K.I.S.S.

Keeping it Simple

||: C - - - | Dm - - - | G - - - | Dm7- - - :||

Try playing this progression and throwing licks in based on the C major scale:
C D E F G A B C
Occasionally, throw in a Bb transition note.
See how that works for you.

You have to know a bit of theory, and then feel it!