A good sense of rhythm is probably the most underrated aspects guitar playing. Being able to play on time consistently is often what separates good guitarists from average guitarists. Try playing the piece you are currently working on to a metronome, you will really be able to tell how well you know it - a metronome is unforgiving, and will quickly expose any inconsistencies in your playing.

If you don't have a metronome or drum machine, get one. There is one on the bottom left hand corner of this page as well. I use a Korg MA-30 digital metronome, I also practice along to sequenced beats in software applications such as Reason. The important thing is to have a solid groove you can play to.

This is a lesson on warming up for a practice session with a metronome or a drum machine. It's a great way to limber up your fingers and develop a solid sense of rhythm. This warm up should take about 25 minutes to a half an hour - after which, you will be ready to shred. I tend to have my metronome running throughout my practice sessions, even when I'm not playing as it helps solidify a sense of the groove in my 'internal clock'.