Originally Posted by: csnu5

I realize this may be a silly kind of question that may seem so obvious to more experienced guitarists out there but my rhythm is a little off.[/quote]

That's a good, honest observation. Being able to stay in time while learning & practicing gradually more complex musical content is one of the biggest challenges in learning to play.

Originally Posted by: csnu5...I didn't really realize that guitar playing is as much as 80% rhythm and one must have developed their rhythm solidly as hell.[/quote]

And it's baked into every aspect of playing: strumming chords, changing chords, playing melodies, playing leads. Everything has to be done in rhythm, on time.

Originally Posted by: csnu5I heard everything like always practicing with a metronome...have an idea perhaps just at the end of the day its all comes down to just more practice?[/quote]

Yes. Use a metronome, use a backing track, play with a good drummer. Play a lot. Any & all of these are what is required to improve your timing.

Originally Posted by: csnu5Do I need always practice with a metronome?

If you don't have any other means of gauging your timing, yes.

[quote=csnu5]Go back to doing fundamentals 1 and 2 all over again?

Only if you think you missed something important, or you could use the play along songs to measure improvement in your timing.

[quote=csnu5]Sing along while playing?

Hum while playing?

Always get in the habit of tapping my foot?

I'm not sure adding another task is going to help, if that task is not somehow solidly in time (like a metrnome or backing track).

[quote=csnu5]Get a backing track and try to follow along one basic song trying and trying to get the rhythm chops better and better?

Strum my guitar in time with the metronome clicks for hours days weeks more regularly until I develop a sense of timing?

Yes, yes, yes. :)

It helps that you are aware of the problem in the first place. Some students aren't. That is itself an achivement. Well done! Now you know it needs work & you are willing to do it!

Best of success!