I may have started out learning patterns, but I've long since forgotten. I pick mostly with thumb, middle and little finger, planting my ring finger on the pick guard. (my index nail is so frequently worn donw from flat pickin' I've just given up, and have learned to use my middle instead). I pick most bass and melody notes with the thumb, but occasionally 'kick' either with a down stroke of the middle - for percussive effect. The pattern I try to achieve is the low to high arpegio sort, with bass/melody intertwined - but brushing some during the accompaniment usually adds some color to the guitar work, so I frequently use it, but sparingly within any given song.