My Life as a CPA by Andy McKee

On his visit to Montréal to play the "Greenfield Guitars Shop Concert Series" in July of 2012, Andy McKee stopped by the workshop to record a few videos. Here he is playing the a demo model of my model GF. As usual, you are listening to the artist, the guitar and a single mic in the bench room of my workshop. Live, off the floor. There are no pickups being used. The sound is pure. Enjoy!
Please visit my web site www.greenfieldg... for information about any of the guitars seen in these videos, or to contact me about a commission!

[@BohéimSoülchyld03]

11 years has gone by and I still come back just to watch him play

[@JayBHooks]

Same!

[@richgerow3472]

As an accountant, I agree that this song is perfect to crunch numbers to.

[@ZL1LoVeR]

Crunching numbers as we speak

[@JamesBartholomewMusic]

2:32 to 2:50 is probably the most hair raising and tensioned piece of music in fingerstyle i know of, you know a well written piece of music when you feel it right down your neck

[@sixwingsram]

So beautiful❤Andy is one best composers and innovative guitarists. I remember hearing this when i work with the intellectually challenged at Cedars. Brings back great memories. Thanks Andy for such great guitar pieces❤❤❤

[@nathanfrey3073]

Beyond words,magnificent

[@JJF10101957]

Both my Father and Brother have worked as CPA's, a life and soul draining way to make a living. It does not compute (for me) how such a soul wringer of a profession can translate to such beautiful, and perfect music. It's an artists gift!

[@matteroffact825]

The full name of this song is actually "My life as a CPA parallel universe #43" Andy Mckee said this song explores what he would be in a parallel universe... I think Andy would agree its a soul draining job and ironically makes it sound beautiful and happy (just as it would be in a parallel universe of course) ;)

[@nitroxsam66]

I believe the incredible sound we hear is coming from inside Andy...that guitar is just a conduit for the sound of the artist's soul.

[@jdm89s13]

Hm. Interesting, but we actually know exactly where the sound is coming from. As the guitar strings are plucked, they vibrate back and forth. As they move through space they collide with the surrounding air molecules, and since the string motion is oscillatory, these collisions are as well. As the surrounding molecules are perturbed, they in turn perturb their molecular neighbors such that the net effect is a pressure wave (aka air molecules hitting each other) that propagates outwards in three dimensions from the source (vibrating strings). Parts of these waves can then collide with your ear drum, which is light enough to be moved by the pressure wave. This oscillatory motion of your ear drum causes a connected auditory nerve to transduce the pressure wave signal into an electrical signal which travels to the temporal lobe of your cerebral cortex. The aggregate signal is then translated by your limbic system into what you recognize as sound. There is no scientific evidence for the concept of the soul.

[@trumpetman2529]

@@jdm89s13 that's because science and spirituality are but two parts of one whole. The logical mind and the feeling soul existing congruently among the same spectrum, irrevocably. Therefore creating another aspect of duality manifest in this experience of life.

[@jdm89s13]

trumpetman2529 - Well, let me reply to your bald-ass assertion with one of my own - no, science and spirituality (whatever tf that is) are not in any way related. Looks like we’re at a stalemate, unless you want to drop the vague, subjective bs and actually make valid claims.

[@TheMusicZone1]

@@jdm89s13 The description of how sound is made is separate to that of how one person can evoke an emotion, whilst another dislikes it. What nitroxsam66 is saying is the influences and environment Andy Mckee is living in/lived in is what creates the sound/style of playing there's not many out there that have mastered this type of fingerpicking/playing. So whatever terminology/attributes that are assigned or now developed to him because of his experiences or preferences, whether or not it's a cardinal sin for you, for someones now known musical ability to be labeled a soul or not really doesn't matter as it is certainly a distinct attribute that has become part of him, what people know him for.

[@joeyisho5370]

@@jdm89s13 You must be a BLAST at parties.

[@alexmuzio23]

It's one thing to create lyrics to express how you feel but to express it through chords without words is in a different class of its own. Beautiful!!

[@staffansvahn]

Visiting once again. This tune is so sublime. A genius at work.

[@AdamCantor]

I'm visiting too, and sharing the same sentiments. :)

[@apok708]

Andy Mckee is the first and the best percussion/finger style guitar player I have ever heard of. His style has greatly influenced me as a musician. He is a beast. I love this song.

[@apok708]

if you read the entire sentence you'll see that I said Andy Mckee is the first that I've heard of.

[@bobshan2035]

apok708 Check out Michael Hedges, one of his greatest influences.

[@xfallofmanx]

This song brings tears to my eyes. Andy is extremely talented at translating emotion into vibration in a way that allows a listener to take that vibration and turn it back into emotion they can experience and analyze. He is everything I love about music.

[@mothergoose4231]

this is even more light of the day in a dying world of quality and originality. both musician and guitar maker say it best. what a treasure. great vid great job guys!!!!

[@PrincePedro91]

Listening to the music this man makes has pushed me through 5 years of University! I missed my chance to see him when he was in Scotland :( :( All of it is beautiful music, even better when watched live. Thank you Andy!

[@rmirabelle]

Andy uses understated and underrated chord voicing so sublimely.

[@evilswissy]

under stated and under rated chord voicings....wtf does that even mean. what a fckn brainless sheeple

[@Remiboixmusique]

just magic ! maybe one of the greatest guitarist of his generation !

[@williamlowe7718]

that..to me...is the best song andy has done...so heartfelt, tou can hear the angst and the longing for something more throughout the melody, you can feel the frustration of the drudgery...almost brings me to tears...

[@stacykaplan9473]

andy mckee is the single greatest guitarist of our time. arguably of course but unbeatable in time tempo and style... if there are any true strings supporters you would know... this is unparalleled brilliance and his legacy will be paved in the truth of his patience behind his instrument

[@dannychoi18]

The perfect statement!

[@SeanMCMLXVI]

that's quite magniloquent

[@go_topspeed]

Dont forget Micheal Hedges bro! But god this music is serenity.

[@CHICKENSNIFFER17]

And a great human being to boot

[@staffansvahn]

The seamless change of rhythm at 2.32 is so cool... Back again once more to listen. Amazing....

[@johnnylanderos7067]

This guy must love being a CPA! Haha. This is great!

[@michaelc9224]

Well, it's official. Someone finally made being a CPA sound magical. Andy Mckee.

[@Fis-xf6ir]

Oh wao I'm playing this music Many times I'm watching Frome philipines

[@kjrib]

Andy's ability to interweave this beautiful central melody within a landscape of chords so serene its melancholy overwhelms the listener with a vision of a panoramic all-consuming love. Deep. Unfettered. Love. Clearly he draws his artistry from a very high realm.

[@staffansvahn]

Back again for a listen. Absolutely sublime... What a wonderful piece of music. Best wishes

[@ColganBryan]

It surprises me that there are 4 people on the planet so lacking in musical knowlege as to give this a thumbs down. This video is clearly a beautiful sounding instrument beautifully played by a very tasteful skilled player. It is sad to know that some people can be so deaf or have so much difficulty making reasonable assessments to appreciate this.

[@vapensmoke]

By far my favorite Andy Mckee song. It's pretty incredible

[@neeltennis93]

listening to this seriously makes life seem better.

[@TheRayBanRebel]

for anyone that is wondering what tuning this is in it is DADEAC# from low to high

[@MiK4U2B]

dont´t forget about the capo at the 3rd

[@TheRayBanRebel]

yes dont forget that either lol..thanks :)

[@davide.5900]

Anyone who wants to play along to the video: Its tuned slightly flat here...about -16 cents. :)

[@sc7244]

I might try and learn this by ear from this video here

[@DanielCervone]

This has quickly turned into one of my favourite tunes, ever. Thanks for posting.

[@spacetripmix]

I don’t think I have seen someone capture raw emotion through an instrument like this since I found Buckethead. This piece has me feeling every emotion a human is capable of feeling all within a couple minutes. Andy, don’t ever stop playing for us man, we really appreciate you.

[@AbdiasI]

Well .. I agree on every word friend .. I am also a fan of both Buckethead and Andy. They are probably the only guitarists who can really express themselves without using the word.

[@kevingreene6893]

There it is... that place you go to when you’re totally submerged in the transcendental space of the guitar... magical. Cheers Andy and Michael of course :)

[@donnamariealba]

Incredible song Andy McKee is playing on that beautiful sounding guitar!!!! WOW! This guitar has such a beautiful tone. I want one.

[@joeyisho5370]

Truly beautiful.

[@jamiemaidment7299]

I just want to touch his guitar... I have never seen such beautiful work

[@Fis-xf6ir]

What a beautiful sounds

[@keviinkins]

Hi Mr.Mckee I've been listening to your music for a few years now and I have to say its very soothing and relaxing. I recently discovered that you're a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and I was blown away because I really enjoy your music and I'm a college student who is an aspiring accountant, hoping to become a CPA so I can help those in need. Thank you & I love your music.

[@Neptunade]

A flowing sonic cascade, just at the right pace for my brain slowing down to sleep right soon.

[@Neptunade]

Whoa, and that ending...

[@staffansvahn]

Back again. Just love this tune so much. Best wishes

[@davidgallois5634]

Awesome as always Mr. Andy McKee - thank you.

[@justindc3124]

God has blessed you a beautiful talent Andy.

[@DrBromiAndufEwd]

As always...completely amazed and blown away.

[@The_Kevinist]

Fucking amazing to know that Andy plays guitars straight from Montreal

[@chadfengel]

One day I will have a, Greenfield!!! Everytime I hear one of your guitars it gives me chills!

[@glennweiser7465]

Very nice playing, pleasantly warm, atmospheric piece.

[@adamclaybourne]

so beautiful

[@marcroy8575]

I listen to this video regularly! Love it still. Such a perfect, pure performance

[@alexmuzio23]

Whos still rockin this out in 2018 ?

[@marcroy8575]

Always a part of my playlist!

[@kernelspy]

Just stumbled upon it! Soooo mesmerising sound.

[@victormainguitar]

2019!

[@sebastianbecher8927]

Alex KZbin 2020

[@justindc3124]

2021

[@eceballos07ghotmail]

Viva andy mckee!!!!!the best of rhe best

[@BJMallory]

Sublime. Thank you for sharing.

[@fareezaizat8684]

Only 1.7k likes?? Come on humann...this is the example of a good quality music...instead of most of nowadays song

[@AcousticLabs]

This is so beautiful...

[@prometheusxc]

So beautiful, Andy.

[@caroldt23]

Always. 2013 and this song

[@DancingRockInc]

Who else is glad Andy didn't become an accountant?

[@jonathanschubert9052]

CPA Andy at a bar: "I coulda been someone, man. I coulda played guitar. I coulda been number one! You don't even know, man. You don't even know!"

[@danzummo8748]

^ love

[@CosmicApe]

"Sure, sure Andy, whatever you say. Just make sure those spreadsheets are on my desk first thing tomorrow morning."

[@betehoro]

that clear sound ... lovely.

[@sanntiimusic]

he should be a millonaire, famous, and one of the best artists of the entire world

[@mikeedwards6875]

Love your work Andy. Mr Greenfield - what a wonderful guitar! Also love the other two tracks recorded in your workshop. Amazing. Mike

[@pedronascimento2101]

Beautiful song 👏👏🎵🎵

[@Pandahouse32]

I just recently revisited Michael Hedges 1984 album and I realize theres alot of parallels with this song and the song on Michaels album called Hot Type. I feel like this song is probably inspired by that one. I know Andy truly loves Michael's music I'm starting to hear his influence more and more

[@AceholeNinja]

beeeeautiful guitars.. saw him play a couple greenfields live last month, the sound is astonishing coming from the minimal setup he uses

[@hichhikr]

My favorite guitar player

[@boringshi]

Yay for bringing back the bearded Andy, for that 'don't mess with me - je ne sais quoi' to compliment the laid back vibe in a weird way. Rock on Andy!

[@rikutakahashi6781]

I love your guitar sound!!! Thank you Andy Mckee!!!

[@LucasZaranza]

What a masterpiece.

[@odemaru]

The amazing performance in live sound!

[@ZakkBaker]

OMG!! THOSE OPEN OCTAVES SOUND SO AMAZING. always wanted to make a song with them.

[@bobnancymiller4931]

Magic !

[@Ralphydub]

Awesome!

[@rakaraven]

Purely beautiful as always. Love it.

[@RADThird1]

Thanks again, Micheal for posting more of these "Guitar Shop" sessions videos. I'm addicted:0) The GF sounds magnificent...Andy too!

[@veer98667706488]

This Song makes me Cry I never wanted to be an Accountant/Finance analyist (CFA) I always wanted to be a musician..but Family Responsibility screwed my Dream :'(

[@DonCadavona]

I'm still here... 2020

[@jeffjackson6387]

Was particularly moved by this tune and a wave of nostalgia this morning - and happy to find it in my recommended vids. I know it's been some years ago, but then so has it been a long time that I played guitar myself. I was only a few years into getting pretty good at alternate tunings and writing music when difficult times came and had to sell my Martin. I'm looking forward to the next few months and the prospect of being able to purchase another one and pick up where I left off about 3 years ago. Your workshop looks and sounds so warm and perfect for just these sorts of performances, and I'm grateful for you capturing this moment, it was perfect! :) If I'm ever that way would love to visit Greenfield and check out the shop. Cheers and thanks again!

[@gtrslinger]

that's what I was thinking but I want to know for sure! It sounds AMAZING!

[@JuanMiguelAltube]

Cell Proliferation Assay, Cubic-Plus-Association, Commonwealth Ports Authority, Chirped Pulse Amplification, Canadian Petroleum Association, Corrugated Packaging Association, Cold Plasma Association, Contiguous Processor Allocation, Circulating Platelet Aggregation, Casual Players Alliance, Capability Provisioning Activity, Conflict Prevention Associates, Chartered Patent Attorney. I could go on, but i just farted and I think some shit breached my asswhole. Andy, you are great as usual. Love you

[@matrags]

Sounds beautiful.

[@paulrobson3879]

Too much heart.... Too much soul..... 😉☺️🤣♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Whitehawkvisionfilms]

love this piece! love the guitar too ;-)

[@jordanmntungwa3311]

Will always love this song. It's a pity I'll probably never learn to play it because I don't have a credit card to buy those tabs

[@joecusack3015]

Im thinking about selling my car and buying a Greenfield guitar

[@SRKanai1]

I fully support this.

[@TheDivineHysteria]

Do it.

[@vinurawitharanage8146]

I wish i had a car so i could sell it

[@VerticalWit]

yes

[@jamesotmar7741]

+Vinura Witharanage haha same

[@Schlemmassel]

...and andy is ofc. a great player.

[@Trcls]

Hi Blake. It's Trcls here. I'm one of your loyal subscribers. You are one of my favorite leftie fingerstyle guitarists on youtube. I hope you upload more covers and compositions. Your Teenage dream cover was the best. Hope to be as great as you one day on guitar. I hope you and Andy Mckee do a collaboration.

[@r4zib]

This one is one of your most beautiful tune that i like :)

[@Madeuphandle]

Andy went to outside source and they tabulated his songs. So if you google the joyland album you can buy the whole book of tabs for the album. And he's not with the candyrat label anymore. It's razor and tie :)

[@adamclaybourne]

you got it! There was an interview where he talks about a paralleled universe, where every thing was basically opposite. For him he thought the opposite of who he is would be a cpa.

[@gburch77]

his stuff is really amazing... and your guitars sound superb!!

[@igorfuro3488]

cara voce e fantastico

[@letsmakeithappen100]

such a melodic piece. not as "show boaty" as some of his stuff but none the less what a great song and some of the notes just really get you

[@hackjian]

Awesome thanks for the response!

[@RobinK]

Awesome work.

[@dicerosautismambient4894]

This song is great wish the beginning would have continued

[@raphaelpassaroto]

So beauty Headstock!!!!

[@VICODINES1]

I dig the Fein random orbital sander under the workbench. ;)

[@francescaierano5995]

I love too much this song. Where may I found it?

[@RADThird1]

Certified Perfect Acoustic !!! ;0)

[@paulroot27]

love this song man nice job!!

[@jeffcato2297]

this song makes me wanna crunch numbers...

[@AtheistDemon87]

such a deep sound ...love the quality ! GreenfieldGuitars? on my radar for sure

[@Damongaylor]

so good

[@Oleksandrovych]

The best of!!!

[@VikingMan44]

It's a completely handmade work of art made from the best materials money can buy that sounds beautiful and that takes a lot of time, energy and expertise to make. Out of curiosity... what do you think it should cost?