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.
Seagull S6 + Cedar from 2001
Eastman E20D-TC-SB
Hi Tony, I’m playing on a 93 Fender Strat Plus Deluxe. I’m getting back into playing after not playing much for the last 17 years.
I haven’t been able to fine the tablature that you mentioned in your video.
I play a Zager ZAD 80 CE
I’m so lost. Just when I think I’m getting it, I can’t get my fingers to do what I want and have to start again. Nothing ever sounds like notes that belong together. Will keep at it each day…
Washbum
I play a Martin HD 28
A Taylor GS Mini Koa.
I play on a Lyle guitar I bought at the pawn shop for $40. I love this guitar. It has a good sound and I don’t worry about it getting abused. Small children and pets around the house.
You asked what kind of guitar. I am playing a Martin D-45 Modern Deeluxe.
Yamaha APX 600
Yamaha APX-7
Just a bunch of acoustic and electric guitars, Lace , epiphone and a Ovation.
Yamaha FSX820C. Love it!
I am Playing a Gibson Epiphone 12 string. I also have a Yamaha 12 string and an over 25 year old Rickenbacker electric 12 string.
I play an classical guitar Manuel Rodriguez e Hijos
Playing a Fender California Redondo
I’m playing a borrowed 1970 Sigma. I broke my neck in 2018. Neurological damage has prevented me playing since then. Even last year I couldn’t finger a clean note. I have a 70’s Gibson J40 that was damaged in a fire where I lost my home. I’m trying to see if I can play well enough to make the $400 to fix the thing be worth it. Day two of your class and I’m feeling hopeful for the first time since my accident!
A Martin DCPA4 Siris. Picked it up at my local shop about 13 years ago. It’s sounding better every day.
Taylor CEI have several guitars: a 1970 Brazilian guitar DiGiorgio that I bought when I was an exchange student, a, a Yamaha nylon string, and two electrics
Fender FA 153CE
I mainly play my Fender California Redondo and I also have a Taylor GS mini-e Koa Wood Plus
A Breene Custom dreadnaught with a Honduran Mahogany body that I built.
Vintage vsa500 semi acoustic. I also have a Squire custom telecaster,
Hi Tony, Playing my Lag 4 seasons (Summer) battling through day 2 of the challenge. Looking forward to day 3!
I have my childhood Takemine F360S I leave at the office. Love to take 15 min before my day starts to work out things. I have loved the challenge these last 2 days.
Playing my Taylor 25th anniversary this morning. This afternoon I will be playing my Taylor 814ce.
Hey Tony! I have 3 stringed instruments that I play regularly.
A Honer acoustic, a Fender jazz bass, and a Silvertone electric.
These first two lessons have me reenergized about learning and wanting to keep improving! Thank you!
Hi Tony! I am playing a Waldron D550. Thanks for the lessons!
I still do not have any link to the PDF
Taylor 914 ce today
Fender DG22CE
I’ve got a Yamaha FS800.
I’m playing a Yamaha FSX-300C (concert size body with cutaway at neck) — in Hood River, OR not too far from Sisters !
I am playing a Martin travel guitar, although I do have four others, including a Framus I have had since I was about 12. I haven’t played in a few years due to arthritis, so I am hoping it will be easier with a smaller guitar and using less finger strength to press on the strings. Fingers crossed!
I play a 1946 Martin HD28
Hi Tony , I’m playing a seagull coastline spruce. When I try the hammering we started yesterday it seems to deaden the second note. Is there something I should be doing to prevent that? Many thanks, Cam
I play a cheap standard acoustic named Fitness. The sound is okay just good enough for a beginner. I keep buying a better new one as a motivation for me to get better on guitar. Thanks for the lesson Tony 🙂
I’m “trying” to play on a Seagull Entourage Folk Burnt Umber QIT. Has nice sound, very pleasant on the ears.
Playing a Gibson L-00. I love the small size and big voice.
I’m playing a Yamaha CSF3M.
I’m playing a Guild M20; all mahogany. I bought it from the now gone GAK in Brighton UK during the lockdown.
I and they broke the draconian anti contact and travel rules to do the deal. It was worth it!
I am playing a old white label Yamaha FG-110. I bought it when I tore my rotator cuff on my right shoulder and found my standard (also a yamaha) and my dad’s Jumbo Washburn were too painful to play. My dad was nearing the end and I wanted to play with him as much as I could before he died. And this smaller folk size made that possible. My dad is gone but the guitar is still my favorite. It doesn’t sound as big or resonant as it’s siblings but is just fun to play.
A cheap acoustic. It is a SW Acoustics.
It sounds okay. Would love an upgrade. But I feel attached bto it.
Martin Road Series 11E Dreadnought and a Taylor GS Mini (which is primarily my travel guitar, but I pick it up a couple times a week)
Depends on my mood but usually Ibanez AR series electric. Sometimes the Alambra acoustic dreadnought.
Taylor AD17
Yamaha FG830
My guitar went in for service and string change yesterday, thank goodness I found my air guitar so I’m not missing out. Loving these mini lessons.
I play a 16 year old Fender CD220CE. I have several acoustics but this one holds it’s tune very well. Probably find something with better action but this works. Not sure what I would upgrade to… Taylor or Martin? That Thompson Dreadnought is awesome but pricey…
Hi…I play a Fender Telecoustic. The strings are work and I may put acoustic strings on.