Great feedback so far.

Guest MCB - I agree that the dependable timing helps a ton in practice. I was not familiar with the term "cross rhythms" - is it the same as syncopation? Also can someone clarify the term "polyrhythm". I listen to a lot of different music, and am likely well aquainted with the spirit of these terms, but if I plead complete ignorance here it may result in more clarity in the long run.

Bart - The "rhythm box" approach sounds interesting, I have not had one at my disposal to try. Do you know of any price concious items on the market? As for playing along with music, I do this at times by forgetting chords and just playing on totally muted strings. "Chunka-chick" The up and down stroke recognition is pretty well a mystery to me.

Hellen - You were quite right, I was inquiring about "rhythm patterns". I didn't know what to call it. Now I do. Your computer suggestions are interesting and I will hopefully be able to use them down the road, but for now my computer struggles with processing text.

My struggle is that as I venture away from fairly simple rhythm patterns, they become more confused instead of more complex.

As for Mousethief - we have been in touch via PMs and cleared up the confusion ... my confusion and hopefully mended that bridge. In my youth I occassionally would wake up "the next day" regretting the some of the night's activities. That is how I feel now. This leads one to conclude that the Mudcat is intoxicating.

Thanks for all the info, and keep it coming. Take care. Jo