It ain't easy. That's the truest statement to use when just starting out playing any instrument. For you to try to jam with people that know how to play is above your pay scale right now. Not to say you shouldn't try but it could lead to dissapointment and that's a no no when you first start. Play with them but remember that they know more than you right now.

Crawl before you walk, walk before you run or something like that. Learn the basics and build from there. Not knowing about root notes in chords indicates that you need some education and fundamentals building. Don't be hard on yourself and don't constantly be frustrated. Every once in a while frustration is normal.

Go through the Basic lessions 1 and 2. As you learn and practice, pick a few easy songs from GT and play with the instructor and then the backing track. You will surprise yourself of the motivation you will build. A year from now you won't believe the progress that you will make if you take your time and start from the beginning. My cent and a half. Good luck to you.