Hi Steve,

Great questions! First, the 'Hendrix' style thumb over the top of the neck grip for the Yellow Ledbetter song can be substituted for the index finger bare across all six strings, but you might run into trouble with the pinkie notes. I have a few students who are trying it your way, but I'm encouraging them to get used to the thumb over the top as many classic rock songs use this grip (Hendrix, Pete Townsend, Peral Jam, Stevie Ray Vaughan).

Second, it's okay to pick harder songs to work on, but make sure you balance your practice time with other essential practice items like: scales, scale exercises, technique exercises (alternate picking, tremolo picking), work on timing (practice with a metronome) to name a few. These are very important areas to incorporate into tyour daily practice and should not be overlooked.

I'd love to work with you and get a lesson plan set up for you. Here's the link to my private '1 on 1' lessons with available days, times, rates, and to reserve a lesson(s):

https://guitartricks.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?calendarID=1274409

Let me know if you have any questions.

-Dave Celentano