Is your pipe broken in, newb or are you trying to fight two battles at the same time? What kind of tobacco are you smoking? Some tobaccos are not newb friendly, Virginia flakes, for instance. Get yourself a Corn cob and a tobacco that's neophyte friendly, like Prince Albert. It won't impress your friends, but it will allow you to practice your technique, burns easy, won't bite and is wonderful for break-ins as it cakes really well. Oh, stay away from aromatics.

Doc.