Originally Posted by: aarclarkI play some malmsteen stuff with pull offs, but I'm trying to upgrade to the real picking now.
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Good starting point, though!

Try the same licks but repeat the notes each 3 or 4 times. This gives your picking hand a chance to really get used to the idea.

|-12-12-12-12-10-10-10-10-8-8-8-8-7-7-7-7-|
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|-10-10-10-10-8-8-8-8-7-7-7-7-5-5-5-5------|
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|-8-8-8-8-7-7-7-7-5-5-5-5-4-4-4-4-5-5-5-5--|
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Then gradually remove the repeats.

|-12-10-8-7-10-8-7-5-8-7-5-4-5-|
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Make sense?
[QUOTE=aarclark]
I don't know if I have too much tension in my hand or what, but it seems virtually impossible.

Very likely. Both hands need to be as relaxed as possible. Many beginners to fast lines typically tighten their hand muscles almost by reflex. It only makes it harder to get to the next note - so RELAX! Only enough pressure to play the note is necessary. Any more is wasted effort and will only slow you down.

Finally, don't "dig" the pick into the string. Let the pick "glide" smoothly over the string.

Good luck with it, keep practicing & you'll get it!