yeah get a new teacher..u need to get the basics down like chord progression and all that oter "stuff" alternate picking can be done on ur own time but take it slowly..unlike me i took it to fast and became sloppy and now im starting all over again.. make sure all the notes sound even then raise the speed... you dont have to use a metronome if u dont want to1) they can be get really frustrating...i dont use one..i just have a naturall feeling for being in time and like i said earlier..slowly raise the speed..