Andy McKee

Andy McKee’s innovative approach to the acoustic guitar established him as one of the most influential fingerstyle guitarists of his generation. Born in Topeka, Kansas, Andy began playing guitar at age 13 and soon developed an ardent passion for the instrument. Inspired by artists such as Preston Reed, Michael Hedges, Eric Johnson, Don Ross, and Billy McLaughlin, he taught himself many of the techniques that would later define his unmistakable musical voice. Andy’s playing became renowned for its eloquent blend of alternate and open tunings, inventive capo techniques, and expressive use of percussion and palm slapping on the guitar, creating rich, orchestral textures from a single instrument. His remarkable performances have reached hundreds of millions of viewers through viral online videos, introducing fingerstyle guitar to audiences around the world. Dedicated to sharing his knowledge, Andy began teaching at a music store when he was just 17 years old and later taught at a second music retailer, encouraging the next generation of guitarists. During his NAMM Oral History interview, he performed his composition “Drifting” and reflected on how the piece has progressed over the years as his musicianship has evolved. Andy also spoke fondly of performing alongside artists including Tommy Emmanuel, Prince, and his longtime friend Eric Johnson, each relationship enriching his own remarkable musical journey.