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For those who are interested this is the typical approach I take to the Wednesday improv. lessons.
1. Look at what key the lesson is in and play this from memory (usually with the root note being on the low E string).
2. Watch the video and get a feel for the scale, particularly if it covers more than one position.
3. Practice a few times with the tab but without the backing track.
4. Play the scale along to the backing track and really focus on solid timing.
5. Listen to the backing track, usually just once or twice.
6. Play the scale verbatim over the backing track, again just once or twice, and listen out for which notes in particular sound better than others. Ones which don’t sound as good will probably be used as passing notes rather than staying or ending on them.
7. Start improvising, probably three or four attempts, focusing on variety to the timing, e.g. not all 8th notes, leaving space etc. and listening out any melodies which are catchy. At some point during this record a few takes on my phone.
Something to note here is that at this point in time, improvisation is the journey and the destination. I’m not aiming to write polished solos which I transcribe or can play note for note again on the next take, I’m aiming to develop my musicianship.