Hey Joe
I find that knowing the core basics of the song first helps a lot, meaning try to incorporate the chord sequence and number of measures for each chord of the songs you play. I usually vamp or basic roll through it in a loop, just like you would when a fiddle player is taking a solo
As you get more comfortable with your licks and rolls, you will be able to go through the measures applying what you know, even if it is not the exact melody, That is a very good exercise to break off the tab sheet, start to improvise and work on your musical freedom. THat takes time but you can do it slowly, Start with G, maybe just one or two measures.