My trio's been kicking my butt lately--the guys keep coming up with great stuff to work up.

This time, it's Spyro Gyra's fusion standard "Morning Dance:"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6IUUWzI7vg

I've tried various ways getting that off-beat laden, percussive, strumming sound out with my right hand on the NS, but I'm having a hard time coming up with the goods!

I actually tried de-tuning my NS to have the guitar third up top, tried barring and actually strumming like a real guitarist...and it feels so...awkward. Don't really want to work my left hand that way. I have newfound appreciation for those of you who have (or still do) comp like that.

Any ideas for emulating this, or am I better off trying something different altogether?

Perhaps use a capo? I've put one on each side of my NS to get at a narrower fret spacing and get a few "open" strings as well.