also, taking this a step further, you should learn the scale and patterns these guys(and/or your heros)use in their solos and songs.
i recommend learning the pentatonic scales. these are a great start and are used by very prestigous guitarists from Eddie Van Halen to Zakk Wylde. they are easy to learn and easy to solo with. if you get bored or want to try something new, they are plenty of other scales to have a field day on. just try them all out. i must have a drawer full of scales i've used and tried.
well, just try it out dude.
good luck
Thanks for listening to this small piece of me.