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AdvancedContemporaryNew Age2005

Drifting

Andy McKee·arr. Andy McKee

Duration

242

Year

2005

Level

Advanced

TuningDADGAD
3 altered
6
D↓ E
5
A
4
D
3
G
2
A↓ B
1
D↓ E
← Low (6th)High (1st) →

Chords Used

Dsus2GAsus4Em7Cadd9

About This Piece

Drifting is Andy McKee's most famous composition and the piece that, along with Rylynn, made him a viral sensation on YouTube in 2006. The song uses DADGAD tuning — a Celtic-influenced open tuning that creates a rich, open sound perfectly suited to McKee's cascading harp-harmonic style.

The piece embodies McKee's signature approach: harp harmonics create shimmering, bell-like tones while the left hand maintains the melody and the thumb keeps a gentle bass pulse.

Technical Overview

The DADGAD Tuning

DADGAD (low to high: D-A-D-G-A-D) is essential to this piece. The open strings create a Dsus4 chord, which gives the music its ethereal, unresolved quality.

How to tune:

  • 6th string: D (down from E)
  • 5th string: A (unchanged)
  • 4th string: D (unchanged)
  • 3rd string: G (unchanged)
  • 2nd string: A (down from B)
  • 1st string: D (down from E)

Harp Harmonics

The signature technique of Drifting. The right-hand index finger lightly touches the string 12 frets above the fretted note while the ring finger plucks the string below. This creates a pure, bell-like harmonic.

Practice approach:

  1. Fret a note with your left hand
  2. Lightly touch the string with your right-hand index finger exactly 12 frets higher
  3. Pluck below your index finger with your ring finger
  4. The index finger lifts immediately after plucking

Learning Path

Phase 1: Get Comfortable in DADGAD (Week 1)

  • Practice strumming open strings to hear the tuning
  • Play simple chord shapes in DADGAD
  • Get your ear accustomed to the sound

Phase 2: Harp Harmonics Foundation (Week 2–3)

  • Practice harmonics on a single string
  • Slowly add movement in the left hand
  • Focus on consistency — every harmonic should ring clearly

Phase 3: Main Theme (Week 3–5)

  • Learn the opening section note by note
  • Combine bass thumb with harmonic melody
  • Aim for musical phrasing, not just correct notes

Phase 4: Full Piece Assembly (Week 5–8)

  • Connect all sections
  • Develop dynamic contrast
  • Record yourself and listen critically

Performance Notes

Drifting requires patience and an acceptance that it takes time to develop the harmonic technique. Many players spend weeks just on the harmonics before attempting the full piece. This is time well spent — a clear, ringing harmonic is far more musically satisfying than a muted, uncertain one.

The title reflects the dream-like quality of the music — let it drift.