'A simple guitar pattern can free your mind' and more things Leonard Cohen taught the Barr Brothers

The Barr Brothers have been making music in Leonard Cohen's hometown of Montreal for the greater part of last decade — long enough to know the trials and pitfalls any songwriter worth their salt needs to learn to navigate.

Songwriter Brad Barr has picked up a few things from the late Canadian icon:

1. A simple right-hand guitar pattern on an acoustic guitar can free your mind
2. Be a better critic
3. Take your time

The band played a tribute concert after Cohen's death, and they've credited some key elements of their musical approach to his influence.

You can catch the Barr Brother's contribution to the exhibit A Crack in Everything at the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal until April 9, 2018.