Which Songs

[Mapman]

Hi:

I am not a very good guitar player, nor do I sing well, and I am not musically inclined. I have short fingers and can not bar chord although I can make a number of chords. But I still like to play when no one is listening or looking.

My question is this: Which Lightfoot songs would be the best for someone of my ability to try to learn to play? In my youth I used to play "A Tree To Weak To Stand" but I have not played that in years. I will check periodically for any input from the more experienced.

Thanks.

[Cathy]

Well, are you or aren't you a fingerpicker? I would say start with If You Could Read My Mind. It's not too complicated, unless you don't fingerpick.

[Rich Man Spiritual]

The easiest song that comes to my mind is "Summertime Dream". You only need 4 chords!
In the key of G they would be G,C,D and E minor.
Very easy on guitar! Have fun!!!

[SilverHeels]

Char - what would you suggest?

[Mapman]

Thanks for the "Summertime Dream" suggestion. I am mostly a strummer.

I had a friend who died of cancer 25 years ago. He had two young boys and they loved to hear him play "Pony Man" to them before they went to bed. Maybe someday I will make an attempt to learn it.

[Borderstone]

It'c just my opinion but,"A Message To The Wind" from Songbook sounds pretty simple.

[New 12 String Mike]

Map,

Perhaps you should give us a list of some of your favorite Gord songs. Then we can help you learn to play one you really like.

Its more fun that way.

Please check String Talk too. We've had a guitar playing subject going for awhile now. Good stuff over there.

The suggestions offered so far are great. For a strummer, I would suggest The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald. The chords are simple....remembering all the lyrics is a different story. But you'll get in plenty of practice as you try.

RMD

[The Rez]

OK, here's another half-cent . . .

Map . . . I'm not a guitarman either. I'm a piano guy. I strum just enough guitar the make sure the Sun safely sets into the Pacific at Balboa.

So, here's my rather simplistic answer:

Pick *any* Gord song. It doesn't matter at all. What matters is the Spirit and Fun you have - not precision.

Here's my formula:

When you take out the hard parts, it's pretty easy . . .

Reduce the chords to their simplest form and have at it . . . and, presto, it's pretty easy. Even strumming w/ all thumbs (like me) I can't think of a Gord Tune I can't choose to learn.

I can play my piano in guitar-like voicings and simulate finger picking, it I choose to. But, I've yet to figure out a way to *strum* a piano.

So, strum . . . sing . . . any - and I mean *any* - of Gord's tunes that touch you. That can be your horizon.

Blessings,

The Rez

PS: A Tree Too Weak to Stand - Pure Gem

[Don Quixote]

Ah, Rez, "When you take out the hard parts it's pretty easy"--you get life down to the essence! You should be teaching philosophy, or life skills.

How's your Mom? We had a rough time with my wife's mom--two months of awful suffering and humiliating treatment until she passed, mercifully. As I get older, I'm not sure death is the worst cruelty that can be inflicted on us.

I've got no guitar skills to contribute, but I know wisdom when I see it--you're right on the mark, Rez.

DQ