-
Chuck pointed out one of the main tips. Slower is better to start. But wait there is more. Relaxation also mentioned is key!!! But wait there is more. Hit those strings as softly as you can (like a whisper) with your pick and then maybe after a few minutes strum as loudly as you possibly can. Then after a few minutes do the soft strum again. I found this helped me to control my strum motion which was way to much motion when I started. It helped me learn how to strike a strings loudly with control and precision. It did not take as much strength as I thought it did to tickle out the guitars max volume capabilities. Let the guitar do some work and you will save yourself some effort.