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.
Lifelong beginner.
im am 64 and just finished 6 months of chemo. i always wanted to learn guitar. so my bucket list i way overpaid for a fancy guitar and am trying to learn., Hope this helps
Hi Tony,
Very interested in you ten minute method, 708r first lecture is 10 minutes long. So, I am guessing. actually need 20 minutes to complete this lesson. I have nylon string classical guitars, and no pick. Will all of your lessons involve using a pick>
Where are the other free lessons?
I’ve been a beginner for about 15 years. I bought some DVS’s and took a few structured guitar lessons at a local music store. At the time I basically had two careers going, a city government job and a part time job in the Air National Guard. Life got in the way and I didn’t play much. About 7 months ago I started playing a little each night. I’m 68 now and I just retired two weeks ago so now I’ve got more time. Tony’s Challenge sounded like something that might hold my interest. We’ll see. Thanks for making it available.
Hi Tony. Thanks for the very good instruction on use of flat pick and hammer-ons. I have been playing off and on for most of my life, but have now developed a tremor in my right forearm and hand. So I tend to finger pick more than flat pick. I think these exercises will help me gain better control of the right hand. Can you please clarify when you set your baby finger of the right picking hand onto the face of the guitar, and when you don’t?
took up guitar age 60; 15 year beginner, maybe advanced beginner – courses-1 year of lessons- open chord songs mostly, some blues, but want to take it to next level. Looks good so far- thanks!!!
I have been a beginner for almost 60 years! No formal training. No strumming technique. No picking technique. No patience. Probably a good dose of fear. No time (almost fully retired so that excuse has evaporated). Here we go. Just started day 1 of 5 (received them all a couple of days ago)
Thanks
I’m a lifelong beginner. I got started when my youngest son, now 26, was 13 and wanted an electric guitar for his birthday. He took to it like a fish to water.
For Christmas that year, he asked for an acoustic guitar so he could play while traveling around. I thought it was cool, and I bought an acoustic for myself.
I can play chords, but I just can’t make it sound musical. It could be that I’m an accountant and just too rigid to let things flow.
I started playing in high school, self-taught. I took lessons briefly which helped quite a bit. I’m in a folk duo now and a songwriter, and my partner on bass plays most of the solos because I’m not good at it; it makes me nervous! I would like to get better at that so I can play them. Thanks!
I found a guitar in my grandmothers basement when I was 5 and 30 years later taught myself how to play a Segovia piece. That was it. Now that I have retired (63) I decided I wanted to learn how to play guitar. I researched then purchased an Orangewood acoustic/electric and have tried some other youtube videos and decided to give this a try.
I’m a beginner and dabbler. Definitely need a plan. I found the hammer on’s hard. Don’t really hear a sound when doing them. Guess I gotta hammer harder.
Story time!
I’m actually a celtic harpist that twiddles on guitar.
Normally I write most of my stuff on electric harp with a few basic songs on guitar to shake things up. Ever since I moved I haven’t been able to pick up the harp and have shifted to the guitar almost exclusively. I’ve hit a plateau though. I feel like I’m missing a trick. It’s like that feeling when a word you’re mentally searching for is at the tip of your tongue; the guitar technique I’m looking for is just at the edge of my fingertips. So I’m looking for the “key” to use in writing fuller, more organic feeling songs.
This is a time for me to understand pick work and strumming so that my timing is making sense. I have played the violin and banjo for fun but not as a public event. It is time that I have a mastery of my knowledge and you are already making sense of it for me in ways that cross the boundaries of all the music i listen to.
Thanks, coming here late but enjoying what you have said so far. I have been playing since I was a teenager but always got stuck, so here I am at 64 and with more time to find the joy!
I’ve been trying for seven years and don’t know if if gotten any better!! I have clubbed fingers which makes it difficult to get a clear strum (finger on string above hits sting below. Also find it hard to have guitar tucked in feels like it’s right in the armpit! Anyway going to keep trying
Another life long beginner, Its the 3rd day and I almost have the first day down but I’m going stick with it. fingers are hurting, haven’t played for a year or so
I’ve always wanted to learn and have attempted many, many times over the years. When I retired from work – 6 1/2 ears ago – I figured why not now. But, after trying for 6 1/2 years (probably more since I tried taking some classes before then), taking private lessons, group lessons, etc, I am still unable to play a song comfortably. I’m not sure what to practice or even how to practice properly. I’m still looking for that structure, that direction. I like playing and I want to continue.
The flesh of my fingers is muting this strings right below no matter how much I curl my fingers.
After learning a few foundational elements, I can mess arounds and get some satisfaction out of the noises I can make. However I’m at point where I need clear direction and purpose. I’m hoping to find it here. I like to geek-out on the small wins. I like the feel of the strings under my fingers. I love how the first time you learn something, it feels impossible. Then a short while later you have hope, and then a short while after that you can play through it. I get the addiction, but I need direction guidance. I’m looking forward to the lessons this week!
‘Thanks. This looks fun and you have chosen a great first song.
I am an advanced beginner, a little bogged down with scales and some basic theory. I want to learn songs now, since playing music is the whole point!
I’m definitely a life long beginner. I’m 67 and have played guitar (not a guitar player) since I was 9 years old living in Thailand and hearing a neighbor play Ruby Tuesday by the Stones. I have tried to advance on my own and end up putting my guitar away for months at a time when it seems I can’t move to the next level. I don’t read music, can’t really understand and play to tabs, but I’m fairly decent with basic (and some barre) chords. I’m retired now and want to see if I can get my old self to that next level.
I don’t feel like I’m the cliche 55-year-old man learning guitar for the first time but I probably still am. 30-days ago, I challenged myself to work on 6 habits for 10 minutes per day. I call it the 6×10 Habits Experiment and it included learning guitar and shooting a short video daily for YT and TT. I started playing guitar daily last year for 2 months. I fell out of the habit for a year and am starting again so I’ve been at it for 1 month for about 10-15 minutes of practice per day. I simply love that I can actually make pleasant sounds! I don’t have any big goals… just to keep learning and growing. I thought this 5-day challenge would be fun and has a low barrier to entry. Thanks Tony!
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,