Does your pick spin? Can't pick fast? So many students hit a roadblock simply because they hold the pick the wrong way! Use the side of your first finger near the nail and push your thumb lightly into it to grip the pick. Choke up on the pick and stay relaxed - don't tense up. Move from the wrist, like shaking water off your hands, and use tiny movements to stay near the strings. A good instructor will catch your bad habits and help you replace them with good ones!

Also, try different types and thicknesses of picks. I like Dunlop Tortex picks, which have a powder coating to increase the grip in your sweaty mitts.