfield. This guitar is specifically tailored for McKee's technical demands and percussive playing style, featuring a wider neck and a robust body for enhanced resonance and projection. He is also known to use guitars built by Ervin Somogyi, another highly respected luthier in the fingerstyle community. In addition to standard six-string acoustics, McKee often incorporates baritone guitars and harp guitars into his performances, broadening his tonal range and creative possibilities. These specialized instruments allow him to execute complex fingerstyle techniques, such as tapping, slapping, and harmonics, with clarity and precision. McKee's choice of high-quality, custom guitars underscores his dedication to achieving a distinctive and expressive sound in his music.

Who is the best modern fingerstyle guitarist?

The title of the best modern fingerstyle guitarist is often subjective, but Andy McKee consistently ranks among the top due to his innovative techniques and global influence. Other notable contemporaries include Tommy Emmanuel, whose virtuosic performances and charismatic stage presence have earned him international acclaim, and Sungha Jung, a South Korean prodigy known for his intricate arrangements and internet popularity. Jon Gomm and Antoine Dufour are also recognized for pushing the boundaries of fingerstyle guitar with their creative compositions. However, Tommy Emmanuel is frequently lauded as the best modern fingerstyle guitarist because of his masterful command over various genres, technical prowess, and significant impact on the evolution of acoustic guitar playing. His performances blend melody, rhythm, and percussive elements seamlessly, inspiring countless guitarists worldwide. Each of these artists, including Andy McKee, contributes uniquely to the modern fingerstyle movement, making it a vibrant and continually evolving genre.