Hi Eric,

I have a set of tutorials here on Guitar Tricks that lead you through the basics of strumming. It starts right at the very beginning, and moves through several sets of lessons, building on the skills as you go. It's targeted at acoustic players, but the theory and techniques will apply to electric guitar as well. If it starts out too easy for you, feel free to jump ahead until you find your skill level. Either way, it should get you off on the right foot as far as proper technique goes.

Here's the first tutorial:
Acoustic Strumming I: Getting Started
http://www.guitartricks.com/tutorial.php?input=486

Keep us posted - have fun!
-Lisa McCormick