Slow jams, per se, are not common anywhere.

Some "regular" jams welcome newbies and cut them some slack, some don't.

If you attend a recurring jam long enough to be perceived as having paid your dues, the regular particpants might be willing to occasionally make allowances for your limitations.

In old time jams the usual procedure is to start on the fringe. You listen, find chords, play quietly when you can figure out some notes, and familiarize yourself with the environment. As you improve and get more comfortable, you gradually move towards the center of the circle.
This pattern might take place in a single jam or be spread over a number of jams, or a number of years.

That's what I did, years ago.

Russ (Permanent GUEST)