quote:Gordon Lightfoot plays a pair of 12-string Gibson B-45-12s from the 1960s. He uses two of them on stage: one in standard tuning, the other capoed at the third fret with the lowest pair of strings dropped to D.
The above is a quote from an article from 'Acoustic Guitar' magazine some time ago.
I have heard him (Gordon) refer to the guitar in dropped D tuning, as the 'F Gibson' he plays such songs as, 'Early Morning Rain' & 'Canadian Railroad Trilogy' on this guitar. The chord proression is in D on both songs. They sound in F because the capo is on the third fret.
Songs such as 'Sundown', 'Carefree Highway', 'The House You Live In' etc are performed on the other 12 string (standard tuning) capoed at second fret.
Careful perusal of the 'Live In Reno' DVD/Video will show both guitars. Standard tuning in first half. 'F Gibson' in second half.
Also during his last concert in Orilla, (I was fortunate enough to be there) he used the standard tuned instrument for first half. Had the 'F' instument on stage for second half. The audience asked for various songs, Gordon's response was that he needed the other guitar to do those songs, this guitar was in the dressing room. He left the stage to get it, and did 'Cotton Jenny' and 'Alberta Bound'. The only song he used the 'F Gibson' for that night was 'Canadian Railroad Trilogy'
I have to admit that Gord plays lead 99%,which is basic strumminghas me confused too.
|