For increased speed, practice the following:
1 – Bend your thumb’s tip joint (at the nail) so the pick attacks the string at a slight angle. The pick will slide off the string with ease. When you hold the pick flat against the string, this causes the pick to get “stuck” when alternate picking.
2 – Only allow only the tip of the pick to attack the string. Choke up on the pick.
3 – Practice rhythmic subdivision. Turn on a metronome and practice sixteenth notes on one string. Play One-e-and-a Two-e-and-a Three-e-and-a Four-e-and-a with strict down-up picking on a single note. The downbeats (One, Two, Three, and Four) should be played with a normal attack. The off-beats (e-and-a) should be played lightly. The more controlled and even the rhythm, the faster you will be able to play – eventually. Be patient and practice controlled and even – speed will come.
Questions? email nate@ultimateguitartraining.com