First consider a basic D and D7 chord. The standard alternating bass line for these chords alternate to the third string. Using the third string as a bass note restricts the right hand fingers to the second and first strings only (first position). A way of overcoming this problem is to use an alternative fingering for the D chord such as the D/F# chord, meaning D the D7/F# chord. Using these chords enable the right hand to use the sixth and fourth strings as bass notes thus allowing the right hand fingers to play the third and second strings. Study the adjacent diagrams. Note that the F# bass note is played with the left hand thumb. The previously shown chords are used in the following example. Fingerpicking pattern two - second position is used.
The following example uses fingerpicking pattern four.
The next progression uses patterns one and two in the second position.