Marion, do you know any harmonic theory? Most songs played in sessions--even fast sessions--have simple harmonic structures, many only two or three chords. If you know when the changes occur and what the notes are in the chords, emphasize them: they'll be the main melody notes. Other notes in the scale of the key can be used as off the beat transitional notes.

The mute is a good idea, and so is practice, particularly with music. You could tape songs in the sessions and try playing along with them at home.

--seed