I think a lot of people are having the exact same issues, in fact.. I think everyone (including me) have been struggling with not being able to use some of the information that we've learned - in the moment - and make it "make sense" in the music.

For me, there are a few concepts that has helped me with being able to follow the changes. The first step in being able to really follow changes
is to use the major pentatonic scale over each chord. Now, I don't mean using the same major pentatonic scale over each chord.. Let me explain;

If we have a simple chord progression like: C, F and G7. C major pentatonic would sound good over all these chords. But what opened a little
door for me was to be able to follow these changes and switching scales for each chord.
Try playing C major pentatonic over the C chord, then F major pentatonic over the F chord, and then G major pentatonic over the G chord. This
will outline the changes even more, and you'll be able to hear what chord you're playing over more clearly.

In the lesson "Country Guitar Soloing Concepts" on this site, I'm walking you through this concept (and more concepts after that) which I think are essential when it comes to improvising over changes. This might sound simple, but it takes
practice to do this in a musical way. The lesson is not really just a "country guitar lesson".. it features some of the most important fundamentals for improvising in my opinion. If you haven't checked it out yet, I suggest you to do it and then maybe you'll have some more things that we can discuss after that.

Another thing for me has been to really learn how to outline the changes with playing strong chord notes on the downbeat of each chord. For instance, practicing
resolving on the major or minor third of the chord. This really helps when it comes to enhancing and outlining the sound of the chord. Adding spice to the chords with alterations (and practicing V7 to I situations, for example G7 to Cmaj7 or Cm7) is something that one could practice a lifetime and still find new ways and new sounds and ideas.
In my lesson "Jazz Up Your Blues", here on the site, I'm talking a lot about how to add tension using the diminished scale etc, to create tension and then resolve on a strong chord tone.
For me, learning small ideas from grate musicians (not whole solos, but shorter phrases that I love) has helped a lot when it comes to hearing whats going on, and understanding how to use the phrase when I improvise.

Learning a lot of licks, like you have, helps too - but it is important to try to move the licks around (or a part of the lick) on the fretboard, and in different keys. After a while - some of these ideas will pop up when you improvise.

Another thing that I want to say is, that it is important not to get frustrated or overwhelmed by how much there is to learn on the internet. If you're focusing on one idea for two hours, you should never think that that's a waste of time.. because that "workout" will help everything else that you play on the guitar. It is never a waste of time. Focusing, and eyes on the road - is key!

Let me know if I can help you with anything, and thank you so much for being part of the forum!
Kind regards/Emil

But for now, take your time and learn Fingerstyle Guitar by @emilernebro

Cheers!

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There are a lot of books and webpages written about this subject but in my opinion, they either have a scientific angle and simplifying the practical reality or they are based on to much beliefs and feelings. I will try to balance the text and make the articles available to a broad public.

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