Take some time out to practice alternative, eco picking, as well as if your really into it, inside and outside picking, gallop picking, tremolo picking, hybrid picking, chicken picking, etc. Even if you end up not using them, they can still provide useful insight.
For example:
I love to eco pick for speed and flow, but for some I will use alternative picking as it sounds more a mechnical, tighter, and controlled. Alternative picking, even thou I don't use it as much, taught me to just use the tip of the pick and correct practice (the picking thumb should not be pointing the pick up or down, but can be rotated forward 45 degrees for better attack angle). Alternative picking will throw you off or slow you down if you are making a mistake with this, so can be of help.
I don't tremolo pick when playing (as it's not controlled and rather messy) but in practice have found this a technique to find your fastest picking/shredding speed before you can actually achieve it in a controlled manner. It's taught me to relax the hand and use minimum amount of distance for great speed. Distance = Time.
Various styles of picking also twist the brain into remembering multiple picking patterns and rhythm. While confusing at first, with some practice can be helpful. You might find a lick that much easier or quicker just by changing the picking style used.
I highly recommend following the guitarist rule:
learn both and develop what is natural.
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This post has been edited by Azzaboi: Jan 18 2012, 06:53 AM