Phil, Re: life-time habits, I think that's what's been my sticking point in getting started learning and devoting myself to practicing. The 'do this hundreds of times' lessons in books and videos have been based on styles of music I'm not sure I want to play. So I've wanted to find generic (well, Rick, like your blues guitar practices) things to work on to get it sounding like music and get my fingers working. Thanks for this thread.

Got any blues for the banjo? I've often said that what I wanted to play on the banjo is Stevie Ray Vaughn. Aim high, I always say.