IMHO (that preface is necessary) I would stick with one style for a while. Even more, I would make that style a clawhammer style; you will hear the melodies "more easily" and be able to play them. A Scruggs style will play about one note in four as a melody note while clawhammer will be less confusing. That having been said,do you have a friend or teacher who you can learn from/ IF SO, then learn what that person does for a while, then branch out on your own. BB has Rick for a teacher but judging from a thread about a month ago hashe has invented a wonderful series of chords which sound GOOD together and almost "implied" a melody; she is a composer whose skills have not yet caught up with her brain. I personally am contented to play tunes other people have written. Good Luck!