About This Piece
For My Father is one of Andy McKee's most emotionally resonant compositions, written as a tribute to his father. Like Drifting and Rylynn, it appeared on the 2005 CandyRat Records release that made McKee a YouTube phenomenon.
The piece uses ECDGAD tuning — a subtle variation on the DADGAD McKee favours — which gives it a warmer, slightly different harmonic palette. Where Drifting shimmers and floats, For My Father carries a deeper emotional weight, with a more song-like melody line and rich chord voicings.
Technical Overview
ECDGAD Tuning
ECDGAD (low to high: E-C-D-G-A-D) differs from DADGAD only in the 6th string (E instead of D) and the 5th string (C instead of A). This creates a rich open Cmaj7sus4 sound across the open strings.
Tuning the guitar:
- 6th string: E (standard)
- 5th string: C (down from A — a full tone and a half)
- 4th string: D (down from D — unchanged)
- 3rd string: G (unchanged)
- 2nd string: A (down from B)
- 1st string: D (down from E)
The unusual 5th string tuning (C) is the defining characteristic — it provides deep, resonant bass notes that underpin the entire piece.
Melodic Approach
Compared to McKee's more technique-focused pieces, For My Father prioritizes melody and phrasing. The technical demands are significant, but the goal is always a singing, vocal quality in the upper voice.
Harp Harmonics
Like Drifting, For My Father uses harp harmonics extensively. The technique is the same — right-hand index finger touches a node point while the ring finger plucks — but in ECDGAD the nodal positions are in different locations than standard tuning.
Learning Path
Phase 1: The Tuning (Week 1)
- Tune to ECDGAD and explore the open sound
- The C bass string takes adjustment — it feels unusual at first
- Play scales to understand how familiar shapes shift in this tuning
Phase 2: Melody First (Week 2–3)
- Learn the main melody line alone, singing it as you play
- Focus on tone and phrasing — every note should feel intentional
- This piece rewards slow, expressive practice
Phase 3: Bass and Chords (Week 4–5)
- Add the bass movement and chord voicings under the melody
- The left-hand stretches in some chord positions can be demanding
- Work on each section slowly before combining
Phase 4: Harmonics Integration (Week 6–10)
- Add the harp harmonic passages
- These sections require the most patience
- Aim for consistency: every harmonic should ring equally
Performance Notes
For My Father is a piece that reveals its depth over time. Early performances will feel technical; with practice, the music takes over and the technique becomes invisible. That moment — when you're thinking about the melody and the feeling rather than the fingerings — is when the piece truly comes alive.
Play it for someone you love.