10 PICKING POINTERS

1. 
   right-hand muting -- an example would be if you're playing power cords on the 654 strings and you do not want the 123 strings to sound, they can be silenced by resting the rest side of your right-hand palm on them.
2. right-hand staccato -- the idea here is to use the pick to mute the string. Here's an example, using an open string try to shorten each note without speeding up. This is done by bringing the pick to rest on that string just before you strikes again.
3. movement from the wrist -- this recommendation confuses a lot of people. Basically when they say the pick from the rest they're actually referring to a forearm motion not a up-and-down wrist motion. but just keep in mind, that you don't want into motion with the fingers or with the elbow.
4. dynamics -- this word means to play louder and softer and can be achieved by striking the string harder or easier. A good exercise would be to play a steady series of notes, striking the fourth note a little harder to assist in keeping your tempo
5. tone -- picking near the bridge is a bright metallic sound but picking near to the neck gives a warm jazz the sound.
6. approach -- use alternate picking. This allows for faster picking technique as well as helping you stay in rhythm and on beat.
7. timing -- speaking of the beat, it's always good to play with a drummer. This can be either MIDI files, your favorite metronome, are just tapping your foot.
8. versatility -- The most common flatpicking method uses strict alternate strokes (down, up, down, up); however, some players opt for a less
   articulated effect, where the picked note is followed by hammer-ons or pull-offs. . There are many other types of picking styles. One is called country style were use both the pic and your finger. Another style is called two-handed tapping. Be comfortable in switching between these styles.
9. dimension -- picks come in all sizes and dimensions. Make sure you find one that fits your playing style. I would suggest experimenting with different shapes and thicknesses until you find one that feels just right for you.
10. practice -- set aside time in your day to practice. You'd be surprised at how much better you will become my focusing on picking techniques exclusively.

Here are my recommendations for programs that help build picking techniques:
Guitar Pro 5
Here are my recommendations on books that describe picking techniques at a much more detailed level. These books will take you to that next level of playing skill that you are looking for

Speed Picking - Frank Gambale (Paperback)