I've only recently started using a metronome, mainly to increase my speed; however, it's improved my timing tenfold. The trick is to listen to what you're playing were. The things I practise general are sixteeth notes anyway, so I just make sure every fifth note is played on a click, but it's important to work on your timing. I suggest you finding a good rhythmn guide which explains how everything is broken up and then go from there. http://www.ultimateguitar.com had a very good one.
Anyway, 'nuff blabbing, good luck, feel free to ask any more questions, there's no one here who can confuess you in the same way I do! (That's probably actually true, thinking about it...)