Dan....I learned patterns long before I understood what I was doing. I tend to be a jump in and see what happens kind of player. What Jeff just told you is the key to making those patterns work for you, without getting overwhelmed with theory.

Get that Pentatonic scale burned into you fingers. It will give you some immediate freedom to start exploring lead guitar. If you like to learn by jumping in and playing around, Pentatonic it the way to get started. Pay close attention to the Index/ pinky explanation! That will really open the world of major and minor. You will eventually want to learn all the theory behind it the music. But if, like me, you prefer jumping in and playing around.... Listen to Jeff! He knows, where of he speaks.

Jeff... GT really should put you on the payroll!