I listen to a few bands on YouTube (Or better still live) etc. to see which I like the feel of and then use those instruments as a basis.

I record the performance as a Midi file then play it back to see how it sounds, changing instruments & settings as the file plays.

When I am happy with the Midi File play, I transfer all the settings over to registration pre-sets and practice playing the song as if I was playing the actual instrument.

Hope this helps

Bill