Question about my rear cogs and barrel adjuster...?
 

Two questions someone can hopefully help me with. First, is it righty tighty lefty loosey for the barrel adjusters on the derailers?

The reason I ask is because I was noticing when the chain is rotating around the rear cogs, there is some slight friction with the next lowest gear (rubbing). Occasionally there is a slight "stutter' of the chain. There are no stiff links, and I can still ride, but I don't want to wear out the cogs or the chain due to this friction. Since it's rubbing on the next innermost cog on the rear, I wonder if I should try loosening the rear barrel adjuster? Is this is the right call? I also had the rear derailer recently adjusted at my LBS. Thanks in advance.

Yes, if the rubbing is to the inside (next larger cog) turn the barrel adjuster clockwise viewed from the back of the bike. That will shorten the housing and, in effect, lengthen the inner cable. Go slow, no more than 1/2 turn at a time, until the noise and rubbing stop.

You can always experiment by turning the adjusters. Just remember how many turns you gave so you can go back.

For some reason the bike is not running smoothly in the highest gear (smallest rear, big front) combo. It just doesn't spin smooth. I've been messing with the barrel adjuster trying all combos but to no avail. This is frustrating, I hate having to take my bike into the shop and pay $ when I can't get it myself.

High limit screw adjustment is your fix, your RD needs to be able to move ever so slightly more outward. www.parktool.com for all the steps needed to perform the task.