"Noodling along' is the best way to learn, Marion! If you slow the music down too much, it's almost like an airplane stalling in mid-air. The whole thing can crash and burn. Playing along with people helps you keep going, and you'll find you get closer and closer to playing the price right, every time you do it. When I practice by myself, I find a tendency to stop and correct mistakes - "noodling along" helps me learn much faster.
-Joe Offer-