rythm problems

I play the guitar for 5 month now, and i think i have some problems with the rythm. Two weeks before i went the first time with another guitarist(he´s already been there 30 times or something) to a drummer. Then i got problems with the rythm, he played a beat and i didn´t know what song i already can play would fit in, i just was able to play some improvised things together with him. So i was told by the othe guitarist to practice with the metronome, but i don´t know how to practice with it. When i want to play my songs with the metronome i don´t know what tempo and what beat i should adjust. How do i know if something is in 4/4 3/4 time or whatever? Should you better practice more at home or should you often go to a drummer or practice with your band to get a good guitarist?

Practice both at home and with other people. Most rock and blues stuff is in 4/4, meaning the rhythm is 1,2,3,4 over and over. 3/4 is 1,2,3 over and over. Clap your hands or count to the beat of the song and you'll get it. I think it is a ratio of beats per measure or something like that. Metronomes are excellent, but you should also play with other people and jam along with recorded music, e.g., the radio, cd's, etc.

I'm jaming most of the time...
Jam alot...it's good, Improves you alot.

But then i wonder why my guitar teacher said, that you have to get good at your own, bands rarely bring out the real good guitar players.

Work with a metronome on your rhythm. Playing with others is always a good idea because it sure beats the hell out of playing with yourself, just make sure the people you play with are the opposite sex, unless you're into that sort of thing... :)

Arm yourself with the basics and then jam as much as possible.I spent 6+ hours a day learning guitar and building my skills when I first started(actually...I still do that often),but its another beast to apply the rhythms,licks,skills e.c.t in a band/jam situation.You'll quikly find out that all of those sweet riffs and licks will slip your mind when playing with others.Structured practice dosn't produce music.Practice improves skill.Music is felt and expressed,not exercised.Play with whom ever you can as much as possible.

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