Andrew “Andy” McKee (born April 4, 1979) is an American acoustic guitarist and composer best known for his fingerstyle technique, which incorporates percussive elements on the guitar body. He rose to prominence after his performance of “Drifting” was featured on the 2005 Internet video platform YouTube and the 2006 compilation album Acoustic Café: A New Generation of Guitarists. McKee’s music blends elements of folk, pop, and world music, and he is recognized for using alternate tunings, such as DADGAD and his own customized tunings, to achieve distinctive harmonic textures.
Early Life and Education
McKee was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in a musical family; his mother was a classical pianist. He began playing guitar at age 12 and later attended St. Louis Community College, where he studied music theory and composition.
Career Highlights
- Debut Album: Fall (2007, released on his independent label, Red Guitar Studios) featured the viral tracks “Drifting,” “Rylynn,” and “The Way It Ends.”
- Subsequent Releases: The Gates of Gnomeria (2009), The Autumn Hours (2012), Rainbow Snapshots (2015), and Lee’s Theme (2020).
- Touring: McKee has performed internationally, including appearances at folk festivals, guitar conventions, and concert halls across North America, Europe, and Asia.
- Collaborations and Media: He has contributed to guitar instructional DVDs, appeared on National Public Radio (NPR) segments, and contributed tracks to the video game Rock Band (2010).
Musical Technique
McKee utilizes a combination of fingerpicking, slap, and tapping techniques, often employing a capo and custom low‑profile strings to facilitate rapid percussive hits. His approach has influenced a generation of acoustic guitarists and contributed to the resurgence of fingerstyle guitar in the digital age.
Discography (selected)
- Fall (2007)
- The Gates of Gnomeria (2009)
- The Autumn Hours (2012)
- Rainbow Snapshots (2015)
- Lee’s Theme (2020)
Awards and Recognition
While McKee has not been the recipient of major mainstream music awards, his videos have accumulated millions of views on streaming platforms, and he has been featured in publications such as Premier Guitar and Acoustic Guitar magazine.
Personal Life
McKee married his partner, Lindsay, in 2011; the couple resides in the St. Louis metropolitan area. He maintains an active online presence, offering lessons and engaging with fans through social media.
