Late to the party, but good thread! My take on the original question probably will not help as I am "steeped in old timey" (here defined as classic rock). Don't know if it helps you
@Warmart or anyone else, but here is a list of my current attitude/routine/goals (aka "the lazy fuck approach").
I spend about half of my time on original music and half learning covers. I never had any interest in playing covers, until I started playing covers. Now, I hear a song on the radio, and I make a note on my phone to look it up to see if I can play it without any headaches.
On
cover material, IDGAF about "nailing" it when it comes to sounding like the original. I don't see that as my goal, to sound like someone else. I want to take that song and play it my way and have fun doing so.
I am choosing the easiest songs in the world to play. If it gets too complicated or I am not feeling it, I move on to the next simple song. There are so many out there, I am unlikely to run out in my limited lifespan ;~)) Here is a
link to a list of the 700+ songs I am interested in learning (the list keeps growing - first section of this doc is list of bands followed by list of songs). I have about 100 of them down, another 100 or so that I am comfortable with but still need the scrolling lyric sheet, a 100 or so that I have struggled with and the other 400+ I have yet to try to wrap my head around (much less my fingers) but intend to do so over time.
If a part is too difficult, I try to build an easy substitute for that part rather than bust my skull over doing it their way. I have no shame in doing so and will continue to simply have fun ;~))
On several cover songs, I have made "adjustments" to the lyrics themselves to make them more complete IMO. One example is "Mississippi Queen" by Mountain. Only two verses in the original and so I decided a third verse was in order, so I created it and I think it fits well with the original two verses (posted my third verse at the bottom here if interested). This gives me a very personal connection to the song and makes it even more fun to play for me!
HAVE FUN! That is all I am in it for ultimately!! If I am not having fun and it seems too much like work or study, I usually jump ship pretty quick!!!
I know my use case is not like many others in part because I am trying to play everything rather than simply nail the guitar part. Guitar, vocals and percussion are all by me simultaneously when I am playing, and filling all those spaces gives me a lot of pleasure (yes, playing with myself)! Never the less, the fun part is to me what is most important and I am having nothing but that every time I set up for a jam. On the maybe 2 or 3 occasions in the past 3 years when I was not having fun, I packed it up for that day ;~))
Best wishes on getting out of your rut if you have not already Warmart! I know a lot of factors can interfere with life's enjoyments, but keep music your happy place and go there every time you have a chance ;~))
Added verse to "Mississippi Queen" by Mountain:
[Verse 3 - written by Moondog Wily]
Mississippi Queen, if you know what I mean
Mississippi Queen, taught me a couple things
My momma done told me, to keep a steady head
For those crazy ladies, that could turn me to dead
To keep my mind focussed, when the girl is so fine
While the rest of them dudes where shakin their fists
Boy I beg your pardon I was throwin mine
You know she was a dancer, moved better on wine
While the rest of those dudes where gettin their kicks
Boy I beg your pardon I was gettin mine