Tips on note selection

[UberMetalDood]

Instead of always landing on the root notes, or using trial and error to figure out more interesting sounds, is there some more reliable or methodical way of finding the "right" notes? I have difficulty figuring out where to start and end on a scale form when soloing. Some guitarists sound awesome making runs that don't conform to the standard modal patterns. I would like to be able to do that so I don't get trapped using the same type of patterns and mechanics.

Furthermore, I have some trouble finding the right key to solo in. For instance, if I come up with a rhythm that centers around a D power chord, then soloing in DM/Bm or Dm doesn't always sound right or sounds bland. Then I have to record those chords in sequence, reference a key chart, and see what key sounds best. It's difficult to understand since all of the notes in the chords I could be playing are within the D major scale, and using the modes of DM still don't sound right. Then I try another relative key or something and then I find it. That, or I might find the right key but only the pentatonic notes seem to work.

Maybe I'm just thinking of it the wrong way. I don't know but I sure could use some help and a simple perspective on how it works.

[innerdreamrecords.co]

All notes have a feeling of movement and resolve or lack there of e.g. tension. If you dig a little on Google you can find information on the emotions chords and notes evoke. Being an accomplished musician is knowing what does what when you need to know. As an example I want to write a chord progression I have my first two chords the I chord going to the VI chord. So what comes next? The natural resolve is the II chord. Knowing this I can choose to use the II chord or listen for something else that "moves" me. After all that's what it's about - how it makes you feel. To elaborate try this on the guitar. In A minor play the the 2 half step movements B and C then E and F, then play the A to the E. The half step movements have tension and darkness where the A to E feels different. Tension and release, movement, etc.

[DrNewcenstein]

Experiment with different starting points in a given scale for a given solo. Lay down a basic rhythm (something that will allow you to focus on the solo scale without having to remember where you put a complex key/tempo change), and work out a simple, easy to remember/easy to replicate solo for it.
Then at the "solo start point", begin on the root as you normally would, then go back and do another solo track where you're starting on the next note in the scale, then another on the next note, etc etc.

Eventually you'll end up with about 12 solo tracks, or more if you do extra tracks around the middle of the scale going up first or going down first.

You can also begin a solo (or at least one section of it) one beat later than the "solo start point". Obviously this doesn't work for everything, and is generally easier to pull off in more melodic things like Joe Satriani's Echo from SWTA than say a typical Speed Metal track.