hey Jeff

I've been reading through this lesson enough that I'm trying it over this one..

Slow Beckish Backing

well known around the digs, but nobody's said what key it's in.
several boxes work in several areas, but not knowing where I'm supposted to be is frustrating.

can anyone tell me the key?

oops, sorry. I understand there's much more to that question. just trying the few baby steps I know... and if I understand correctly, knowing what key they're in. I don't have to know every chord being used??

"knowing what key they're in. I don't have to know every chord being used?"

Not that it wouldn't hurt you to understand the logic of the progression, but essentially you are correct (at least in the horizontal sense).

Much of it can be "platforms and ladders".

A "platform" is a note or group of notes that you can hang out on and have a solid foot on terra firma.

A "ladder" takes you to your next platform (either up or down).

As soon as you've got as couple or three platforms and all the snakes and ladders felt out, the logic will arrange itself and the boxes will virtually construct themselves.

This modal fingering system is only one of many. It works. And you can have a lot of fun with it.

Play the notes that ring.