I've got a Rhythm Guitar Book from Guitar College + the Bruce Buckingham Complete Rhythm Guitar Book.

I will admit I could be more systematic in my exploration of rhythm guitar.

What methods/techniques/routines do you use to develop your rhythm playing?

1 - Metronome first and foremost!
Drum sequence or loop is also fine but the metronome keeps YOU really honest without relying on that big 2 and 4 snare hit with a hi-hat pattern and bass drum pattern to make it easy for you.
2 - Cop real rhythm parts from CD's from The Who, to Earth, Wind, & Fire, to the Count Basie Band.
3 - Last but certainly not least ... play with other musicians. Ones that are better than you. You won't learn anything by being the best player in an ensemble.
This will all make you a good rhythm player, not to mention a better soloist as well.

This is what's always worked for me and countless students.

I've been working through Rhythm: A Step by Step Guide to Understanding Rhythm for Guitar by David Mead. I really like it.

I have made it a point this year to work on rhythm alot more as well.
Stevie Ray Vaughan is always lauded for his stellar lead work,but if you break down his playing you'll quickly realize what set him apart from your great shred lead type player is his impeccable sense of rhythm and timing.
That is what made his leads so good,they were always (well when he was on or not partying) on the money.
Tons of rhythmic concepts within his single note playing that played off the rhythms his songs were based.
Hendrix is another perfect example of rhythm being the foundation to spectacular lead playing.
Both players would play entire 20 minute solos all with in one or two box patterns on the neck,yet never seem to play the same licks twice and still be extremely interesting.
Again all credited to the rhythms the leads were based on.
about 5 or 6 years ago I completly chucked modal playing and scaller playing for the old school box style blues based playing you find in alot of the classic 60s and 70s rock. Once I did that I finally felt like I was home.
After years of looking for the music of my heart here it was all along all based on simple rhythmic style bluesy rock.
Havn't missed any of that shredding stuff one bit.
So glad to be home..........for me.
Hail the rhythm!

I've often thought that the rhytym playing of some of the most famous guitatists, was what really made their lead so memorable.
SRV, definately. Also, EVH, Tommy Bolin, and Hendrix.
I think that all of these guys also play(ed) drums.

I'm finding that the "Rhythmic Picking" techniques are helping with my chordal playing, as well.

quote:

Originally posted by klasaine:
1 - Metronome first and foremost!
Drum sequence or loop is also fine but the metronome keeps YOU really honest without relying on that big 2 and 4 snare hit with a hi-hat pattern and bass drum pattern to make it easy for you.
2 - Cop real rhythm parts from CD's from The Who, to Earth, Wind, & Fire, to the Count Basie Band.
3 - Last but certainly not least ... play with other musicians. Ones that are better than you. You won't learn anything by being the best player in an ensemble.
This will all make you a good rhythm player, not to mention a better soloist as well.

This is what's always worked for me and countless students.

I forgot to mention this, earlier.

+1,000! Great advice. (As usual. )