Hi Marion.

This is one of these things that is so easy to SHOW someone, but tricky as hell to explain. MK's description may be a bit ambiguous, so I'll try and put it into some other words.

Let's start with a "Long A" chord. (Index barres four strings at the second fret, with the pinky playing the first string at the fifth fret.)

You've got three free fingers (middle, ring and pinky) to play the high leads with, so, starting with that high "A" note (the one that the pinky is on) start playing a descending scale..A,G#,F#,(on the first string), then switch to the second string, fifth fret (E)...and keep going. All the while you're doing this, you keep the index barre on. It gives you he practice of keeping some fingers moving while one stays stationary. Tough, but do-able.

In the key of C, I think you're on the right track. A complete scale isn't neccessary. It's simply learning to pick the closest available appropriate notes, while keeping a bass line going. Doesn't have to be an alternating bass. Sometimes one note is all that's needed (like the C on the fifth string)

Before trying stuff like this, you need to be able to play simple fingerpicking pieces like "Freight Train" or "Railroad Bill", with a definite melody, before you start improvising. I strongly suggest picking up an Etta Baker album. She's great at this style. Good luck.

Rick