When you are learning to play any instrument, rhythm training is essential. This training helps develop coordination and a sense of timing. One of the first skills you want to learn is how to practice along with a metronome. There are various types of metronomes on the market, so ask a salesperson to assist you in buying the best one for your needs. A simple digital metronome will do just fine.

Once you have the metronome, listen to the clicks at a slow tempo. That's all you're going to do at first — listen. It's the most important thing! Next, count out loud with the beat on the metronome: “1, 2, 3, 4” and so on. When you have the metronome groove in your head, tap along with the beat on the guitar body and count out loud again.

Once you are counting out loud and tapping with the metronome in time, it is time to put your hands on the fretboard and start some actual practice. The exercise shown in FIGURE 6-23 is designed to help you build your rhythm and sight-reading skills. As you play, listen to Track 32 of this book's CD.

When you are playing this exercise, try to clap out the rhythms first and then say them out loud. Once you hear yourself speaking in time, you will like what you hear. The music will get a little more involved as you go along, but this initial first set of steps is important to your progress.