If i were a beginner in this situation, i think i'd focus on playing rhythm with chop chords first and just take whatever breaks i got by playing simple stuff out of chop position. #Niles' book BG Up the Neck is really good for this.
Nobody will probably much notice if you pass on breaks or even mess up a break, but everyone will notice if you screw up the rhythm.
Also, paraphrasing the melodies is a good suggestion. #Beyond that you can get a lot of mileage out of pentatonics, Niles has a book for that too.
Foley #268
Janish #183
Newell #22
Weber D-hole Hyalite
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