New to smoking.

A friend of mine just gave me a Landmann Smoky Mountain LP smoker. I've never used a smoker and always wanted too. I have no idea where to start. I guess I'm a little nervous about wasting a good chunk of meat. What would be a good meat to start with to build up my confidence?

Second that...Pork butt is a fairly inexpensive first attempt. And it always turns out well.

Pork shoulder is also a good choice and fairly easy and hard to mess up. It usually takes about 12 hours but it always turns out awesome. Just put a good rub on it and let it cook at 225 until the internal temp reaches about 180 - 190 degrees(usually about 12 hours). Then take it out and let it sit for a half hour covered in tinfoil then start pulling it apart. I always rub regular yellow mustard all over the pork shoulder before putting on the dry rub. There are a ton of rub recipes online to get you started. A trick I also use is to put Cherry Dr.Pepper in a spray bottle and spray it down with that every so often. The bark it creates is outstanding.

albro, If you want a fairly fool-proof rib recipe/procedure, check out my post on the "smoking questions" thread on this forum page from 3/7/12. I just made them again yesterday and they were awesome. The procedure can take all afternoon but the results are worth it.

By brine, do you mean marinade?

Albro, Not sure if your brining your protein prior to smoking, Changing the type of brine, the type of wood used, and the type of protein will give you unlimited great tasting choices!! Sounds as though you already have a handle on it!!

I landed up smoking bratwurst and a pork tenderloin with good results. They both came out very flavorful and juicy. I can't wait to smoke again and am probably going to smoke some chicken for Easter.

Ribs are always a good choice. Cheap and taste great.