How To Play If You Could Read My Mind by Gordon Lightfoot | Cover and Guitar Lesson

[@DebbieBarrette]

Contact me for Private Lessons at [e-mail]

[@NeoMalabed-ml6xu]

The song w/ ur beautyfull voice , God I fill rock just like a baby. Thank you. God bless

[@Wavedancer228]

Every time I listen to you, brings tears to my eyes, I walked away and I just can't get it back.

[@rahinc]

You know that feeling when you’re reveling in the music? I feel that listening to this.

[@DebbieBarrette]

@@rahinc I know what you mean. Thank you that’s a great compliment 😊

[@67er_matze97]

very beautiful rendition of this wonderful tune by Gordon Lightfoot !! 👍

[@nicholastwirth]

So beautiful. Thank you!!! Made my day.

[@jeffreyconlon3442]

Looked at a few lessons for this song, yours is definitely the BEST!

[@DebbieBarrette]

@@jeffreyconlon3442 thank you Jeffrey! I’m happy to hear that 😄

[@dianacorsetti9730]

Beautiful

[@bobbailey7024]

Excellent rendition and instruction. Thanks.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Bob! 😊

[@Wavedancer228]

WOW! ❤ BEAUTIFUL! Gave me goosebumps just listening to you !47 yrs playing, just started learning songs I've enjoyed and listened to for decades. This is one. You did it great justice.

[@DebbieBarrette]

@@Wavedancer228 thank you Carl! ☺️

[@Wavedancer228]

@@DebbieBarrette No, Thank you Debbie ! That's Beautiful 😍🎵🎵

[@jenniferfirkins1390]

Beautiful performance

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Jennifer 😊

[@nextphase7481]

What a great guitar lesson! You instructions are clear, concise and your video captures your right and left finger articulations very nicely. Thanks very much!

[@DebbieBarrette]

@@nextphase7481 I appreciate your comment! Thank you and I’m very happy you find it helpful! 😄

[@marvinnorstrom2636]

Lovely rendition.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Marvin!

[@JPhilipCoombs]

Most excellent!

[@dwayne5698]

I might be able to play it but that voice!!!!!!! Wow!!! Love this!!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you so much for your comment, Dwayne! ☺️

[@soulvaccination8679]

Wow.

[@MikeWaltonVoice0ver]

Beautifully performed and taught. Thanks for the instruction. For a long time I had difficulty with the instrumental part in the middle but no more. God Bless.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Wow Michael! I’m so happy to hear that I helped you get the instrumental down. That’s very encouraging to hear. Thanks for sharing that 😄

[@user-bt8ky8gz4h]

You sing very good n from heart❤❤❤

[@ezrvs]

One of the, if not THE, best covers of this song. Gear emotion and a beautiful voice.

[@DebbieBarrette]

And thank you for your beautiful comment ☺️

[@rsully]

Lovely Rendition!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you! ☺️

[@richardturner972]

Thanks for this Debbie, this is a beautiful arrangement, I can "almost" play it through! (you make it look so easy)

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thanks Richard! I appreciate your comment! Keep up the great work! 😄

[@andrewboyd2023]

I have been trying to play this instrument for 50 years and the minute you hit the first chord I knew I could never be as good a player as you. So I just closed my eyes and listened to your beautiful voice, thank you.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you for your kind words, Andrew ☺️ It is a pleasure to put these videos out for my students and for anyone who else who wants to learn.

[@sibusisogumede]

You voice......is just enchanting 😢❤ lovely!.

[@dominicvillarreal7784]

Wow your such a awesome teacher keep it up incredible 👏 one of my favorites artists songs ever 😮

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Dominic! I appreciate your comment 😊

[@jedmellott]

beautiful!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Jed! 😄

[@andrewdocherty8651]

When i was 14, my Mom had a surprise for me on a Friday night.. She's taking me to a Gordon Lightfoot concert. I never heard of him, i thought Blink 182 was the best band in the world. I would never let Mom know, but I was bored. I get it, the ship sunk; Next Song! But then he picked up a 12 string, and played this song with his bass player. It changed my DNA.. Mom looked over at me and said 'told ya'. I had tears running down my ridiculous looking half a mustached face, thinking to myself; wtf was that? It reminds me of my favourite comedians. There doesn't always have to be a punch line

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you for sharing your story!

[@Drlush1]

Wow. Great performance of a wonderful song.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you for saying so Alan! ☺️

[@gwohi]

Great lesson Debbie! Thank you!🤙🏽😁

[@DebbieBarrette]

You’re welcome! ☺️

[@jeremyfrank2254]

Wow, this performance is just beautiful! Love the singing and playing. Great instruction too. Thank you for bringing beauty to the world.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you for your kind words, Jeremy! 😊

[@bobdonkin9804]

A well executed song loved all of your work.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Bob! ☺️

[@Jackg1949]

That was beautifully played, Debbie. One of my favorites.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Jack! ☺️ It’s a beautiful song, isn’t it?

[@dennisg.582]

2 thumbs way up!!!! Great cover, of this great song!!!!!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Dennis! ☺️

[@mikemccann]

Hi, that was lovely. Ot gave me goose bumps too.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Mike 😊

[@marklangley2876]

Beautiful rendition..

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Mark 😊

[@gregorylouisa.chilcote3547]

You have a beautiful singing voice and you did Gordon’s guitar part justice. Fantastic performance .

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Gregory! I appreciate your comment 😊

[@soon-bangoh9491]

Great! I finally find my lesson! Thank u!!❤

[@DebbieBarrette]

Great to hear! Thank you for the comment ☺️

[@donaldcoffey800]

Really good lesson for this poignant song, and your voice is just wonderful!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Donald!

[@KarlnMel]

Hands down the best tutorial on this song, thank-you very much, this has made things so clear to me in how to play this classic

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Karl! I’m so happy it helped you! ☺️

[@bryanmoraski7005]

Beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

[@susannekeane4684]

I love your singing voice and your calm, methodical teaching - thank you 🙏

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you for your comment Susanne. You are most welcome!

[@DRYFLY0]

Wow! What a great performance, thank you for this!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you! I appreciate your kind comment ☺️

[@Ekdog]

Lovely rendition!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you James ☺️

[@mcampbell4556]

Beautiful! 🥰

[@georgefinn2054]

Beautiful.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you, George 😊

[@davidcassidy8390]

WOW ! I've wanted to learn this beautiful song for ages. Thanks Debbie you are a wonderful performer and teacher.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you for the kind words, David. I’m happy I can help you learn it.

[@blutey]

Enchanting performance of this song!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you for your comment! I really appreciate it! ☺️

[@Harry-tm2bt]

You’re are a great teacher, and very talented. Thank you

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you, Harry! 😊

[@J0HNJ0RDAN]

Great job on an amazing song. GL has that ability to tap into something in his music that is universal to us all. You can't explain it but explanations really aren't necessary. It's all there, in the music. Thanks ✌️

[@drivingrangedave]

Perfect rendition of lovely song

[@MrFinallythere]

Beautiful Job Debbie. Thank you for showing us the way ;)

[@DobroFan100]

What a beautiful rendition. Thank you, Debbie!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you! ☺️

[@truthvsgop1216]

Really, a very nicely done version that pays homage` to a wonderful songwriter. Gordon's song always gave me goosebumps as well every time I listen to it....

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thanks you so much ☺️

[@SecularAdvocate]

Perfection!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you so much 😊

[@michaelmolnar6234]

Debbie, Debbie, Debbie Wow! I'm sobbing my heart out here, so much passion totally authentic. Thank you.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you so much Michael! I really appreciate your support! And an extra special thank you for becoming a Patreon patron ☺️❤️

[@ChiPadful]

Brava!

[@J0HNJ0RDAN]

I also must say, I've been looking for someone teaching exactly this. A good, solo version of this song. I found a lot with two guitar parts, etc. But this, this is what I needed. Gonna be checking out more videos for sure.

[@DebbieBarrette]

I’m happy to hear that John! Thanks for your comment and continued support! 😄

[@jimibarnes9386]

Genial. Buenísima explicación. Thanks

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Jimi! I’m happy you like it 😄

[@craigsigley856]

Found it difficult to concentrate on the chords and picking because your voice is so beautiful 😱

[@DebbieBarrette]

Lovely comment Craig ☺️ Thank you and keep on playing!

[@davidturner9904]

Beautiful Debbie, simply lovely..well done 👏

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you David! Happy you enjoyed it!

[@frankmcdaniel65]

Thank you. This cover is a beautifully done. Best I've heard I believe. Could you do a cover and lesson for Love Me by Collen Raye? Thanks again. Love your voice and playing.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Frank! I appreciate your comment and song suggestion 😊

[@housefulify]

Wow ,great job singing,wonderful job on the guitar,I could just listen to you for hrs.,you are awesome.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you so much!

[@housefulify]

You are very welcome

[@danielfell3643]

Thanks for the lesson Gordon Lightfoot was a great musician. I think the lyrics that gets to me in the song is the line the feelings that you lack. That is one of the things that makes the song understandable. I do not know what he was going through at the time but I think some people can relate to it.

[@DebbieBarrette]

You hit the nail on the head for me as well Daniel. Every time I sing that line I get goosebumps. He had deep insight and was an extremely talented lyricist who could articulate clearly his thoughts and emotions. Thank you for your comment ❤️

[@darrenminter3304]

Great lesson 👍🏻 subscribed. I believe the song is about his divorce . R.i.p legend

[@acousticarchivefortwayne930]

Love the way you do this song. Your singing and guitar playing is beautiful.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you! ☺️ I appreciate your comment!

[@beemanrunning977]

Awesome rendition and lesson! Thank you Debbie!

[@DebbieBarrette]

You’re welcome! Thank you!!

[@MillieWarhamcheckedandvetted]

You are talented ❤

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Millie! 😊

[@Bevrinton]

Thank you for the brilliant lessons and you sing beautifully , all the very best 👍🙏

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Matt 😁

[@Bevrinton]

@@DebbieBarretteyou’re very welcome 😀👍🙏

[@startreker8591]

I loved her right away …y the song my acquaintance always sang in the early eighties…he was much older then in the Philippines…then I met my Japanese attorney friend when I got here in CA…3 years ago…I told him i am not very familiar with the song even then y I started learning y still…y Gordon passed…I was playing y Pussywillows car tails then but didn’t know who sang it…some Kenny Rankin? So…still don’t know Gordon until I memorized the song In the early morning rain…😢

[@seanc5861]

Great work. I'm pretty certain that this is how Lightfoot played it (you're the only KZbinr I've seen that gets it right). And thanks for transcribing the instrumental section - lovely.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Sean! I really appreciate it!

[@sibusisogumede]

What a along you awesome 👌, you gave it like it is❤❤❤❤❤😊😊 you rock!!!!!.l just discovered you just now 😂

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Sibusiso! I appreciate your comments! ☺️

[@dominicvillarreal7784]

Awesome keep it up

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thanks Dominic! 😄

[@MrFinallythere]

Nice job Debbie. I appreciate your teachings ;)

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you William! 😊

[@Nazareth1833]

Nice…

[@BBQLord.]

Amazing voice! And playing of course.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Darrell! 😄

[@jeromekovacik1198]

Hey Deb, Great lesson! Very good explanation of fingering on both hands. Nice voice as well!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thanks for the great feedback, Jerome! I happy to hear the explanations are clear 😄

[@waynzwhirled6181]

Inspiring performance. And I see you're playing a Zager. It sounds good. I'm certainly a Gordon Lightfoot fan, and am glad to see such a recent video of this song.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you ☺️ I enjoy the Zager. Nice that you spotted it!

[@scallywag8788]

Debbie, you're the best

[@darrenlynch2496]

Wow, so enjoyable thank you!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Darren! So happy you enjoyed it!

[@lj5899]

Really great cover of one of my all time favorites! (Plus you're playing one of Denny's finest!). Thank you, love your voice/guitar.

[@DebbieBarrette]

You know Zager guitars. That’s awesome! Thank you for your kind comment 😊

[@lj5899]

Yes, saving my pennies to someday get one (I also enter the drawing to win one every week but...). Curious to hear your opinion of the Zager easy-play. Thank you for the note, keep up the great content!@@DebbieBarrette

[@tpbulle]

Rocky Horror Vibe in the background! Great Video, nice playing

[@DebbieBarrette]

LOL, that’s funny 😆 thank you! 😊

[@tpbulle]

@@DebbieBarrette I like your tutorials and your playing skill

[@cbhoy5527]

Brilliant ❤

[@jobarryderafera6063]

Thank you so much for sharing this lesson. I’ve perfected it in 2 days. One of the best songs ever written. thank you. Looking forward for you to feature “Beautiful” also by Gordy. thank you!

[@DebbieBarrette]

That’s great! Good practicing! 👏

[@donatquinn9402]

Lovely version Debbie

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Donat!

[@casilatino]

That’s impressive to be able to sing and do that particular fingerpicking. I have can do one or the other but not both.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you. It just takes practice. Keep working on it and you can do it too!

[@cruisernet]

I've always loved this song. And wanted to learn to play it. You played it very well and you sing it very well too. I also love rainy day people also from Gordon Lightfoot. Do you have a tutorial for that song too

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you! I’m glad to hear you find this tutorial helpful! I don’t have a tutorial for rainy day people but I’ll add it to my list 😁

[@cruisernet]

@DebbieBarrette oh thank you. I'll be on the lookout for it .

[@dankeck6230]

Hello. Great video. another song by Gordon Lightfoot that I would like to learn but can't find videos for is: The Pony Man. Its not so well known but it is a great song. Thanks

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thanks Dan. I appreciate your comment. I will add the Pony Man to my list 😉

[@davidmack4495]

beautiful!!

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you David! Are you gonna try this one?

[@hansj.k2671]

❤

[@stormageddon8903]

Hi from Ireland Debbie. Thank you for the brilliant video. My favourite Gordon song. Have you ever covered Rainy Day People? John

[@DebbieBarrette]

Hi John, thanks for your comment! No I haven’t but I’ll add it to my list for future videos. Thanks for the suggestion 😁

[@stormageddon8903]

😁

[@1ddsung1]

Beautiful performance and great lesson…thank you! Do you teach private lessons?

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you for your comment. I really appreciate it! Yes, I give private online lessons.

[@1ddsung1]

Thank you, I’ve sent you an email.

[@cesars4945]

Bellisima interpretacion, preciosa voz. Me encanta

[@DebbieBarrette]

Muchas gracias, Cesar! ☺️

[@kbchef9205]

As a Canadian , I’d like to say. Thank you❤ Gordon would approve.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you! I really appreciate your comment! ☺️

[@kenwalker2868]

If you could wear out a video, this would be worn out. I've played it so, so much. Your singing is great and I love the guitar lesson. Thank you so much.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Ken, that is the kindest most encouraging comment I’ve ever received ☺️ thank you for your support!

[@williamb2498]

i was about to write you a letter that I could not find my capo. I looked everywhere and it suddenly appeared and so... i will try to play this song. with your instruction. thank you.

[@DebbieBarrette]

That’s funny! Glad you found it. I’m sure you’ll do great.

[@dominicvillarreal7784]

You technically insanely talented makes me want to play n get better listening to you sing n play.. Do you have a lesson for The Song (IF) by David Gates the intro it's something I need to figure out ?

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thanks Dominic. I don’t have a lesson for that song but I’ll add it to my list. You’re always welcome to contact me directly for private lessons online. I’d be happy to help you!

[@ralphfryer7337]

Your cover has the capo on the 4th fret. Is that because you like the higher pitch? Either way, its a beautiful song.

[@DebbieBarrette]

@@ralphfryer7337 it’s for my vocals 😎 Thanks for your comment 😁

[@071Tom]

Why is it in the lesson the capo is on the second fret but when you are playing the intro its on the 4th?

[@DebbieBarrette]

Good question Thomas. I did explain it somewhere in the video. Gordon Lightfoot plays and sings it with the capo on the 2nd fret so that’s how I did the lesson in order to be accurate. The intro is my own cover and for my vocals I need the capo on the 4th fret otherwise it is too low for me to sing. 😉

[@071Tom]

Thank you for the response and explaining that to me, this is all still new to me, I just started playing a couple.months ago.

[@DH-og5yr]

Why do you use notes as though the capo isn’t on? You call the 3rd and 5th fret of the E string F and G. When they are G and A

[@DebbieBarrette]

Just to make it easier for beginners as most guitarists don’t know the names of the notes up the neck. I’d rather keep it simple for people to see the notes as relative to the capo. There’s no need to make it complicated and it’s really not important. I think I mention this at the beginning of the lesson. Thanks for your question.

[@TheHesseJames]

There are basically two systems. The guitar centered approach is ignoring the tab and keeping the names and positions of the chord shapes as if there was no capo. You probably would never do that on a piano but on non-classical guitar this is quite standard practice.

[@TheHesseJames]

Btw, Debbie has the capo on the 4th fret, Gordon has it on the 2nd because he has a lower voice. As a guitar player you always should adapt to the voice of the singer which is quite easy using a capo.

[@DebbieBarrette]

@@TheHesseJames hi Roland. I did mention in my tutorial that I played my cover with a capo on the 4th fret to accommodate my voice. However, I did the tutorial with the capo on the second fret because that’s how Gordon played it. Thanks for your comments.

[@TheHesseJames]

Hi Debbie,I didn’t watch the tutorial,was learning the song and wanted just to check one spot where I got stuck which was cleared up watching you playing. I stayed for the whole song because of your fantastic singing though! Bravo!

[@1965nterp]

Just wondering about that guitar i know its a zager tell us more

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thanks for the question. It’s a Zager ZAD-50 CE OM. Plays like a dream and sounds great. I love it and really recommend Zager guitars.

[@1965nterp]

@@DebbieBarrette great ive entered a few drawings to win a zager easy play guitar but i never seem to win

[@DebbieBarrette]

@@1965nterp I never win anything either! Good luck though!

[@colinkennedy908]

very nice. heavy loss in your portrayal of this song. sounds like Anne Murray.

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Colin ☺️

[@PhilDesmond]

Beautiful

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you, Mark ☺️

[@bibwillis3918]

Lovely! Thank you for sharing

[@DebbieBarrette]

Thank you Bib! 😄

[@bprife]

May he rest in peace I was very saddened to hear about his passing. In fact, a coworker of mine told me about it and then later on, I heard about it. If you’ve ever played a 12 string guitar, he’s played one on several of his songs to including sundown and the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. You should do another performance of one of his songs as a tribute to him.

[@DebbieBarrette]

@@bprife Thanks for your reply, Billy. We are lucky enough to have had him around for so long. He kept performing even until the end. I've played a 12 string many times but never wanted to own one. I'll think about another of his songs to do. This one was definitely meant as a tribute.