About This Piece
Rylynn is one of Andy McKee's most emotionally resonant compositions, written as a tribute to the daughter of a close friend. The piece is named after the child, and its tender, bittersweet quality reflects the profound personal circumstances of its creation.
Using Open D tuning, the song showcases McKee's gift for melody — even amid technical complexity, the music above all else tells a story.
The Open D Tuning
Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D low to high) creates a rich, resonant D major chord when all strings are strummed open. This tuning allows for expansive chord voicings and dramatic harmonic swells.
Tuning from standard:
- 6th string: down to D
- 5th string: unchanged (A)
- 4th string: unchanged (D)
- 3rd string: down to F#
- 2nd string: down to A
- 1st string: down to D
Musical Structure
Intro
The piece opens with a hypnotic two-bar pattern that establishes the emotional tone immediately. The bass notes anchor while the melody lines float above.
Main Theme
A heartfelt melody that builds gradually. McKee uses harp harmonics to add shimmer and light to the melody notes.
Development
The middle section introduces rhythmic complexity — syncopated patterns that create forward momentum without losing the piece's contemplative quality.
Climax and Resolution
The emotional peak arrives before a gentle, resolved ending that brings the listener back to calm.
Technical Challenges
- Consistent harmonics across position changes
- Thumb bass independence while playing melody
- Dynamic shaping — this piece requires genuine musical sensitivity, not just technical execution
- Emotional expression — the hardest challenge is letting the music breathe and feel genuine
Tips for Learning
This is a piece that rewards slow, patient practice. Rather than building speed, focus on tone quality and expression. Rylynn at 70% tempo with beautiful tone is more moving than the same piece at full tempo but with a mechanical feel.
Listen to McKee's recording repeatedly before attempting to learn it. Absorb the phrasing, the dynamics, the way individual notes are allowed to decay and breathe.