Hello, I start my alternate picking with an upstroke when I ascend.
Is this a bad thing?
I can play fast with this, its a system of course like starting with a downstroke.
Only thing is, do I need to change this? im like 50 % of the speed starting with a downstroke
Definitely not a bad thing. I generally determine my picking direction based on what part of the beat I am starting on (i.e. downstroke for down beat, upstroke for up beat). I do practice switching it up some times as well. There are times when it will beneficial to start on a downbeat with an upstroke and vice verse. The thing I adhere to most in my playing is to switch it up as much as possible in my practice sessions. Making things as difficult as I can on my picking, fretting, counting, and everything else you can think of so when it comes time to perform I can get through a run with ease.