I've been browsing the net for over an hour looking for something that will get me out of this rut. I have some handy information, but i need more on picking.
Thing is, i used to hold the pick between the pad joint of my thumb and the second phalange of my index finger (much like a 2 finger fist). It gave good pick grip and i used my elbow exclusively, to do my picking. Id find ways to pick economy for any fast phrases, and got by pretty much. Then some good intentioned idiot told me to use the wrist.
Down the road about two years now, I'm stuck at about 145 BPM; thats when im not fingering or changing strings but "tremolo picking" a single note. My left hand is decently strong, but my right hand cant seem to get any faster.
Use most picks without any problems except thin ones, my right hand tenses up, if i pick my max speed too long, my arm (bicep) aches a little and my other fingers (little, fourth and middle) tense up too (i keep them pointing out straight).
I have seen that this is a problem with a lot of guitar players around where i am from, but instruction videos, books and web pages seem to avoid talking about picking for some reason. Sure they are all "here are a bunch of exercises" but no "heres how to get your wrist to pick fast in the first place".
I've read in the past hour to "relax", said will seem awkward the first days but will be natural after, will try that next time i get back to my guitar (i work in a oil rig, am away for 35 days and back 35). Is tension the only thing keeping my wrist from shredding? I'd really be grateful for any suggestions. Dont have Guitar teachers around where i am (except classical players). PLEASE HELP!

[Edited on 7/4/2008 by ZeldaMentalEvil]

BTW, now i hold my pick between the pad of the first phalange of my thumb and the side of the first phalange of my index finger with about enough pressure to lift a glass of whiskey.

[Edited on 7/4/2008 by ZeldaMentalEvil]