3/32 landing& 3/32 gap 3&4G is how I officially learned walking the cup on Tig.
"Wait for the click". 
No backing strip or what's known as open root is a true test of skill. With MIG it's "whip and hold". Stick, it's "keyhole and fill". With whatever process, you're essentially welding air. It'll turn your perception of welding inside out and backwards but the end result is worth it. It'll make you a far better welder.
