Just "picking" up on the Pete Jennings post - I learnt fingerstyle in stages as follows:

1. Keeping 1st, 2nd and 3rd fingers together, and simply plucking the E B and G strings together whilst playing alternating bass strings.

2. Eventually separating out the 1st finger to play G whilst 3rd and 4th (together) played B and E strings.

3. Then separating 2nd and 3rd fingers to play patterns, such as "TIMRIMI" (Thumb, Index, Middle, Ring, Index, Middle, Index)

4. Developing independence of fingers to play melody notes whilst thumb plays bass.

Also - using 1st finger (with thumb as support - as if holding a plectrum) to give driving rhythms and strums.

I used to think guitar playing was all about your fretting hand - 'til a brilliant guitarist once told me "Nope - it's about your right hand (assuming right-handed playing), and you've got a right-hand to die for!"

It'd always been one of my best friends anyhow........