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!

E Lydian Mode Chords

After playing with E lydian mode all night, I see that some good chords to use in these progessions are E Major, F# Major, G# Major, B Major, C# Minor, and D# Minor. You can also add on to these chords with any add-on notes within reach that are still in the E Lydain Pattern (i.e. E F# G# A# B C# D# E), and thus create some very cool colors to your progression.