So I have progressed through beginner 1 no problem until I get to the strumming section and my brain is having issues. I don't seem to have a problem with the complicated (D-DU-UDUD) pattern when I play with my fingers, but every time I try to use a pick,the upstrokes throw me off. I learned this pattern initially doing the Runaway Train for beginners song with Caren and picked it up pretty fast--but she (and I) used fingers for strumming. So I don't think it's because of the complexity of the patterns as much as something maybe mechanical with how I'm hitting the strings.

I feel like the pick twists funny in my hands or something on upstrokes. It seems to happen no matter how simple the rhythm. Is it just something that takes getting used to? Or are there some common pick holding/up stroking errors I may be making? I think I'm holding it firm, but not overly so--with my 3rd-5th fingers out as described in earlier lessons.

Any advice? Thanks.