If You Could Read My Mind Guitar Lesson Fingerstyle

[@brianzelinsky-ri6nd]

Lauren thank you! What a beautiful song and RIP Gordon Lightfoot, one of the greatest of all time.

[@LaurenBateman]

I agree!

[@Allie-w1l]

I got to see him twice, including one of his last shows, when I think he was about 80? I wish I'd seen him more.

[@uncatila]

Excellent lesson. I used to play guitar 50 years ago after I went to a Gordon lightfoot concert. I'm like a beginner again so here goes. I did study singing so the vocal instrument is still in good tune. Back to the guitar and I'll be set.

[@rzh3443]

Thanks LB. The mystery chord is a Dm6/F which is what GF used on the record ( I have the sheet music with his annotations). He also used a Am7sus in lieu of an Am7 (which is X02030) . I like both. Try a G add 9 in lieu of a G7 (3XX203) . One of the best songs ever. I wish I could totally figure out Red Shea’s lead lines which were brilliant. Rick Beato has a great analysis of the song on YT if anyone is interested.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for sharing!

[@maccool33]

Thanks Lauren, this is very helpful, and, I agree that Rick Beato has a great analysis of the song.

[@KBorham]

@rzh3443, would you please xxxxxx the mystery Dm6/F fingering you use?

[@rzh3443]

@@KBorham Sure. The GL fingering from his sheet music is 10020X. I use 10023X. - seems more fuller playing the song by myself.The F note ( first fret hi E) that is normally part of a Dm6 sounds dissonant if played. GL used his thumb to cover the F bass note. Hope this helps.

[@KBorham]

@@rzh3443 thank you, very helpful

[@sidweazel2883]

Thanks Lauren, you’re a great teacher, and this song shows you have impeccable taste. RIP GL, one of the greatest of all time

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it.

[@draster541]

Not only a great teacher but your song choices are amazing. Excellent.

[@abchappell01]

This is the best instruction of this song I have ever heard . Thank you so very much. I will be following you for a long time.😊

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@seanhoude]

My favorite way to start the weekend! Thanks, Lauren.

[@LaurenBateman]

You're so welcome!

[@NotThatBob]

Good song choice Lauren. Gordon Lightfoot sang so many great ballads. 👍

[@LaurenBateman]

Sure did

[@dianasantiago4101]

❤ ❤ THIS CLASS 5/17/23 SUCH BEAUTIFUL MELODY GREAT EXCELLENT NEW CORD EXCELLENT TEACHER WAW BEGAINING TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO USE THE GUITAT,THANKYOU!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you Diana!

[@tuna22lm]

I love Gordon Lightfoot, I have always wanted to learn to play his songs but never have, I can follow tablature, I took lessons for a while when I was 13 but quit I didn't like the old songs we had to practice, I did how ever learn some better songs like the eagles. But I haven't played in almost 50 years. I need inspiration from songs I like and know I am 70 now gave away my 12 string Echo guitar I sure miss. Is it better to learn chords quite good before learning finger picking? I love how you teach by the way , thank you so much I am glad that I found you. Blues is my absolute favorite music I get goose bumps EVERY time I hear the blues being played., and wanted to learn so bad but that never happened, well it still might not be to late, I will have to go buy another guitar though lol.

[@LaurenBateman]

Welcome aboard!

[@piusmary1115]

I love this song. Thank you Lauren for doing a lesson on it!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@williamb3323]

I love you girl. Nice Job! I'm self taught also, I fully agree with you on the rhythm or beat of the picking patterns being more important than the actual note sequence. Experiment and have fun. Thanks for your time on this song, appreciated.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@33jbiker]

Always enjoy your enthusiasm. Well done!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MusicLover-sb7mo]

Love this. Had to chuckle when you sneered as you demonstrated how a full strum pattern wouldn’t do the song justice. I too have to use my pinky as leverage. I don’t think of it as a bad habit, I think of it as necessary! Thanks for this classic and lovely song!

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mmccartney6579]

Hey, Lauren...one of my all time faves, and you nailed it! Cheers! :)

[@LaurenBateman]

Yay, thank you!

[@taramilton8695]

What a great lesson and a great teacher, thank you Lauren! You young guitar players don't realise how lucky you are to have access to such great teachers. When I was a kid learning, you had Bert Weedon's 'Any One Can Play Guitar' (which I'm not undermining at all) then you had your record collection to play along with until you could figure it out...

[@LaurenBateman]

You're so welcome! Glad to help.

[@stoopotts6908]

Another great one! He had several terrific songs. I strongly recommend Early Morning Rain too!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@CHOPPA78]

I really enjoyed this video and absolutely love this song what a lovely romantic song I'm relatively new to guitar just getting to grips with finger picking style and this will help me massively thank you Lauren 😊

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad to help you

[@adamb7230]

You are such a great teacher. I love watching your videos.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you so much!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you so much! Glad you like them :D

[@lovedoctor0118]

BTW! I have that T Shirt!! I have about 4 of your lessons I am still learning!!! I love listening to you play and sing! Do you perform live? If so, please post date? I would love to hear your live performance? 🫶🎶🌠💖

[@LaurenBateman]

I do not perform any more.

[@j4jullu]

Lauren, as always I have the same thing to say. You're awesome and I love you Lauren

[@LaurenBateman]

Aww thanks!!! 😊

[@josepsilva7843]

Great job! And i love this guitar on the wall.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks a lot! That’s my George Harrison Gretsch

[@mikkideleon6735]

In probably my darkest hour of life's journey Let it be and If you could read my mind made me learn guitar. First lesson with John Jay he taught me the key of C. Asked me what sing I wanted to learn. Blowing in the wind was that song, then 50 years later, writing, playing, teaching and sending my music out in English, Spanish, and French. "COREY STEELE" IS MY PEN NAME and on several music sites

[@mikkideleon6735]

In the early morning rain.

[@LaurenBateman]

Blowin in the wind is great song.

[@darrenoak7187]

This is a great song and lesson thanks Lauren

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you!

[@anthonyifasi8026]

Great lesson Lauren!⚘️❣️ 😊

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you! 😃

[@TroyNaumu808]

Nice. I think that on the recorded record / radio version Lightfoot is a bit more structured. And even if he ad libs the more structured fingerpicking is more prominant in the mix. And live he is more ad lib and improvisational.

[@LaurenBateman]

There is some structure for sure. You can hear it on the intro. But the TABs I've seen do have a bit of movement to the..

[@TroyNaumu808]

@@LaurenBateman I like it when musicians do not try to perfectly mimic themselves by playing note for note to the recorded version that they created. On stage and receiving the energy of the audience its easy to get into the moment as by then hopefully the song is practiced, memorized, rehearsed and open to ad libs. But, before one can ad lib one must master the song.

[@golf4ubacknine768]

Classic song, classic T-shirt 👍 Another great lesson .

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks!

[@LimJahey996]

I honestly woke up this morning waiting to learn this song

[@LaurenBateman]

Perfect!

[@user-iamRobinV68]

Awesome lesson!! 😊😊😊😊

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you!

[@joeysanguine3596]

You saved my day Lauren❤😊

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@walther9161]

Thank you so much. Great lesson.

[@LaurenBateman]

You're very welcome!

[@KBorham]

I'm putting that "double bass" idea in my bag, thank you. Love your improvising style of teaching.

[@LaurenBateman]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@KEYWESTDAVE]

Love ya!

[@LaurenBateman]

😊

[@chrispark11]

I love your taste in guitars!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you!

[@barbaradevine1228]

Thank you. Love this song. I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful your skin is too.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you!

[@InspirasyonKulot]

Thanks for this

[@LaurenBateman]

My pleasure!

[@oliviachannelkaraoke7450]

I really learn a lot from you,thanks..❤.

[@LaurenBateman]

I'm so glad!

[@oliviachannelkaraoke7450]

@@LaurenBateman Its really hard for me because i'm a bingginer on guiter,hope i can do it..👍🎶🌹.

[@soldier7007]

Great teaching thanks a lot.

[@LaurenBateman]

You are welcome!

[@loasidasortiz9716]

Do I have to buy a capro now?😅I love when u don’t edit make u more real love it!

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad to hear that!

[@OregonBreault]

Very enjoyable. Thanks.

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JamesMinski-hr2fh]

I just got intimidated with all the chords, you make it look so easy.

[@LaurenBateman]

Aww, a lot of practice. Maybe an easier song to start? You will get there. I have been playing for years.

[@DansAm76]

Honestly this made me go to The wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald (a fave of mine) (I usually follow along with my Guitar song app and it was close to the Read my mind song) and played it with the capo still on the 2nd fret. And.... Even Better! :) thanks!

[@LaurenBateman]

You're welcome :D

[@sailorbarrett4802]

Dave VanRonk recommends using the pinky when finger picking in his videos on how to play Green Green Rock road finger pick style!

[@scottbrower9052]

That Taylor guitar is gorgeous.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you!

[@jeromekovacik1198]

Good lesson Lauren

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaelfox2989]

Awesome lesson,Great playing and singing ,I feel better touching the High E ,when picking,,but I AM still trying to learn to pick . Thanks

[@LaurenBateman]

You can do it!

[@michaelmerrullo2043]

Nice job teaching a nice workable version of this song. Mike from Hamilton

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@jeramiedutcher6720]

I love playing guitar but I'm not a musician. That thing about resting your pinky on the e string sounds smart to me. It's a reference point like pivot points with the fret hand, improving accuracy. Plus you're ready to use the string the whole time and it's muted so no chance of hitting the note if you don't want to. I'd like to hear why guitarists frown on it. I'm sure there's a good reason.

[@LaurenBateman]

Has its pluses and minuses.

[@stevemercure902]

I like the two finger finger chord variations in the finger picking that you show. I suspect when Gordon played the song live, he never played it the same way twice. Isn't that part of being an artist?

[@LaurenBateman]

Steve, you're probably right. There are typical foundational patterns and then there is a lot of improvisation. When you start singing, your hand plays whatever feels right.

[@theguitarprofessionals8584]

My Dads FAV!!!!!!!!! thanks!!!!!

[@LaurenBateman]

Woo hoo!

[@theguitarprofessionals8584]

@@LaurenBateman

[@hansvanlavieren7027]

Thank you Lauren, nice picking patterns! I miss that variation on G in the intro (is that a Gadd9?) of the song. A-note on the G-string.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@davegenske8973]

Thanks Lauren

[@LaurenBateman]

Any time

[@markbuck4084]

Thanks lauren 😊

[@LaurenBateman]

You’re welcome 😊

[@pattyhhh1]

Love the song

[@LaurenBateman]

It's a good one

[@robinparmar7395]

You r very good guitarist.. i m beginner... But one day i wil definitely play like you.. lots of love from india

[@LaurenBateman]

You got this!

[@robinparmar7395]

@@LaurenBateman tx for reply... I love to watch your videos.... I learnt so many things from you ..

[@dianasantiago4101]

👍 Good AFTERNOON 👍 LIKE 😊 THANKYOU

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@carlogagliano8162]

Thank you

[@LaurenBateman]

You're welcome

[@marleyorange]

good teaching

[@LaurenBateman]

Glad you think so!

[@daryleshumake1913]

Thanks!

[@LaurenBateman]

Welcome!

[@LaurenBateman]

OMG just saw the super thanks notice!!!! I really appreciate that. Means a lot to me.

[@calummckenzie4341]

Been meaning to look up a tutorial for a while. Sad to hear that Gordon Lightfoot died yesterday, so that's what bright me here.

[@LaurenBateman]

So sad.

[@ComicKish]

Nice guitar

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you!

[@MrGmooney]

I prefer to use Dm,or Dm7 instead of the F.....?

[@LaurenBateman]

If you think it works

[@danieldomachowske9871]

Nice to know someone with the same bad habits.😂 Great tune. Great lesson.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@markb4269]

I can't sing nor finger pick like you but will give this a crack anyway.

[@LaurenBateman]

You can do it! Thanks for watching!

[@charlesbrakeville5825]

RIP Gordon Lightfoot!!!

[@LaurenBateman]

RIP

[@jackbond8237]

A absolutely wonderful man

[@rossfraser4668]

Tommy Emmanuel’s first lesson in Travis picking is to anchor your hand using your pinky.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for sharing

[@HeCoversMe]

RIP Gordon Lightfoot….grateful for leaving a beautiful song as a remembrance. Hope you are playing music with the angels in Heaven

[@LaurenBateman]

I know. So sad.

[@be.kind.to.animals]

Tommy Emmanuel plays with his pinky anchored and in an interview he said Chet Atkins did too - so hey doesn't sound like a bad habit to me !

[@LaurenBateman]

I thought he did!!!!

[@dukeofearl4117]

The pinky isn’t a bad habit. Lots of finger style players do this. I often find myself doing this or I rest my palm on the pins at the bridge.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jeffreymatter3620]

Anchoring your little finger is a banjo picking technique. all scruggs style banjo pickers anchor their hand on the banjo drum with their little finger ring finger or both.

[@LaurenBateman]

At Jeffrey, I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing!

[@chrisdrummond8893]

Just heard of Gordon Lightfoot's passing. My condolences.

[@LaurenBateman]

I know. So sad. I need to do more of his songs.

[@luckiskoroaste1120]

plzzz reply I need ur help i can't use my all four fingers while playing guitar i can't use my ring finger and pinky finger what can I do plz tell

[@LaurenBateman]

You could try learning some of my 1 and 2 finger chords. Keep it simple.

[@dianasantiago4101]

IF YOU COULD READ MY MIND 👍 LIKE

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-iamRobinV68]

Hey Lauren! Does your wife play guitar??? Must be cool to have a guitar teacher in the family!! 🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@LaurenBateman]

She plays drums

[@user-iamRobinV68]

@@LaurenBateman very cool

[@whisky2roxy]

This is wonderful. And you are gorgeous

[@LaurenBateman]

Aww thanks!

[@brucetoo3294]

Love the turtles!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@Meepsmusic63]

the worst thing you can ask an artist is what and how they played it, the truth is and going from experience, we cant define that, ok yes capped on the 2nd fret etc, but specifics in fine detail? its not gona happen Lauren, I appreciate your effort though

[@LaurenBateman]

👍

[@razzking]

Thanks for the simplifications. It's not the chords it's the chord changes that kill this song for playing. PS: It's not opera. You can sing it in any key you want ;-)

[@LaurenBateman]

Thank you for watching!

[@sustainablelife1st]

tommy emmanuel anchors with his pinky. so do a lot of great players. Not anchoring is more for classical.

[@LaurenBateman]

Yes, my teacher was classical 😬

[@vincentcrici1560]

Lauren-please note, this is not doing justice to Gordon's beautiful song or guitar playing -the F chord is incorrect!

[@LaurenBateman]

Yep, have a great day.

[@briangravell5890]

Capro

[@LaurenBateman]

🐐

[@Billsingsong]

He did not do a bar F chord with fingerpicking if you could read my mind

[@LaurenBateman]

No he uses a variation which I show you in the lesson.

[@brucetoo3294]

they call that F a Dm6

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@Scott.V.Grube1]

I will have to Veganise the song to make it Vegan. 🤣lol

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@jvale6990]

Good grief. Picking is far removed from Lightfoot’s, and we won’t even get into that voice.

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@markmcevoy6245]

Get lost...

[@piusmary1115]

I love this song. Thank you Lauren for doing a lesson on it!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks for watching!

[@georgemalesky9462]

Thanks!

[@LaurenBateman]

Thanks so much for your donation! I really appreciate it :D

[@richardhenderson8698]

Thanks!