Recently I've run into a common problem I'm sure many have when learning to play guitar: turning scales into melodies instead of just noodling around on them. I wanted to share a website I came across that is really helping me out. It's a collection of short melodic patterns, 112 in all, but they then recommend taking the patterns and applying them to the modes of ever scale and playing at different positions and fingerings. I've been working my way through them, practicing with a metronome and extending the patterns through all the modes, and it's really helping me with my improvisation. The website is http://www.zentao.com/guitar/patterns/ if you want to check it out. Very worthwhile and a much more efficient practice tool than simply playing up and down scales.