[font=trebuchet ms]Well done! First time in, and you've got replies from two of [font=tempus sans itc]Ye Moste Anciente & Respekted Gits![/font] :D

For strumming, don't bother with trying to co-ordinate the fretting hand with your strumming hand at first. Just drape your fretting hand loosely across all the strings to mute them. Then have at it with your strumming hand until you get used to the feel of stroking the strings. You will soon find it's easy to emphasise some of the downstrokes more than others in order to give some accent to the beat. Add upstrokes for the off-beats.

chuffa-chuffa-chuffa-chuffa-chuffa-chuffa-chuffa-chuffa

You should angle the pick slightly so that the [u]edge[/u] of the pick meets the strings, not the flat. One common indication of a beginner is the frown of concentration on their face as they gamely try to pound the strings into submission! It sounds like a piece of card flapping on the spokes of a bicycle wheel. Stroke - don't thump.[/font]