I've been playing guitar for about 6 years. I've always just played with a distortion pedal. I get good sound for distortion stuff...but i want to start playing more stuff high on the neck. I get kind of a weak sound, and not much response when playing fast stuff. I'm looking for that shred guitar sound...im sure you've all heard it. i really really like Paul Gilbert's sound. it's amazing. anyways..how can i get that sound? what am i doing wrong?

my setup:
Fender Squier Strat
Crate G212XL combo
boss metal zone mt-2 distortion pedal

plz plz help..its much appreciated..thanks