For me , I got most of my technique from playing solos by great guitar players ... Usualy when I have a trouble with a tricky part of a solo or so , I cut it out of the solo, play it over and over in loops, making an exercise out of it.

Occasionaly when I spend sometime without playing guitar much frequently , if I feel like loosing my speed , or getting sloppy at a certain technique , I pick up the metronome and practice.

I really liked what "TheDirt" said , and totally agree with him.