Sounds like you need to be working with either a click track or a metronome. A good teacher is a plus. Don't just take anyone for a teacher though, because there are some bad ones also. Interview them like you would a perspective employee, because after all, they are there for you and not the other way around. Ask a lot of questions, ask for references, and even get a sample of his playing. Some more reputable teachers will even give you a few sample lessons to see if they are for you.

Edit:
Almost forgot, you can also check out http://www.riffinteractive.com for some free lessons and cool riffs. http://www.wholenote.com also has a metronome you can download and also a tuner for free. hope these help

[Edited by hairbndrckr on 03-23-2003 at 10:15 PM]