Fingerpicking splits the work: your thumb (p) plays the bass strings E, A and D, and your fingers take one string each: index (i) on G, middle (m) on B, ring (a) on high e. Give every finger its own string and you will never have to look.
Hold a C chord, then a G chord, both in open position. The thumb plays on every beat, alternating the root with another chord tone, and the fingers fill the gaps in between.
How to practice
- Rest your pinky lightly on the top of the guitar if it helps you stay anchored.
- Play the thumb part alone until it feels automatic, then add the fingers.
- Pluck with the fingertip moving into the palm, not pulling the string away from the guitar. The tone should be round, with every note about the same volume.
The most common mistake is letting the thumb get quieter when the fingers join in. The bass is the floor of the pattern: keep it even and slightly louder than the top notes.