Lead's worth learning anytime. It just adds so muc fun to your time with the instrument. I'd say not to worry about learning "licks" though, unless that's all you wanna do. Better to learn to play what you hear in your head- develop your own voice on guitar. That can be simple or complex, it's all good. The more you work at it the more satisfying it can be. Why deny yurself that opportunity? Go for it. SB