Try to understand chords and chord progressions paying special attention to 3rds and 7ths.
Understand as much theory as possible ie,...modulation, substitute chords, note selection, alterations of chords, etc,..
First thought, learn the notes on your finger board. Then learn about triads. And on and on and on.
Try this for starters. More than enough..,..
http://www.wholenote.com/
To bad your in Ohio. You'd learn with me teaching you.