Andy McKee - Africa

[@XoxJasonReynoldsxoX]

Went to school with andy at washburn rural 93-96. He was killer back then. He played hendrix at the battle of the bands in 95 and was spot on. Even back then I never saw him without a guitar on his shoulder; no matter the time or place. Cool guy, down to earth, quiet.

[@MissChiefs420]

I love him dude. Grew up watching this with my dad

[@ayotadhiambo]

It's taken him quite a long time to perfect his guitar playing skills... Indeed, great things take time...

[@stageprojrc]

Jason he inspired me... i went on to tour for years out of Texas and Nashville. Graduated WRHS class of 99’ James Croucher

[@durley2067]

Oh

[@AmyGeist-fd1xb]

MUSIC SO MELLOW

[@Prakashed]

Massive Fan of Andy McKee. Hope he gets the recognition and accolades he truly deserves.

[@diegofarraces5295]

when I had my firt computer at 12 years old, I looked "guitar" in KZbin and you were the first video that I see in internet in my life, you played this song, sorry for my english but I wanted say that, you are very nostalgic for me, you are part of my remembers.

[@bobbyhabib2827]

This man is a complete orchestra. Very touching and relaxing. A gifted person.

[@la1ce]

I love it, how this guy just sit there with only one guitar behind a mic, not saying a word, but you see the thousands of hours of practicing and writing in this. Andy's performance absolutely blows my mind every damn time. I'm playing guitar for a couple of years now, but I can't play correctly more than half of his riffs.

[@gwynnielsen5081]

I am a big fan of all guitar virtuosos like Andy here who investigates the fret board and utilizes it to his best advantage. Cool!

[@seboOoOOstien]

After 10 years . Still incredible to listen

[@Blinkers2007GameDev]

It reminds me that there is still hope in the world. It's not too late

[@adayatatyme]

Kudos to Jeff Porcaro and Toto for writing such a lovely piece, which Andy personalized so well! Great job Andy!

[@NickNeblo]

He's the Hendrix of modern fingerpicking, so many have took inspiration from him

[@G31mR]

Timeless.

[@geera.dasilva]

Who still trippin in 2020?!? This guy is so magic 🙏🏻

[@sylvestre.rawminey]

I still do !

[@benoitbocage3813]

Dear guitare, i would be on her place ! Chère guitare, j'aimerais être à sa place.

[@RECTALBURRITO]

Oooh yeah, you know it.

[@TheShadow-we2fs]

2021 :D

[@replicated]

i farded in my pant and tehm stimnk is real bads plz hlep i think i shid

[@indubualisticism123]

I seen this a few years ago, still amazing. People like this are the ones who should be famous...

[@cowman0967]

He is haha

[@qsauvage]

There's so much energy Andy McKee provides through his music, truly incredible

[@LorraineIwakashdan]

Saw this guy live in Canterbury. Not an experience you could ever forget! Years later I was able to make a connection with a friend over having seen and liked this same guy. We are now married. Came here to reminisce with my current husband. Thanks Andy!

[@airhorn2111]

He just played an entire band's worth of song on one instrument. We need to cut the crap with whoever's on the radio and give this man the appreciation and respect he deserves.

[@marissasharp9892]

Love the original version of this, and absolutely love Andy’s cover of this! How he does all the sounds…melody, harmony, beat…just amazing! I’ve enjoyed his music for the past 12 years. Brings me peace. God bless! And God bless the rains in Africa! ❤

[@HawkeyeCamoCountry]

Absolutely amazing, I can honestly sit here for hours and listen to Andy play. It's so unique and he executes every note so perfectly. What a talent. I'll never be able to achieve the level of guitar/musicianship as this man has achieved thus far in his life.

[@LordTimothious]

You can feel the emotion in this, hell you can see it. The way he bows his head and sways his body while playing. That my friends is something all true musicians do. When you play something so beautiful and you have that mental connection between you and the music. The feeling of goosebumps all over you and the feeling of overwhelming emotion. Its something everyone needs in life.

[@lawrencefitton2927]

agreed. i have found that feeling on my guitar. but like another comment read - andy makes me wanna give up guitar. he's that good and i know i never will be.

[@JaimeMesChiens]

Yes. It becomes your pulse.

[@guitarsoundsaround]

It’s the unintentional part of living in the moment. Caught up in a musical trance that only a player can relate to. I will never be a great guitar player and I am good with it but it doesn’t stop me from trying, enjoying, learning and supporting musicians.❤🎸

[@r3b3lvegan89]

First heard Andy when my friend Noah showed me him in 2003ish and nearly 20 years later he’s still one of the GOATs of guitar playing. Much love

[@j-macks1512]

i admire admy mckee for not only his skill and knowledge of the guitar but his courage to matket something original and creative. i live in a city that loves country and pop music and i have to say, from what ive seen of underground Peterborough Ontario Andy McKee would be welcome with open arms. Please come to Peterborough, Ontario Canada!!!!!!

[@thetruereality2]

I love how he enjoys playing that guitar. He seems to be loving it so much that he must have been compelled to practice and be with that skill and he is able to make it so seamless right now it's truly wonderful and inspiring

[@christinazaccone9884]

What a beautiful guitar. Love the frets.

[@JMWrites]

Had the greatest privilege of getting to see this live just over two years ago, such a great guy and such an awe-inspiring musician! And what an awesome cover!

[@dsee1774]

Pure Talent and perspiration!

[@johncraig2623]

Your innovative techniques and style never fails to just grab me--in thr best way!

[@nessmusic5508]

Stunning rendition, not only played beautifully but with real passion and feel as well, wow!! Wonder what the guitar make and model are, amazing!!

[@akhillong4068]

Step 1: learn guitar Step 2: watch Andy do this cover Step 3: look up song tab Step 4: smash guitar in frustration Step 5: quit guitar Step 6: go to law school

[@longvo2166]

R Channe almost get there :)) haha

[@Mrnono1313]

R Channe That's it! your comment is funny coz' that's exactly what i feel when i look this vid.... I'm now in law school lol!

[@rustyshakleford1482]

R Channe Step-1: Stop listening to michael jackson and rapper snoop dog buttfuker or whatever, so you can begin to get an idea of what REAL musician sounds like. Step-2: Realize that guys like Andy McKee can be found anywhere. Step-3: Realize that the Worlds most skilled musicians usually have a masters degree and are over 50 years old. Step-4: Realize that to be a great musician you first have to learn what it is your listening to. Step-5: Realize that none of the great musicians play cover tunes. None of them sing because they don't need lyrics to sell their music. Step-6: Realize that not everyone is cut out to be a musician and should go to law school.

[@fatback-backpack3125]

R Channe yea that about sums it up.

[@EightMilesHigh1966]

Currently on step 3, hope I never make it to step 4

[@The.HarroweD]

Thank you SO much for making this video. I swear 1 million of those views are from me, and I still get goosebumps every time you hit the chorus and start the heavier strumming. It's helped me through some shit, so just, thank you.

[@granitePillar]

Nzuri sana! Hakika wewe ni bwana wa muziki. I have been to the plains of Africa and Kilimanjaro - what a beautiful place......... Asante sana bwana!!

[@thebronzeage23]

Just the way he plays the guitar, with such ease. It’s like part of his body that he can happily control like a hand or a foot. He really sinks into the song and dives into every note. You are truly incredible

[@FansSports]

He makes me want to give up my job, and devote my time to my guitar!!!

[@ufera]

FansSports he makes me want to quit my guitar and devote my time to my work.....

[@MrAndorox]

+ufera guitar skill takes a lot of work smh -.-

[@ufera]

+Ando Erazo I know bro , a L O T of devotion. cheers.

[@FansSports]

+ufera It sure does, I've almost completed "For My Father" by Andy Mckee, an it has taken true devotion. My is ready to throw me an the song out the window :/

[@ΘοδωρήςΜπελεγρής-β6υ]

i think that in order to reach his level and play every song so easily and calm u need about 15-20 years

[@더더-y7p]

정말...대단...!!.단 한명이 연주하는 기타하나로 toto의 africa가 이정도까지 표현되다니 귀가 호강하네요

[@natas5061]

After the loss of a baby and a person crashing a truck into my house trying to hurt my son and i all in one year I'm realizing I might have a little PTSD.hard for a man to admit .his music makes me calm and not internalize.very powerful.ty andy

[@ididgt4259]

Holy shit. What kind of mafia did you join/quit?

[@Kornhulio18]

a little PTSD

[@UltraViolent21]

He has been a big influence in my 25 year guitar journey.

[@rwbullock4197]

Excellent video..... I was wondering where Andy has been......I was worried for him 😥....His Recent video told us he was touring with PRINCE!! I am not kidding (April 1)

[@alexanderkaiser2855]

How can you dislike this?!? I love it 🤩

[@jorgerodriguezcampos9221]

I loved your guitar ... I had never seen anything like Greetings from Santiago, Chile

[@wardob]

Greenfield G4.2 Custom Fan Fret Acoustic

[@bunny-jayfalwasser4404]

Saw this for the first time about 13 years ago and I may even had to watch it using dial up internet....times were tough back then

[@Tejvir7]

Yea sure

[@danjmcs]

Just SO great... first time i saw Andy perform this live was opening for Dream Theater a few years back... just sat there mesmerized enjoying a beer... been a fan and listener ever since!

[@Luality]

my favorite version of this song since more than a decade!

[@SuperRuiPacheco]

I first heard this a few years ago, when I was about 15/16, and hearing it now, just brings me manly tears. Thank you sir, for the amazing music and the way it touches me. :)

[@SuttonSantiniPaulo]

this fuckin guy

[@GiordanoBrunoful]

let's buy this guy's CDs so that he can continue to make great music

[@exoticfrog]

5 years on, and still relishing the serenity Andy brings to me

[@Parzifal81]

I love that chorus arrangement.

[@redskullz124]

The kind that bends the reality and the space-time continuum with its awesomeness.

[@renatocoelho88]

Muito bom. Essa música merecia uma versão como essa.

[@Zombiewaster215]

there's something you don't see every day:Talent.

[@IknowIamkindagreat]

I broke my fingers trying to play along.

[@mishali9358]

i broke my play trying to guitar along

[@xpirate16]

Set the speed at 2 for Expert Mode

[@DrDonnie]

I broke my feet trying to play along

[@dahliaday17]

the beauty in the vocals are in the high strings. Especially in the chorus!

[@garrettestep4157]

Phenomenal, two solo guitarists come together to rep their style of playing and compliment eachother wonderfully. Thank you

[@Lasse3]

Watch that Guitar ! !! look at the frets ! the bars have been " warped " i have never seen a guitar neck like that before ! :D

[@trajceiiievski7989]

Leland Sklar, probably the best session bass player is also using custom guitar with that kind of frets

[@harrisonmoore8190]

It's a fanned fret guitar from Greenfield guitars.

[@Lasse3]

Harrison Moore for a moment i thought the Camera had a wide eye lens or something :D

[@CoDisafishy]

Trajce Iiievski They kind of resemble dingwall basses as well.

[@HorridFroth]

Fanned fret guitars have better intonation when doing altered tunings

[@jasobres]

Watch at 1.25 speed to hear the song closer to the original tempo.

[@marioretamozo6261]

+jasobres true!

[@shreyasiacharya8156]

+jasobres yeah right :)

[@slendieboy4988]

+jasobres how to watch at 1.25x?

[@adamvykouk3469]

-> settings -> speed...

[@PuffGamingH]

you should play on chrome

[@biggin92191]

I'm convinced there are people who just go around youtube disliking videos.

[@Tobinicus]

We call those people trolls

[@tdcsguy]

currently there are 248 dislikes in 2.9 million views, that's 0.008%. If you just look at the proportion of people who actually liked or disliked the video it's 1.53%. I'd say that's as good as it gets on youtube :D

[@kevindanielturcios4465]

same

[@IknowIamkindagreat]

Well said. Some people take great joy in trying to milk the pleasure out of things genuine people really enjoy. Trick is we just can't let me. Feel bad, they are probably sad and lonely.

[@bublik11]

probably also treid to play like him and failed miserably and disliked. low lifes

[@Mhaslim]

This is one of the most talented human beings I have ever seen. Why am I just seeing this???

[@romainmoreau8705]

Ce mec me laisse des frissons sur chacun de ses titres. Merci pour toute l'émotion que vous transmettez Mr McKee !!! / This guy gives me chills each of its tracks. Thank you for all the emotion you send Mr McKee!

[@isaacemanuel5104]

Who still trippin in 2021 ?!? This guy is so magic 🙏🏻

[@unnotigeswissen9018]

Tbh I just love the beginning .. :)

[@tianbasureta8186]

NOVEMBER 2019 WHO ELSE?

[@patrefkorwa9371]

2020😢

[@oldschoolsg]

used to always listen to this song on my laptop speakers, just listen to it with headphones for the first time....OMFG this so well recorder, perfect balance..thank you so much for this perfect time!

[@BadAxeReturns]

Quite literally the most beautiful song I have ever heard in my life.

[@verydirtyflow]

was that guitar made by escher?

[@ledmandlin]

+verydirtyflow fan-fretted Greenfield

[@verydirtyflow]

+ledmandlin it was eh, kinda a rhetorical joke question to be fair but you crack on son!

[@heymikeyh9577]

verydirtyflow… and if it had a True Temperament fingerboard would that mean it was made by Dali? ;-)

[@wardob]

Greenfield G4.2 Custom Fan Fret Acoustic

[@aphrodites]

okay i'm an idiot because i was waiting for him to sing

[@burrbonus]

My search for an honest person can stop here.

[@jackfrost187]

and a wild millennial appears.

[@BillSr.]

Who needs words? Besides who don't know the words to this great song? But I will admit.. I did too. 😁

[@richbailey8174]

He does.....:)....you are not listening close enough

[@AdnyWrackin]

I heard that Toto did a cover of this song

[@LaxMediaVideos]

Appreciate the acoustic recording quality of your excellent virtuoso performance.

[@corzp]

that guitar looks insane!!!

[@shelbycobra429]

Are my eyes wrong or there's something different and twisted on that fretboard. What they did to it?

[@rspl2000]

+Marvin Crespo They are called fanned frets. Some say they feel more natural to the hands and improve intonation.

[@shelbycobra429]

+rspl2000 Thanks for the information. Never heard of it before. Music is an amazing endless field.

[@Nihilish]

+rspl2000 Also called multiscale. Because the treble side of the neck has a smaller scale than the bass side. Meaning that the low strings will have more bass response without adding tension on the higher strings.

[@saint-cetacean]

(late comment but) fanned frets also help with dropped tunings. The longer scale length on the bass strings allows you to tune them down without getting the same amount of "floppiness" that you would get otherwise.

[@bacicinvatteneaca]

rspl2000 Nothing to do with intonation, you're thinking of true temperament frets, which are wavy to accommodate the different string gauges. Multi scale is to get a more even tension and thickness between strings.

[@zirjayvillanueva8876]

I would happily lose my hair if that's what it would take to be as good as andy

[@henkdevries7634]

Zirjay Villaneuva he's got hair. I didn't say where.

[@wardkdouglas]

Daniel Maas 😏

[@juliethevirgo]

LOL

[@guitarded5198]

Well... mines all gone and I still can’t play!!!!

[@livelaughfucksocietyjudah4737]

He did Z.. He did.

[@LeonRFpoa]

that's like a 20,000 dollar guitar and a 3000 dollar mike.

[@Majis]

Who is Mike?

[@JordanNexhip]

***** I shouldn't be laughing at this

[@manamiemyr]

LeonRFpoa what that skill, he deserves it.

[@eohybernede1649]

LeonRFpoa thats irellevant the sounds clearer but he could still play that song a piece of shit guitar

[@LeonRFpoa]

Eohy Bernadede Just saying that's one hell of a guitar.

[@claytonmarkin7863]

I saw this live last week, hes gotten even better at it, sounds incredible, plus hes walking around the stage and laughing the whole time. Best show I've ever been to.

[@lunacorona5734]

Superb.

[@NoThankYouThough]

I want to do this.

[@NoThankYouThough]

I can with my voice but not my fingers.

[@Goshoonkeys]

he must be fun at partys

[@motorvenom7113]

Wait what? That remark began as a really sarcastic insult to people who are total buzzkill. I'm confused.

[@Goshoonkeys]

i meant it in a positive way bruh

[@Quietasad]

check out Mike Masse's cover. amazing

[@FanFilms101]

THANKS. I just looked it up and liked it.

[@Blinkers2007GameDev]

I loved this cover. Just fantastic. I am so thrilled to have discovered this song

[@RobCarrollMusic]

Well damn this is some dope guitar work

[@nocab28]

Go home frets you're drunk.

[@Brendanfarr29]

i have trouble believing frets can metabolise alcohol?

[@D0g63rt]

So you're not a fan of those?

[@ACat-pm8kx]

nocab28 pmfsl 👍🏼😂

[@SeanNaderi123]

I honestly don't understand how someone could watch this, and not just think oh this isn't my thing really and move onto a different video, but to actually actively show dislike by pressing a thumbs down! Some people... I'd like to see the 111 idiots who dislike this video give this a shot!

[@にこ-c7l]

Sean Naderi Lol so people can't dislike something they can't do

[@HOXHOXHOX]

what is wrong with that guitar's frets?

[@wannabuysomecrack]

nothing is wrong with them, they're called fanned frets.

[@HOXHOXHOX]

wannabuysomecrack thanks, i didn't know about them.

[@littlewing90]

Fanned frets

[@Zahiimchen]

They're gay.

[@Muggleblood24]

Andy mckee inspires me to do better at guitar and learn new styles of guitar playing hes the reason i started trying to tap the guitar and stuff to add bass and rhythm to my playing

[@garnerjoyce606]

I could listen all day, amazing music and songs that I don't know how to express how I feel. Closest to amazing relief, from the troubles and struggles we all face. Thank you

[@inspector-dre]

I want to play again....guitar

[@joejohanes2372]

Gw kira ente yg playing guitar bro....sepintad sama sih...

[@inspector-dre]

wuakakakakak... atasnya mirip ya broo

[@TumbleDwarf]

I think I'm closer to giving up guitar after watching this...

[@MrSgarnev]

TumbleDwarf Make it a reason to learn, than to give up mate :))) Music is not a competition anyways :))) So don't give up, maybe you won't be able to play like him, but he won't be able to play like you as well :)))))

[@TumbleDwarf]

Simeon Garnev Thank you!! :)))

[@mosj9876]

needs more cowbell!

[@juliethevirgo]

LOL

[@danielpepin2665]

the world would be a nicer place if only...

[@TR-kg7lh]

I heard Toto covered this song. It's not as good as the original, here.

[@AbsoluteAbsurd]

xD

[@deltainvestmentfinancialse34]

Right.

[@HrSamstag]

😄👉👍👈😄

[@peternemeth1777]

The strumming part is so beautiful and powerful. It makes me teary.

[@MgCtK1]

Amazing version and interesting variation on chorus by strumming only which sounds great. 1.28 - transition to higher note on E string creates an incredible feel

[@ijirving]

I'll probably get roasted for even trying to criticize this, but I thought the chorus was kinda bleh. It felt too washed out and unless you were listening carefully it was hard to distinguish root notes, which are more prominent in the original song.

[@Unholy_Mango]

I can see where you're coming from. Unfortunately it's the nature of a guitar with the dramatically extended string length, heavy gauge strings and low tuning. Notes get washed out in chords. There also isn't much he can do to avoid that, that was his option for exhibiting the strength of the chorus compared to the rest of the song.

[@Unholy_Mango]

+Awesome Sauce what are you even on about

[@scottvandiver5209]

+ijirving You're completely right my friend. Not to diminish or detract from what he's done here, because it's friggin' amazing -- but I did find the chorus was a little too... well, it was just WAY too much. I would have preferred a more minimalist interpretation.

[@Gherodolille]

+ijirving Although I agree I still think this version kicks the originals ass..

[@ACESTRUTTER]

+ijirving I think you hit the nail on the head....It is a great song, but the chorus was tough to grasp unlike the original version....

[@jackkanovysac4998]

saw you live at rose music hall in columbia, mo. you stood while the entire venue waited in line to buy merch and shake your hand, one of the best shows i've ever been to.

[@michaeljr8036]

I've been listening to this guy since I was like 15 or 16. He's still as amazing as when I first heard him!

[@pyzik200]

I can't even remember how I stumbled upon you years ago, keep coming back. Love it man!

[@ashleygreenaway6312]

I mean, the whole thing is incredible, but the thing that really stands out for me is how controlled his fadeout is at the end. It takes a whole lot more skill than non-guitarists would realise.

[@energybengt]

soulful and moody .... lush .... dynamic ... thank you

[@alberthofmann5195]

Wow the design of the frets is so nice, beautiful guitar and nice cover too

[@wardob]

Greenfield G4.2 Custom Fan Fret Acoustic

[@Yaboiii96]

Been listening to you for nearly 15 years of my life never gets old

[@enantiodromia]

I have just come here from Kent Nishimura's fingerstyle rendition of this song. And although I recognize the technical prowess that Mr. McKee displays here, I cannot help by really being impressed by Mr. Nishimura.

[@Shepsterful]

Absolutely amazing. One of the top three guitarist I have had the pleasure to watch in my lifetime.

[@WildCharles]

Love this!!.. Wow!

[@NefariousTV]

I remember watching these videos in my room 15 years ago just wishing I could play like this one day. Some of the most nostalgic experiences I've had in a while revisiting this. You will always be my biggest inspiration musically man. Thank you for that! Also my wife and I saw you in Berkley with Antoine and Don like 10 years ago and I will never forget I was taking a piss in between Don and Antoines set and you walked up in the stall next to me and all I could think was "I'm pissing next to Andy McKee.... wtf..." 😂

[@MP5..]

I saw Andy perform this in Philly a few months after he released it on youtube. Small setting, maybe 20 of us in the audience. He was so proud when he introduced this song, but I was only interested in his originals. Got up to use the bathroom and he stopped his intro to ask me to sit back down. The audience laughed. I still walked to the bathroom

[@Anthonyylombardo]

pretty cool how the fret board is angled. must be why this piece is so great!

[@valabreu728]

Whatching in 2021. The best fingerstyle for this music. Congrats, man!