when u say patterns , do u mean different scales that u break down.. or just patterns u ur self make up!?
they're essentially the same thing.
I make up patterns, but these patterns exist as scales. so technically I'm not making up anything new, but rather figuring out existing scales.
there's a pattern that your fingers can follow that will allow you to hit most of the right notes improvising.
I use sliding as a way to hear what note is right, I slide up 12-14 frets and I hear all the right notes along the way. I eventually stop at the right note and play within the pattern.
the way I use my finger patterns I only need 1-2 right notes and I can figure out a scale and go off on a nice lead.
it's certainly possible to teach you guys how to do this, maybe I should make a video showing how I do it . . .
also, I do the same thing with chords too. it's just a little harder but you have to figure out the pattern as well.