Help for newbie on Crazy Little Thing Called Love Solo

[Kwikrp]

my problem is the beginning of the solo after slide on B and High E he strums those two strings. Just can not strum the up and down motion fluidly. Seems sometimes the pick hanging up on string or missing it. Changed pick angles and tried different picks. Have spent quite bit time practicing but still problems.
Any and all suggestions and help will be appreciated.

 

[guitarjazz]

Slow downer?

 

[PatrickE_FenderADV]

Got the rhythm parts down for the entire song yet?

 

[Lephty]

Use a metronome, cut the tempo to half or 2/3 of the tempo of the original song, get it as close to perfect as you can at that speed, and notch the tempo up from there. And focus on staying relaxed.

I'm also wondering about pick direction. Maybe you're turned around, not quite locked in with the beat?

 

[Kwikrp]

I'm also wondering about pick direction. Maybe you're turned around, not quite locked in with the beat?

I have the front tip of pick (facing headstock) slightly downward angle so not hitting strings flat.
Please explain "turned around"? I know the beat and can sing it but I think there is something not right with my mechanics of playing it, or equipment type of pick?

 

[Lephty]

I'm referring to pick direction as in alternate picking, where your pick moves downward on the beat, and upward on the off beat. I'm wondering if you may possibly have that backwards? In any case my guess is that it is indeed the mechanics--I don't think the type of pick should make THAT much of a difference.

 

[muzishun]

my problem is the beginning of the solo after slide on B and High E he strums those two strings. Just can not strum the up and down motion fluidly. Seems sometimes the pick hanging up on string or missing it. Changed pick angles and tried different picks. Have spent quite bit time practicing but still problems.
Any and all suggestions and help will be appreciated.

I know what you mean, I have the same issue.

I have found to get it to sound smooth you need a wide strum, but fairly loose, afa how tight you grip the pick.

So, muting is key .

 

[Lephty]

Yes, muting is important. For that lick I would probably use a combination of muting the lowest 3 strings with my picking hand, and then letting the tip of my index finger of my fretting hand touch the 3rd string to mute it. That way your "strum" doesn't have to be so precise, and you can stay relaxed with it.