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Carefree Highway

by Gordon Lightfoot • Lesson #545 • Mar 30, 2024

In today’s lesson I’ll teach you how to play Gordon Lightfoot’s Carefree Highway (1975). I’m using an arrangement with capo on the 2nd fret, which has us using chord shapes in the Key of D. I’ll begin by teaching the easiest possible way to play things, cutting a few of the tricky corners that may prove too difficult for beginners.

If you’re looking for the full version Lightfoot plays, stick around for the end of the lesson where I’ll demonstrate. This one goes out to Song Notes supporter Richie - who emailed asking for any tips on simplifying some of the trickier chords. Richie, and everyone else watching – I hope this helps!

0:00 Lesson Overview
2:36 Intro
4:04 Verse
8:27 Chorus
10:51 Advanced Tips

Lesson Discussion

Instructional PDF 5 pages

Song Sheet with Lyrics

I have not yet made a licensed song sheet for this song - but here’s a recommended arrangement I found online, with lyrics and chords that match the arrangement I teach.

Extended Video Lessons

How I Changed the Key (from C to D)

If you’re curious, here’s the process of me changing this key’s song – shown in real time. Be sure to check out my PDF guide showing the Most Common Chords in Each Key, which is what I am using in the the video below.

Zoomed Playthrough - Simple Version

This shows the easiest possible way to play things - with no fast chord changes.

Zoomed Playthrough - Full Version

Largely the same as the simple version, but with slightly more advanced parts in a few places (all of which are highlighted in gold). It’s not required to play like this, but it will sound a tad bit more like Gordon.

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Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made

Fret Monster

Interactive fretboard map! See the patterns behind every scale in any key.

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Capo Captain

An easy way to calculate key & chord combinations, for any capo location!

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Carefree Highway

Lesson Discussion

Instructional PDF 5 pages

Song Sheet with Lyrics