A fingerpicking pattern is a set order of playing the strings. This order is used with different chord shapes. The pattern is based upon the symbols given for each right hand finger.
The first fingerpicking pattern is:
Any pattern you learn can be applied to any chord you know. In this example, Fingerpicking Pattern 1 is played using a C major chord. The pattern occurs twice in one bar of * time and uses eighth notes.
Fingerpicking Pattern 1
Here is the same pattern applied to the chords C, F and G7. Always hold the complete chord shape, even though you do not play every string.