I'm going to tell you to practice finger picking but I'm sure others will disagree . But finger picking will let you properly play so many old country and folk songs like
"Nine Pound Hammer" by Merle Travis,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btVAuFMpNr4
"If I needed you" by Townes Van Zandt ,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaP8NGML_QE
"Home sweet Home" by Elizabeth Cotten
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzqpRPrHIeo
"Banks of the Ohio" By Doc Watson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exL8koAkt6w
"Mama Tried" By Merle Haggard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loT_pYzi3Vw