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.
I bought a Takamine acoustic during Covid, didn’t really devote much time to playing. I recently retired, and I want to learn.
I’m a beginner, I love the sound of a guitar, I have been self teaching myself, as I’m also a piano player, thinking how hard could it be to learn guitar, I’m just now a year later learning the different levels of playing on the fretboard, I’m a cancer survivor, decided to learn something new and to live life to my fullest after cancer, that’s where the guitar came in, & like I said, I love the sound of a guitar..Everyday I pick up the guitar and play a song, picking each note haven’t gotten around to playing chords or strumming yet and learning to play a song on different levels of the fretboard, saw your post on FB and decided to try the free 5 day challenge..
I like it but I am very slow but I will keep practicing
I have always wanted to play the guitar. I retired to travel the country in a motorhome and decided now is the time to learn. 6 months ago, I bought a cheap Fender Dreadnought and started practicing but not consistently. I came across your video where you described how the process should be fun and realized that is what I need so I signed up for this free challenge. If it works out, I will definitely sign up for your full course. Thanks for putting this challenge out there.
I’m a lifelong beginner. I’ve never had the patience with myself; I expected to be Stevie Ray out of the gate. My other issue is, I do like to lift weights and always have, so I don’t have the dexterity I’d like to have. I can change chords ok and make my own songs, but this first challenge is difficult, my forearm cramps above the wrist, but I’m gonna keep going!
I’m pretty good with rhythm guitar and pentatonic boxes. I want to learn how to do more. With style and technique.
I’m trying to get back into guitar on a consistent basis. I’m already challenged since I don’t like to use a pick!
Where I am as a guitarist? Life achievement award for noodling – not really learning, but having fun with it each time I play. Never focused on one style – just getting a start on ‘process’ to facilitate my stepping forward.
i am 58 started trying to learn at 20 off and on due to life. now kids are grown up i’m retired got all the time i want been back at it steady for almost 2 years on my own but now i think i need guidance on where to go next unfortunately i have time but not much $$ due to being retired. but i’m still at it every day having some good aha moments in my learning but i’m still stuck in a rut.
Hey Tony, my son learned guitar when he was 12. I have always marveled at his ability to play guitar and I put it on my bucket list to learn and some day be able to play with him.
Awesome! Perfect timing with 9 days before next travels. Played chords, rhythm, sing with jams and open mics yet, have always wanted more guitar depth! Will work on this Day 1 mañana till I have it and continue. Thank you!
OK its been a chaotic week for me on several levels so now its day 5 and I just was able to find the time to work through lesson 1. I dont know if the free lesson series will continue to be available through the week or not but I’m willing to give it a go.
Honestly I guess I’m advanced beginner ? I’m almost 60 and picked up guitar when I was about 15 but was never serious about it, just a ham fisted strummer. 20 some odd years later I found myself going to church and they got me into playing in the band. Playing regularly & with a focus definitely helped me allot….but after about 2 years the band needed a new bassist so I bought a bass…and I’ve mainly been a bassist ever since. Still have guitars and pick them up from time to time….looking to get back into serious guitar as I don’t have any other musical commitments at the time.
I’m 68 and have been wanting to play the guitar for most of my life. I enjoy learning. I would like to learn to speak Spanish as well. Is there a guitar program to learn both at the same time?
Si vaya a vivir in España algunos meses y trae tu laptop por guitar ; ) practica!
Kidding but, good inspiration! I have put off starting and finishing this 5 week program, today is Day 1! Arriba! Have played mostly all chords for ages, sing and jam with friends and have always wanted to play runs, more blues, up and down the neck, etc.
Arriba, Clarita
Hi Greg! We do not have a program to help with speaking Spanish or learning specifically Spanish guitar – however the fundamental skills learned through the TAC program guide and teach you so that you are able to pursue different instruments. It’s no risk to try TAC, so we hope you will !
I have had 3 guitars in my life time and I never learnt to play any of them. I am now 88 so I think this is the last shot. I am one of those forever learners. I cannot afford your TAC course .I am on a pension. I t is now day 4 and I am on day 1 frightened to go on when I cant play day 1
Good Start.
Three years ago I retired from 38 years of teaching, and I mentioned to our youngest son, an accomplished violin and guitar player, that I secretly wished to learn to play the guitar. He showed up at my retirement celebration with a Taylor GS Mini for me! I just turned 65 and have been taking lessons for two years with a local, well-known guitar musician who is 10 years my senior. (He calls me “Kiddo”– 😀 ) He has taught me several songs with some advanced techniques, and it’s been very rewarding. I am still VERY much in need of basic learning so bite-size lessons such as yours are most helpful. It’s especially good in being able to replay multiple times and see specifics. Thank you!
Great bite size piece to learn. I’ve been playing for many years and perform but I’m looking to expand my techniques and repertoire. I’ve never learnt to strum or use a plectrum so it’s a good start.
I thought this was a great lesson – thanks. I do get your mail messages and I just might sign up. Going to do the rest of this challenge however before I decide. thank you!
I’ve been stuck in what I call the “advanced beginner” stage for decades but haven’t been able to latch on to the daily routine that seems to be needed to really improve. Hope this week will turn on a switch for me.
I’m 57 years old, I have been at beginner level for many year ‘s . Your lesson’s look like I might get it finally.
I am Paul from New Zealand. Newly retired and for the first time in my life realised I want to play, but just bumbling along very slowly so far. Thanks for the opportunity and I look forward to see how I can progress.
I was a French major at UF 1967-70. Don’t give up on tuning the 12 string, its the same process just twice as many strings. There are you tube videos that show you how. Imagine playing d g and a, specially d and a all up and down the neck for your husband. just keep on pickin’.
I started to learn at 69 years young, I am now 70 and still learning. I have arthritis in a couple of fingers which makes it a challenge especially trying to use my pinky finger to fret but hey ho.
Hi Tony. I rook up guitar after retiring from teaching in 2022. I love to sing and my goal was to be able to accompany myself. I still consider myself a beginner but I have learned some more challenging techniques along the way.
Sangeetha from India aged 45 yrs. Attended offline classes in Oct’24 for 2.5 months but couldn’t cope up with the speed. Exploring at my own pace at home with my son’s acoustic guitar. Fascinated by Arabian or Middle East Melodies. Due to short hands, hesitant for a classical guitar. Attended TAC workshop in May’25. Your videos are encouraging. Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge with us in a simplistic way.
I took lessons from you for 4 years and had to have back surgery , so I had to quit. That was two years ago. My back is healed up now so I am ready to begin again. I enjoyed your lessons before so I am looking forward to playing again and learning more from you.
I’m 73 and I bought a used electric guitar when I retired. I hoped to learn to play, but my attempts have been sporadic. Your invitation to give things another go was encouraging. I’m excited to at least learn one song I can play.
Greetings,
I started learning the guitar a couple of years back. I haven’t taken in person lessons but I have purchased lessons from beginner to advanced. I have lifetime access to the lessons and I have found them useful. I just learned about Modes and that was interesting and fun once I comprehended the concept.
So I enjoy theory and learning songs.
I’m a 51 year old who enjoys metal, rock, thrash metal, thall, death metal, core, punk, djint and hardcore. I work Second shift Monday through Friday. I pick up the guitar before and after work but play heavy on weekends. I’m getting better all the time but I need a better practice routine. Understanding rhythm better is a goal I want to master.
I have two acoustic guitars and two electric. I love playing and practicing guitar. I want to be able to pick it up and play effortlessly. I understand pentatonic scales and the Major and Minor scales but need to make them more musical. I think I have conveyed where I am on my guitar journey.
I have the first day of your challenge down and I’m looking forward to completing all 5 days. This is cool of you to do. I understand you a lot better now than when I first started. Glad to be participating and I followed along on the video with you with ease.
All the best,
Been starting the guitar for 5 months. I really like everything Tony’s had to say and teach. I’m playing a few very easy songs that are 3 & 4 chords. I need to change chords faster. Getting there but, slow and steady progression. This is my first Tony’s challenge.
definitely a life long beginner.
never put in the work needed to get better.
Love the lessons! I’m not used to picking so this is a challenge for me. I’ve been writing songs for over 30 years, but only strumming.
I’m a beginner/ intermediate player. I started playing a couple of years ago and bought your program. Then I became quite sick so I never persued the program. I have taken about 6 months of lessons and I practice everyday. Unfortunatly, I’m old so my fingers don’t always respond to my brain’s signals. I will take this 5 day challenge and see where it takes me.
I come from a musical family, the entire range, parents sang in the choir and played piano, my brother and I played instruments in a marching/concert band as kids and early teens. He went on to music school and is a career musician. Sister sang on stage, and I went off to my career not related to music. Always wanted to play guitar, and back in 1982, my wife bought me one. I had friends that played, and the next couple of years was spent learning from all of them! joyous times! I did progress well and learned subtly different techniques from each of them and formed them into what worked for me. Then life happened, some moved away, work was busier, you’ve heard all the reasons…practice became a thorn for my wife, so became less frequent. Still, I am blessed with great muscle memory, and even after long absences, I could pick it up and play the stuff I learned years before, much to the amazement of my buddies who helped me in the beginning. My wife is now very ill, and I will lose her soon. Music has always been there for me to provide comfort and support, and I need it now. Finding time to return is still difficult, and I do what I can. I need to rebuild my endurance so I can improve again. Playing brings me inner peace and joy that nothing else does. The vibrations of a well-tuned instrument playing a soul-felt song fills me with emotion. I am not a singer, and I don’t want to be, the emotion comes through my instrument and that is what satisfies me. I will do my best to follow this challenge with you this week. My wife is just home from a stretch in the hospital and requires a lot of attention. I’m glad you are not making this a webinar, as I cannot commit to a specific time every day, so thank you for this flexibility. I’ll let you know how it turns out
Restarting my journey! Again!
Tune sounds, wanted to learn – will try one of your other songs ‘Friend of the devil’ ???
No will wait for another challenge to play – ots just a song, but the message!
I wish you were doing this training series for UKULELE.
Wayne
I am excited Tony!
Hey Tony;
I am Paul from Superior, WI and I am one of those “stuck at beginner guitar players you mentioned. I joined TAC years ago, but I couldn’t quite keep up with it. At 58 years old, I am still very interested in playing, and hope I can get a few “AH-HA” moments under my belt to keep me going. Thanks for your tips and tricks on the videos. I hope to pick up a few more over time and hopefully become the guitar player I would love to be. Thanks.
I really liked your lesson, I think it’s exactly what I need.
I’m having trouble coming up with the cost.
Do you have discounts for Veterans?
Retired, virtually no music ear or talent, but decided I wanted to play guitar. I am a 3 year beginner.
Thank you for this lesson Tony.
I am a life long intermediate guitarist.
I let life get in the way with career and children and after the first 5 years of playing i put the guitar down for 30 years. Covid reingnited my passion and for the last 5 years I have played most days of those years,
without You tube tuition I would be lost. I live remotely and have noone to play with. So im very greatful to you, and as someone with no income and little resources you and others have kept me moving along.
Big thankyou. Andrew from Australia
Hi, I learned my first 3 chords, C, F and G on a D28 in 1959. Got started on fingerstyle with your lesson on Freight Train. Have around 15 now I can fingerstyle.