One other thought. After listening and emulating, record yourself. You will be amazed at the stuff you hear on a recording that is missed while performing it.

I find that sometimes what I thought sucked when I played it live often comes across sounding good when listened to in the context in the whole.

Also there are things that I think sound sharp when I play them live, and in listening later do not like it at all.

Certainly the best way to learn, IMO.