There a lot of things about scales and modes that don't make too much sense when learning about them. In each key (for instance A major) there are five different pentatonic box patterns that you can play in. All of these notes will sound wonderfull. If you switch to G minor, there are five different pentatonic box patterns that will sound good if you are playing in G minor.

This is a bit confusing. If you are interested in soloing and curious about the modes, I suggest two things.

1. Search this site for a begginers guide on Modes. If there isn't one here try a search on google.com for the same thing. Learning about modes can be tough and it can be easy, don't let this take away your confidence. Modes allow you to solo in ways impossible otherwise. It all depends "how far down the rabbit hole you want to go" (sorry about quoting the matrix.)

2. The way I got good at soloing was buying a Boss Rc-20 phrase recorder. You can record a simple rhythm with it, and then solo over it. This is honestly the best thing I ever bought for the guitar. The only problem is that you must also have whatever effects you are going to use outside of your amp (unless your amp has an effects loop (send and return)

Depending on how much of a headache you can take, I would stick to major and minor scales and the ONE major or minor pentatonic that goes with it. (If you have an A major rhythm to solo against, stay in the a major pentatonic scale. Don't worry about the five modes of it.)

If you are serious, get into the habbit of learning how to use alternate picking SOONER then LATER. I made the mistake of choosing sooner and my solos are sloppy because of it.

thats all the advice I can think of I hope I didn't confuse you. (please email me if you are confused - [email]Nerbaneth@gmail.com[/email]) I hope I helped you out a bit.