Ever wonder how one guitarist changed the entire landscape of acoustic playing with just a YouTube video?
Andy McKee's journey from metal enthusiast to fingerstyle innovator began with traditional influences like Metallica and Iron Maiden, before discovering Michael Hedges and attending Preston Reed's workshop at age 16. His signature approach combines percussive slaps, two-hand tapping, and complex harmonics with innovative alternate tunings, particularly DADGAD, which gained worldwide attention after his 2006 viral performance of "Drifting." McKee's revolutionary techniques and comprehensive teaching methods continue to shape contemporary acoustic guitar, inspiring countless musicians to push the boundaries of what's possible on the instrument.
Read on to discover how McKee's groundbreaking techniques can transform your approach to acoustic guitar.
The Early Years
Andy McKee began his musical journey when he received his first guitar at age thirteen.
McKee's early musical influences centered on metal music, particularly Metallica and Iron Maiden, leading him to take formal guitar lessons before transitioning to self-directed learning. Discovering artists like Michael Hedges and McLaughlin helped develop his distinctive fingerstyle approach. His innovative percussive techniques would later help bring acoustic guitar into mainstream popularity.
The turning point in his musical direction came at sixteen when he encountered Preston Reed's workshop, which transformed his focus toward acoustic fingerstyle guitar and shaped his future musical career.
Mastering Unique Playing Techniques
McKee revolutionized fingerstyle guitar through his mastery of unique playing techniques that blend metal influences with innovative approaches.
- Percussive slaps with overhand fretting for rhythmic depth
- Two-hand tapping techniques for complex melodic passages
- Strategic use of alternate tunings and partial capos
- Integration of string slaps and body percussion for enhanced polyphony
McKee's distinctive style transforms the guitar into a complete musical instrument. After his YouTube video went viral in late 2006, he gained worldwide recognition for his groundbreaking techniques.
His economical approach combines percussive elements with complex fingerpicking patterns, while alternate tunings expand his sonic possibilities.
Through innovative two-hand techniques and body percussion, he creates rich, layered compositions that showcase the guitar's full potential, cementing his position as a pioneer in modern fingerstyle guitar. Like fellow innovator multimedia performances, his approach pushes the boundaries of what's possible on the acoustic guitar.
From YouTube Stardom
McKee's career fundamentally changed after his 2007 fingerstyle guitar performance "Drifting" went viral on YouTube, starting on Digg and spreading across the emerging video platform with his innovative techniques.
His unique approach combines harmonics and percussion elements while utilizing the entire guitar body to create a rich, multidimensional sound.
McKee experienced a meteoric rise from local guitar instructor to international performer following his online breakthrough.
The viral success opened doors for global concert tours and enabled him to create comprehensive guitar education content through digital platforms TrueFire and ArtistWorks, reaching students worldwide.
Creating Musical Magic
McKee achieves musical innovation by combining technical mastery with artistic expression in his guitar playing.
- DADGAD tuning mastery for single-finger power chords
- Advanced percussive techniques, including overhand fretting and body taps
- Complex harmonics, both tapped and natural
- Innovative right-hand fingerpicking patterns
McKee's groundbreaking approach connects technical innovation with musical artistry.
His fingerstyle guitar techniques incorporate DADGAD tuning and percussive elements.
Breaking down complex pieces into manageable practice sections helps guitarists master McKee's innovative techniques effectively.
McKee employs harmonics and distinctive fingerpicking patterns to create rich, polyphonic arrangements that push beyond conventional acoustic guitar limitations.
Teaching The Next Generation
Andy McKee teaches guitar through three main online platforms: TrueFire, ArtistWorks, and Fundamental Changes.
McKee delivers guitar instruction through diverse teaching methods across these platforms. His TrueFire courses feature twenty comprehensive etudes that guide students through various techniques. His lessons incorporate advanced acoustic fingerstyle elements that made songs like Drifting hugely popular.
The ArtistWorks platform provides personalized instruction through video feedback interactions. His teaching approach emphasizes thorough analysis of complex fingerstyle techniques, alternate guitar tunings, and percussive playing methods.
Through these educational channels, McKee equips guitar students with the essential skills needed to develop modern fingerstyle playing abilities.
Legacy On Modern Guitar
Andy McKee revolutionized modern fingerstyle guitar through his transformative approach to the instrument and innovative playing techniques.
- Pioneering complex alternate tunings that expanded compositional possibilities
- Integrating percussive techniques with traditional fingerstyle methods
- Blending diverse musical influences from metal to classical
- Advancing Michael Hedges' legacy through technical innovation and emotional depth
Andy McKee developed groundbreaking methods that reshaped acoustic guitar playing. His alternate tunings created new sonic landscapes while his percussive techniques merged with traditional fingerpicking. At age 18, he discovered inspiration through "Because It's There" which showcased Hedges' mesmerizing tapping techniques and rich bass lines.
McKee draws from multiple genres to craft his unique style, building upon Michael Hedges' foundations while pushing technical boundaries. His contemporary sound innovations have earned him recognition among today's most influential guitarists who are redefining the instrument. His influence continues to inspire new generations of guitarists, establishing his role as a crucial innovator in contemporary acoustic guitar music.
