The adjacent diagram highlights the common notes often incorporated into a fingerpicking pattern over a basic G chord. The basic chord shape is only the 3rd finger on the root bass note (6th string) and the fourth finger on the first string. Note that it is not necessary to fret the 5th string bass note (2nd fret). The recommended fingering for the other notes is also shown.
The following example is based upon a basic G chord. Extra notes are incorporated into the fingerpicking pattern to create a G chord lick. Special attention should be given to the suggested left hand fingering.
In order to get the correct effect for the following lick do not let the open second string (B) and the note on the third string, 3rd fret (Bb) ring together. Immediately after the Bb note is sounded lift the fretting finger of the string.