Mudlark there are easy ways into the style.
A) Get/learn the chords from out of the front of the mickey baker book.
B) learn scales for different chord types.
C)learn arpeggio patterns. - there are only four/five i use.
D) LEARN THE TUNE AND VARY IT SLIGHTLY TO BEGIN WITH.
E) LEARN THE CHORD SEQUENCE. THAT IS WHAT YOU WILL BE PLAYING OFF.
That is the main part of it. LISTEN TO: Eddie Lang, Django, Bireli, Diz Disley(Playing with Grapelli), stuff smith, eddie south.
The style WILL come the more you listen to it. Mark O'Connor the bluegrass fiddler has released two hot club albums which shows change of style is possible. The fact you have 12 chords instead of the folk 4 or 5 holds you in good stead.
Enjoy, take on board ideas above even if you then use them for fiddle/bluegrass tunes.
If I can be of anymore help P.M me.
   with regards.
    Pete.