Originally Posted by: maltmnWhen you build speed or accuracy, you need to EXAMINE your technique VERY CLOSELY. Take note of what picking hand is doing:

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Can I make my picking motions smaller?
2. Can I keep my pick closer to the strings?
3. Can I use directional picking instead of alternate picking?
4. Can I use inside picking instead of outside picking?
5. Am I gripping the pick too tightly?
6. Am I tensing my body or arm somewhere unnecessarily?
7. Am I striking the string with enough power (you should be hitting the string as hard as you can)?

Now, this is what you'll need to do to improve these problems:

1. Decide WHICH of the issues above you will work on today (one at a time!)

2. SLOW down your guitar playing to playing ONE note every TWO seconds. Playing at this speed will make sure you're playing near perfect.

3. As you start to speed up, WATCH YOUR HANDS!!! Make SURE you're FOCUSING and CONCENTRATING on the specific issue you decided to work on.

4. KEEP WATCHING YOUR HANDS!!! As soon as you start to notice the problem appear, SLOW DOWN, until it goes away again.

5. Practice at that perfect speed for 5 minutes... then try to go a little faster.

6. Repeat steps 3-6 until you've reached a speed you feel comfortable with!

Also repeat the process with each of the points. Remember you'll need to select a SINGLE problem to deal with at a time. Don't try to focus on solving every problem at once, or it will be much too difficult and frustrating.