And this brings up an obvious point: I am finally realizing how important it is to practice with the metronome. As a beginner it is very difficult, but to develop really good rythymn, this has to be done. Luckily I can use the drum patterns to avoid the click monotony. So now I have decided to make playing with drums the rule rather than the exception. I know this is obvious, but most things in life seem obvious once you realize them!