You folks are being a great help here.... thank you so much...

Fred - Yes, I have had the same thought about filling in, so a solo isn't just a single string thing - which is pretty hollow when it's just me playing! I can do that when picking melody out within the chords, but outside of the chord positions, I'm lost in space....how do I find my way?

Norton1 - I do have PalTalk and will fire it up again. And I'm looking into the programs that slow down passages - sounds like a good idea - maybe I can somehow put this particular piece that I want to learn into that program.... hmmmm

Rich - I really am trying on the scales... I have to admit to a kind of conditioned response that goes back to my childhood piano lesson days... but the shakes are as bad anymore so I can keep trying.... need to find some charts....

And finally - as to those of you that mention playing sweet music to your partners... well, mine lives a long ways away and we can't get together as often as we wish - so, if I want to dazzle her with sweet music, well, I'd better be getting it right 'cause I may not get another chance for a month... so the pressure's on.... she enjoys it now, but I still get the jars to open....:) Need to work harder.

Lane