TIPS FOR TODAY
Progress comes from momentum, not mastery.
If today’s challenge feels awkward or slow, that’s exactly how it’s supposed to feel. This isn’t a “nail it in one day” test — it’s your first pass at a new motion. Your hands will keep improving every time you come across a similar skill.
Even 10 focused minutes is enough to count today as a win. Our goal is NOT to perfect it. It’s to get exposure to a new skill.
Just get the motion under your fingers a few times at your own pace, and trust that next time you try a skill like this, it will feel a little smoother.
YOUR SAMPLE WEEK OF TONY'S ACOUSTIC CHALLENGE
5-Day "Stop Dabbling, Start Playing Guitar" Challenge
- MON: Technique
- TUE: Lick
- WED: Improv
- THU: Rhythm
- FRI: Transitions
FREE WHEN YOU JOIN TODAY
30 DAY JUMPSTART
All new members start with our 30-day jumpstart to learn the basics. It comes free with your membership when you join today.
3-Steps to Stop Dabbling and Start Playing
Try the Free 5-Day Challenge
Get a feel for the TAC method and see what 10 minutes a day can do.
Join TAC and Build Your Foundation
Start the 30-Day Jumpstart Challenge (included when you join) to lock in the basics and build a daily habit.
Keep Going with Daily Challenges
After the 30-Day Jumpstart, keep improving—one fun, daily guitar session at a time.
My mom was a piano teacher, and tried to teach me, though i wasn’t interested in playing piano. My dad however played guitar, and I loved when he played, and asked if he could teach me how to play guitar instead of learning piano. I was around 13, he sat me down, then after about 15 minutes he said “i can’t teach you, you have damn ‘girl hands'” Not the sort of thing a 13 year old boy wants to hear, but i digress, i didn’t try to learn for another 10 years. I saw a cheap yamaha acoustic at the local Sears one day, and decided to pick it up and teach myself. I love playing, though I have let it lapse quite a bit in recent years. Now my son (13 yo) is maybe interested in playing, so i’m trying to be more encouraging than my father was in that regard. Now my father has passed away, but before he died, we were able to play guitar together at family gatherings. He will deny my “damn girl hands” story, but I always joked with him about it. Now his guitar is hanging on my office wall with my other guitars.
I retired and bought a ukulele. I played every day and learned some basics. I found tons of stuff on YouTube and signed up for a years worth lessons. Worth it. I got to the point after 3 years that I started thinking about guitar. I dabbled when I was a teenager in the 70’s. Learning by ear off records. Had no idea about open tunings etc.. Took lessons, briefly. Then as the saying goes, life happened. School. Work. Couldn’t afford a good guitar. That is, one that had playable action. And my parents weren’t into helping, so it got set aside. Now that I’m retired, I can practice and put my work in. And I love it. Finding songs on YouTube is great. All the songs from the 70’s. That’s how I have been teaching myself. But I feel like something is lacking as far as form. And that’s why I am here. And also to pick up anything more you have to offer. I have a couple of issues that I am working through. Dupuytren’s Syndrome in both hands. Mildly. Had surgery on my fretting hand 3 years ago which shut down my Uke playing. I started playing again after 9 months. It was painful, but I was determined. My thumb won’t open up all the way now. Most people can form an “L” with their index and thumb. I can barely make the “J” shape. But I can play. It’s hard to press my thumb on the back of the neck for C chord shape and F. And about 3 months ago I found out I have Polymyalgia rheumatica. Makes everything stiff. But I still play. I’m on prednisone. So I’ll see what happens when I get off that. Bought a Yamaha CSF3M parlor. Love it. I also have a Lotus L-220. And 3 Uke’s. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. Thanks for your efforts and dedication.
I like your honest and straight forward approach. I love playing the guitar and feel like a lifelong student and admirer of the instrument and its limitless expression!
Hiya,
I’m a guitar beginner, what’s a ‘Hammer-on’ and how do you do it? I thought you’d start with naming the strings and explaining how to read Tab. I think this might be too advanced for me. Ger
Hi Tony. Yup, that’s me, a lifelong beginner. I played with some friends in my late teens, learned a few songs – strumming only, and ever since then I would pick up the guitar every once in a while, but nothing structured and no skill to speak of. I know a handful of chords, progressions and some runs. Heck, I have trouble remembering the names of the strings and notes. Any tips for that?
Anyway, back to your lesson.
Hi Miguel, Please reach out to TAC Support here: support@tonypolecastro.com They will be happy to tell you more about TAC – and how it can help you to achieve your guitar goals.
Hi Tony, our stories are eeerrily similar, I too am a goalie with big aspirations to play in the nhl, GO LEAFS, didn’t get the call up and started playing guitar when I was 25 years old, I consider myself a very amateur guitar player, I know the basic chords, A,E,C,D,EM,AM,F,G, no barre chords and as long as I play alone I sound ok lol, one of my biggest hurdles or better put “excuses” is my chording hand always seems to mute or muff the lower string, I will say that I think you have your work cut out for you teaching me but I really want this and I do believe I am capable, thank you in advance for getting me excited about attempting to finally be good enough to play in front of anyone, which I am to afraid to do at the moment, take care and thank you once again, Kurt
HI, Tony,
i am sorry. i did not realise at first it was for Acoustic Guitar, however I am using my Electric, so so far great
thank you
Kelvin aged 74
I Just turned 67 and retired at the same time. I and have never played/practiced/studied the guitar. However, I am a huge singer songwriter fan with a fair voice and I have often wondered how cool it would be if I could sing and play the guitar. My Father-In-Law played the electric guitar and my wife inherited it when he passed away. It is a cool guitar, a Zim-Gar, apparently made in the 60’s (all of the guys at the guitar shop went nuts when I brought it in for a tune up). The Zim-Gar is now working great, I got a little amplifier and now I am ready to learn new skill.
I plunked around for a few days, found videos on how to tune a guitar and how to string a guitar and started trying to learn how to play the guitar. I found out pretty fast that there are 1,000’s of of “How to play a guitar” video programs on the internet, but I invested the time to look at 10 of them, including TAC.
What I like about TAC is the structure of the program and the logic behind it. Having run a large company for many years, I used structure to drive consistency in my policies, procedures and protocols for myself and my employees. And the logic in TAC just makes sense to me. Learn the five fundamentals individually and then play a song, as opposed to having to learn all five collectively as you learn the song. Just makes sense.
Anyway, the proof will be in the pudding as they say. I will diligently learn and practice the five day challenge and If I can play something that even resembles Friend of the Devil I will happily invest in the rest of the TAC program.
Tony, your teaching style looks great and just what I need. I’m a 68-year-old retiree. I learned guitar when I was in 6th grade, mostly self-taught. I mostly played to accompany groups at church and camps for singing, and mostly on a 12-string. About 25 years ago, I got less and less interested (probably due to my aging guitar and some life changes). After a few years of frustration, I tried a new guitar, but have realized the “fit” was never right for me, so I failed to spark any fun and therefore momentum in playing. Now I’m wanting to get back into it. My fingers are out of shape, but I went to a music store with intention to exchange my 12-string Martin (sadly!) for a new guitar that would better fit me . I’ve got a beautiful and smaller Ibanez six-string that I’m SO excited to play, and finally learn more about picking and fingering notes at a higher level, plus strengthen enough to be able to bar chords – which I could never do. Thanks!
I must be retarded because I can’t follow what you are doing. I am sure it’s me and not the actual lesson. I have been trying to learn guitar for years. I should probably just give up. Like the old saying, try and try again, then give up, there’s no sense in being a fool about it.
Hi Tom! I’d love to tell you more about TAC and how it can help you to achieve your guitar goals. Even if you are a beginner, and even if you have begun many times…TAC can help! Email us: support@tonypolecastro.com
Fun. Not one a day for five days. Takes a few days for me to get it. I’m 71.
Day 1 challenge video keeps going blank half way through
Hi Robert, It may help to reboot and change browsers.
I just turned 70. I played piano and trumpet in elementary and high school. I played guitar in my twenties. Not very well. Mostly first position cowboy chords. I started playing clawhammer banjo in 2010. I play almost every day. I got an erge to re-start on guitar last year and have been looking for the right resources to help. I have been trying to learn some theory, and get my hands back in shape to play chords. What I’ve seen here so far, looks interesting.
I have a beautiful classical guitar i haven’t touched since I stred grad school about 20 years ago. I am retired now . I was never that good at it. I used it to accompany songs I sang- many of which I wrote myself. A permanst internedite I’d say. But I used to love it and I want it back!
Been “playing” (should say “had a guitar) since high school. The little I know is from moving the needle on my record player to the same phrase over and over until I faked something similar.
Much older now and want to try to learn guitar.
Self taught guitar in 2018 to be able to play sing alongs during a week long trip with two families to Lake Powell. 3-4 chord songs. Haven’t progressed beyond that but already excited by the skills I will learn in this first challenge!
Just picked up a guitar when I retired. Been playing it for 3 years now. My age is 76
Way too fast and i have no idea what chords you’re playing even tho I know C, G. B, d And A-
I am getting a late start due to family issues, but I am here now. My hammer ons are weak…any thoughts? As for my background, lifelong beginner I guess. Started in 5th grade, but had a teacher who thought teaching me by ear only on songs I wasn’t familiar with discouraged me, so I tried to do self taught with the Alfred method. Eventually dropped, then in my 40’s I decided I wanted to try again, and got a teacher who thought the Parkening method was the way to go since I was interested in fingerstyle. I did well with this, but ended up outplaying my teacher who really was a saxophone player. At the same time, I got my dream job which required me to fly around the country every week to different clients. I couldn’t bring my guitar with me and I had very little time off, so it got put to the side once again. Fast forward and my grandson wanted to learn guitar, so I picked it up again and spent time remembeingr what I knew and also learning things from the internet. My grandson has quit, but I have been playing around for a few years. I am much better than I was, but still beginner because I haven’t focus enough. Looking into different programs to see what method might work for me in a more formal approach then just searching youtube…ha. ha.
Hi Connie! We can help! I’d love to tell you more about TAC and how it can help you to achieve your guitar goals, as well as being part of an active and thriving Community of Guitar Geeks. Please write to me: support@tonypolecastro.com
Hey Tony, you suggested a response.
I’m behind on day challenges but will catch up, just did day 1. The way you presented the challenge was great, easy to follow with the pause and rewind buttons.
Guess I’m one of many year-long beginners, but can strum rythem fairly good, as I can play most all major chords, bar and main chords.
But that’s it, no finger picking, no lead or solos, I learned the pentatonic scale, but never knew much or played to use it to sound good. So I don’t really play unless I get together with my best friend, and I strum along while he does the fancy stuff and sings…I don’t sing so without him, I’m not much of a player strumming chords by myself.
Been doing this since I turned twenty, I’m now sixty yrs old. So I’m trying to buckle down (retired), and hoping some day I can play and enjoy my favorite music of “blues”. Seen your challenge, and said ok, I’m checking this guy out. I’m pretty excited as your way of teaching makes sense, I’m really gonna try and commit, I got the patience and desire to learn…..so I can eventually and continually apply your teachings to my desire of playing the blues and sounding good, this would bring so much joy and fun to my life…thank you.
Having trouble following
Just all to fast for me.
I am a beginner
Fun. I enjoyed the lesson.
Thank You
Hi Tony
I am 75… a work in progress. I love finger picking. I started at 59. I had conductive hearing loss in my fifties. Had surgery and now have a titanium staples bone plus my hearing aids. I mwant to enjoying music as long as I can hear.
Thank You
Hazel
Lifelong beginner. Never got past strumming cords, which quickly gets boring. I’m not a great summer so i really need some good guitar to carry me ♀️
About to try this first lesson. Having watched the video i am feeling optimistic. It’s a different approach than guitar teachers i have had (that i didn’t stick with ).
Hi Tony
I am 75. Started 12 years ago. Finger picking I love. I had conductive hearing loss in my fifties. Had surgery and now have a titanium staples bone. It was after that I decided to play with sound as long as I can hear at 59. Along with my hearing aids I am enjoying playing
Hey Tony! 30+ year player. I am a touring musician and I would consider myself upper intermediate. I keep 2 guitars by my bed and try to play every day, but I stumbled across your page and thought I’d give the 5-day challenge a shot.
I was more or less playing along with you from the beginning of this first video, but I had fun doing it, and that’s exactly what I’m here for, is the fun I was promised, which is something I find myself chasing more and more often after decades of pickin’.
Looking forward to the next 4 days! Thank you.
I’m finding it to be quite the challenge,being 68 and having just started playing this year. I know the majority of the chords and play daily. I’m truly hoping to be able to complete this challenge.
It was difficult to use fingers 3 & 4 especially on the 6th string. It was easier to use fingers 1 & 2 or to slide into fret 5, but I forced myself to do it as you instructed, believing that you have a plan. Got it down now, sorta.
Alright, great first lesson! I’m ready for Day 2! Keep ’em coming! 🙂
Been playing classical at early intermediate level for years.Branched out to fingerstyle in the last year but enjoy blues, good country, rock and wish I could play even a basic bossa nova tune!
I am a total beginner. My fingers always feel to short to hit the notes ad wasn’t sure I could do it. I was able to get through today’s challenge – not at all perfect but doing it slowly I was able to play along and get the feel for it. Excited to practice and learn more.
Started with a soprano ukulele group. Heard them playing as I walked in one day and realized I really didn’t enjoy ukulele music. I changed to a baritone uke and I like that much better. Now, 5 years down the road, I’m going to stretch and try the guitar. Wish me luck.
Ukulele has been my main focus, but after years of friends jokingly encouraging me to play a “real” instrument, my interest is turning to guitar. I am excited to get started with your techniques and build my skills!
Hiya Tony,
Thanks for the introductory lesson today. Your clear and precise presentation has given me a deceptively simple picking and fingering exercise that I can play as a warm up every time I grab my guitar.
My Story: I have been playing guitar for over 50 years. In that time my attitude has evolved from, “Damn, I will never learn how to play.” Through, “I know it all, I can play anything I want.” Now I have swallowed my hubris and have comfortably settled into, “I can always try new things and be surprised what I am learning.”
In the past I have focused playing fingerstyle on my nylon string guitar. Flatpicking on a steel strung guitar is my next great musical exploration. Thanks for being here as an knowledgeable and inspirational guide.
Fair winds,
Carl
Harder than it seems definitely took some time to get full speed. Fingers did it want to do it at first and using a pick for the first time as well. However still pretty fun!
Since about fourth grade I’ve wanted to play guitar – rock or pop. My parents signed me up for classical lessons… not what I wanted. But they said try it and we’ll get you other lessons later. I took those lessons for a couple years but my heart wasn’t in it. Held onto my guitar through high school, plucking it occasionally. It wasn’t until my twenties that I started to appreciate it and purchased a nicer classical guitar. By then I had a family and not much time to practice and had forgotten most of what I knew, sold my guitar. Now at 50, I bought a cheap one and have time to put into it. I want to play popular songs, not classical, and for the enjoyment. Never used a pick before, so that’s new. Got delayed in starting this and just finished the first session. You can get overwhelmed by the tutorials available, not knowing which is best. Your approach seems solid and your years of experience give confidence.
I planned to start on day one but unfortunately ended up in the ER for 5 hours and won’t be able to play for a little while.
Still, watching the videos and getting it in my mind and after just the day 1 lesson, I can tell it’s a fantastic way to progress with my playing abilities!!
I’m, I guess you could say what you called a lifelong beginner, lol, played pretty seriously from about ’99-’05, then life got in the way, then every couple years after that I would get back into it seriously again and so on and so on.
Anyway, I can tell already that I love your teaching style and method and seriously believe this is going to keep me focused and inspired!! In my 60s now, unfortunately disabled now, but going to take that as a big plus because I’ll have an incredible day today much more time to focus on playing!!
Completely self taught, learned how to read tab, went from there, but I have a fantastic feeling things are about to change for me after some guidance from you!! Thank you so much Tony!
I’m used to fingerpicking (pima) and never used a pick but I have some. It would be helpful for me to see a close up of how you hold the pick and provide an explanation of best technique.
I went back to
Try again before starting day 2. Not getting it yet. Need to
Keep trying to do day 1. Frustrated
Me too!
Hi i don’t use a pick. I play with my fingers is it still possible to do exercises. Also the strength and dexterity in my 2nd and 3rd fingers isn’t great for hammering on pulling off any tips or will first exercise help with that? thanks
Was learning at a good clip but was having some difficulties at 56 years old, but then I got cancer at 57.
I stopped playing. Had to go through chemo and radiation. Did tons of therapy over the last 3 years, lost a lot of my memories from chemo (Chemo Brain).
I started to doing coding again to help with my memory and I was able to pick that back up after a while of learning to code again and to a certain extent, I started to regain some of memories again.
So, I thought about trying to relearn how to play the guitar again, since I have a Fender Telecaster sitting in the home not being used, but I’m really struggling to remember stuff and where to place my fingers again. I tried a couple of courses, but still struggling. For some reason, I was able to remember how to play Happy Birthday and some parts of the Spangled Banner.
playing the guitar is something I always wanted to do. Now that I am retired I think I better get it done.
could not find the tab or other boxes below
Just started playing the guitar 2 mths ago. Had to play at .5 speed and take notes to get the pattern of the down and up strokes, and then practice over and over again. Not quite such a quick lesson for me, but I enjoyed the learning process and will practice more before starting day 2 of the challenge.
Played Guitar when I was a young man. I was never good, but I enjoyed it.
Now I’m retiring at 64 and need some new hobbies. bought the Martin SC-13E after seeing your video about it. Now I feel like a kid again.
Love this way of learning. Thank you
I’m a beginner. Never played or tried before
Came back to guitar 5 years ago after severe depression, my therapist recommended getting into something that would stimulate my brain and still be enjoyable. I went to a guitar store bought a Tele and have been struggling to get past that knowing chords and theory but not where to go with it stage.
Played trombone in school and college. Joined the Navy and was a submarine Sailor for 22 years. Sang in many choruses and 2 different opera companies. Moved to the mountains of North Carolina where seemingly everyone is a musician, Two friends of mine, after hearing me sing, said I needed to learn the guitar. I’m 68 and have been playing and writing songs for the past 2 years.
I’m a life long beginner. 83 years old
I’m excited to see where this takes me. Love the approach to learning that you’re using. As a “life long beginner” I’m hoping I can get past the hurdles that stopped me in my previous attempts.