Stuart:Not to start a controversy, but there's a big difference between knowing what beat you are on and keeping a steady tempo (with the help of a metronome). Neil's method of tapping out the beats does a great of the former and has definitely helped my playing enormously. While the latter can be practiced with a metronome, I'm now convinced that it can only really be mastered through playing with others.
-Stuart
EVERYONE that has helped me out on my journey of learning to play the guitar has told me that playing with others is the best and fastest way to improve. The thought of that may be daunting to those of us who are shy and not very confident in our abilities, but if you can find someone with some patience, it can be a wonderful opportunity and a lot of fun. When I first started taking lessons, I would freeze like a deer in the headlights whenever my instructor would ask me to play along on a song (total embarrassment). It has slowly started to erode and I find that I am a bit more relaxed about it. Mostly because of the encouragement and lack of laughing at my mistakes. Most important thing I have learned is to KEEP TIME. If you mess up, don't hesitate and try to get it right. Just keep moving forward and stay in time.
You made a great point there.
Jason