TIPS FOR TODAY
You might be thinking, “There’s no way I can learn this in 10 minutes.”
Good — because you’re not supposed to.
The goal isn’t to perfect the challenge in ten minutes. It’s to introduce your fingers and your brain to something new so they’ll be a little smoother the next time you sit down with a similar skill.
Motor-learning research shows that short, imperfect reps create more progress than long, grinding sessions. Ten minutes keeps your brain sharp, your hands relaxed, and the habit alive.
And here’s the quiet superpower of the 10-minute rule: it gets you started. Most people end up playing longer because once you’re in motion, the fun takes over.
So today, just touch the new idea a few times. Let that be enough.
Ten minutes builds momentum — and momentum builds players.
YOUR SAMPLE WEEK OF TONY'S ACOUSTIC CHALLENGE
5-Day "Stop Dabbling, Start Playing Guitar" Challenge
- 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.
Lost me on day 2. I’d love to learn from you but it’s over my head. I know several chords and can get through songs but I don’t know the fretboard and you’re going too fast. Speaking of- I’m on an iPad, I don’t have a computer, and the Learn and Play buttons don’t appear as you’re describing. Also, the tab button doesn’t show tablature, it only shows subtitles options ( like closed caption etc). I don’t read tab but was hoping to learn it. Is this program not set up for iPads? Will I be able to see the 5 free lessons even after the 5 days are over? I can’t do it in 5 days. Thanks for any help you may provide.
Terada C-310 circa 1981 although google says it must be a TC-310. It replaced a South American guitar I got in Corvallis Oregon shop when I was in college in about 1974. An airline baggage system crushed the body and settled with me for about $150, about double what I paid for the South American guitar. It sounded similar and is a good guitar but it never matched the resonance of my oldguitar.
Sorry need to add that due to things happening at home my time is wacko! Like today for example still going back to previous days not sure if that’s good?
Also I believe Tony is an excellent teacher! Easy voice to follow!! I tried to number the strings to help me not sure I should’ve done that!!?? So I will not give up always wanted to learn!! Beginner level learning the lingo and little slow!! Thanks for all u do Tony great site!!
Playing a Glen Burton electric just starting little heavy. Love to learn!!
Hello I’m a day behind. I’m playing a Gretsch 2210 streamliner and enjoying the lessons so far. I go to a guitar group in a community centre and we play songs, I’m a slow learner and I feel a bit stuck so I thought I’d try something different, thanks
I came into this with minimal guitar skills. Played scale notes and chords on the first 3 frets. Day 1 I am expected to know hammer? Day 2 finger pluck a note from a fret? Do a slide? The sales pitch for this course said it was designed for anyone, even a novice. Very misleading.
I’ve been playing an early 1990 Takamine left hand dreadnaught something or other but I just picked up a Taylor 112 ce lh because it feels better for my smaller hands.
Playing a Renaissance FG710B. Korean made. New strings make a big difference
I play a Taylor. I am enjoying these challenges.
Currently playing a Tele
I’m playing a custom self built guitar based on the Celt model from Blackwood Guitars in Canada.
Gs mini koa love it. Had it for nearly 5 yrs now
Martin 000–15
I’m playing a new guitar as of a couple days ago. My first really nice acoustic – a Martin O’ahu HG28. Love love love
Hey Tony, Today I got it pretty well. Fingers are out of shape and now a bit sore. I play a Yamaha FG800.
I have a Fender Stratocaster
Playing a MIM HSS strat….
Montana guitar
Love your program
I would like to slow the lesson down but can’t find the x in the corner you refer to. Ooops. Just found it. It’s under the gear symbol.
Martin D-18
I’m Trying out these exercises on two different guitars. One is an Epiphone DR-90 and the other is a Classical YUVAL C-013 that I believe was made in Israel.
Playing an Orangewood Morgan M.
Breedlove Pro Series cut away
I play a Adams guitar. I made it (yes Im a luthier). It has spruce top, figured maple sides, back and neck. Maple is dyed a rich reddish brown that really shows off the figure.
I’m playing a Lava Me 2
I feel kinda bad- I’m just catching up. Life.
Fun exercise. I need more licks in my world.
I have a Collings OM1C in my lap. It’s a long way from the mid-50s Stella Sundale started on over forty years ago…
I am not seeing the tab on the challenge lessons.
I’m 71 and this is my first guitar lesson. I tell my friends when they ask about the guitar… I don’t play guitar, I just play with it. Anyway, I am playing with a Gretsch G9520.
My guitar is a Taylor GS-mini
I’m playing a Fender Squier Strat. Decided to try and learn a few months ago, I’m in my 60s and never played an instrument before. Slightly confused the fingers don’t always work but I’m OK with it.
I’m playing a Zara z420e
Yamaha APXT2EW Acoustic-electric 3/4
I’m still lost from yesterday.
No disrespect, but you talk a lot.
1982 Avarez Yairi DY73
Yesterday I was playing my D18…. Today my Old, old Sears Silvertone. Great job teaching…. Finally someone who understands my years of frustration!
I have a Cortez 870 that I bought around 40 years ago and it mainly collected dust. After watching your videos, it definitely needs a setup. I have a Yamaha FS400c on order.
I play a WashBurn D-11N
Mountain Ash Antique Natural
Beautiful guitar Rosewood fret board and Mahogany Neck
I have a Cordoba C7nylon string that I enjoy playing. The nylon strings are easier on my fingers. I also have a Taylor GS mini, steel string guitar.
I have a fender dg. My parents bought it for me used about 25 years ago when I first took lessons. Like any middle school kid I didn’t practice and it got hard and I quit. It sat in my rooms for a few years. Tried to pick it up again in college again never had the patience to get it. Now I’m 36 and have a goal of being about to play well before I turn 40 and showing my kids that we can do hard things. Still working on defining “well.” Enjoying the lessons so far!
I have a Fender cd60, black. It sounds great and keeps in tune really well.
Tony,
I have many, but for this challenge, I will be playing my Zager ZAD-50CE. Thanks! Have an awesome day! Terry
I have an old harmony made in China. First time player complete beginner having a hard time because I have fat fingers. I like the way you teach. I’m hoping that after the five days I will carry on with it. I’m retired living paycheck to paycheck. So even the $200 is a little rough for me to try to get together. I’m hoping to be able to do that. But for now, I’m just going to do the five days and see how it goes.
I’m 72. I tried learning Guitar years ago and gave up. A few years ago using YouTube I taught myself to play ukulele (minus barre chords).
My son bought me a Baby Taylor guitar and I’m using this for your 5 day challenge. I’m a clumsy beginner, taking my time. Thanks for this opportunity.
Hi currently on Day 2 – now I havehad a guitar for 10 years but never managed to get started. The TAC concept appealed to me but here are my challenges – I have very big fingers so i often touch 2 strings at same time instead of just one – any tips?, 2. I cannot seem to get the movement from fret to another fret or fret board and then also the movement to different string (rememebring the numbers is one thing but moveing fingers agilely is a challenge – any tips and 3. coordinating the pick hand on the same string as the fret hand/fingers -so eg. I can be on 2nd string with pick hand but on 3rd string with fret fingers – any tips on coordination? The slowing down mode is good but still seems to be too fast – will keep trying.
TAYLOR 314CE I was playing a Fender j9, this one is more enjoyable because I can reach over it.
Got through day two. Seemed to go better than yesterday. For me, working through it with the tabs first is best, then to try it playing along with you. I feel I need to hear myself fumble through it a few times first before I pick up on the melody and timing, which then helps to put it all together.
As for my guitar, I’m playing these exercises on a 1981 Washburn D15N acoustic. I picked it up at a local music shop, probably around 1983, for $99 plus tax. Can’t recall if it was used or new when I bought it. For my purposes, it seems to be a good instrument. I probably wouldn’t know a good one from a bad one. Someone with more guitar intellect and knowledge than me, may think it’s a piece of crap, who knows. Ha. See you tomorrow!!!
Have never heard of this song and have no idea of what the melody is supposed to sound like to be able to know if I am playing it correct.
The demo you play is so slow and I totally lose the rhythm unless I look at the tab to see eighth vs quarter notes, etc.
I prefer not to give the devil any acknowledgement or recognition anyway.
Would prefer a different more main stream song.
I am playing on a Teton model STG105CENT electric acoustic. I bought it in April 2025 and I love it, especially after getting it set up. It’s easy to play and sounds great.
I am so confused. How do I learn about finger placement on the fret bar? which finger go with the different strings? how much pressure to you place on the strings in the different finger positions to get the different sounds? you appear to be using a pick. is the the ideal way to play for beginners? Help me please. LOL
Playing a Gibson L-4 and Taylor 512ce