A Fingerpicking pattern is a set order of playing the strings. This same order of picking the strings is used with different chord shapes. The pattern is based upon the symbols given for each right hand finger.
The first fingerpicking pattern is:
C
Any pattern you learn can be applied to any chord you know. In the following example, Fingerpicking Pattern 1 is played using a C major chord. This pattern occurs twice in 1 bar of * time using eighth notes. To make the pattern sound finished, end with a whole note or whole note strum(q) of the first note or
Apply fingerpicking Pattern 1 to the chord progression in exercise 286, using the following C major, D seventh and G seventh chord shapes.
C
D7
G7
When changing between the C and D7 chords the first finger does not move. The note played by the first finger (a C note) is common to both chords. The second and third fingers move to their new position and the first finger acts as a pivot. The use of pivot fingers will make chord changes easier.