Hey willshep,

You can think of musical concepts and techniqes as hierarchical (single downstroke picking would be below alternate picking) but you'll ALWAYS double back and improve what you learned before. Even holding your pick can be a lifelong study, for pros! You'll always revisit and re-evaluate earlier ideas and techniques. So don't worry. If you are in this for the long run, just move onto the next idea or technique when you want to.

It also helps to have a one-on-one online lesson (you can get these through GuitarTricks) to help identify weak spots or get tips you might not be aware of.

http://www.guitartricks.com/pro

-Carl.