I spent several years learning how to play guitar in hopes of learning more about chord progressions and to help with my ear training, etc. - but what ended up happening is that I spent too much time doing that instead of focusing on what really needed my attention - MY DRUMMING! I've spent my life behind a drum set and let me tell you how many countless hours it takes to go through the muscle/memory control. Our brains are not naturally designed to do that sort of work so it takes time, time, and more time. After seeing your post you noted your goal- "My goal is to tighten my guitar playing because I didn't practice for a few years and got pretty sloppy, and beyond that maybe understand rhythm better for programming drums/thinking like a drummer and just exploring this side of music" My humble suggestion is to just work on metronome techniques with focus on different time signatures. But if you're just wanting to play for enjoyment, just get a SMALL kick, snare, hi-hat, and ride to start. Use sound-offs and hang lots of moving blankets around the kit in the room (and only play during normal business hours) Hope that helps Nola- GOOD LUCK!