Tension when playing whole step whole step pattern with 1-2-3 finger combo

Hello. Does anyone have any advice for overcoming tension in the index finger when playing scale chunks that use the 1-2-3. When playing the Phrygian pattern the tension is not there but the timing is off. When playing the Major pattern the tension in my index finger gets so bad at times that it pulls the high e string off of the fretboard. I think I created this problem through the way I practiced legato. Pick and grin my brothers. Advice would be welcomed. Thanks. I’m thinking that the answer lies in chunking at slow tempos?