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.
I have a guitar that I hope one day to be worthy of….it’s a Martin OM-28. A beautiful instrument!
My primary guitar is an Alvarez. My first guitar was a Sears & Roebuck Harmony ($11 in 1957)
Hi Tony,
I am playing a Martin DC-16RGTE Glass Top Dreadnought.
Enjoying the lessons and playing guitar!
Thank you!
Virginia
Hi Tony – Thank you for another great lesson on Day 2. I am playing an Ibanez acoustic-electric AEL20E-TRS-14-01 Red Sunburst
Mine is a Breedlove Wildwood pro Concertina, mahogany. I’d really like a Martin D-45 though!
It’s my first guitar it’s a Yamaha F310
I’m playing a Chinese Koa wood guitar with beautiful abalone inlays, which I found on AliExpess. It wasn’t advertised as such, but apparently it’s a copy of a Taylor. I love it and can’t put it down. It even sleeps next to my bed. LOL.
its sooo hard!
Only 7 mins in and exhausted
Im playing a L’arrivee parlour.
Hi Tony, I’m playing a 1973or’74 Guild D-45 guitar that I bought new in 1974.
I’m playing a Seagull Acoustic
I’m playing a Yamaha A5R ARE acoustic/electric with an aged spruce top and rosewood back and sides. This is my first guitar and I love the sound of this guitar.
I’m playing an electric guitar: Epiphone Les Paul Special-II (the slash edition). Bought it of graigslist 3 weeks ago and never played guiter before, so real novice!
Taylor 814ce w/Brazilian Rosewood
Gibson Hummingbird Rosewood AG
Hohner HW-300G
Ibanex GAX 75
Breedlove
Alvarez AGW77ESHBDLX. I couldn’t get this lesson. I’m struggling already.
Guild D-55.
Probably the nicest guitar I ever have – and ever will own.
I have an Art&Lutherie burgundy Spruce acoustic (made in Canada). I don’t know what the model is.
2015 PRS SE A15AL Alex Lifeson model
Taylor 416ce
Taylor 210ce Plus. Upgraded from a Mexican Martin for more of a pure sound.
Took me a bit, but I was able to get the lick a few times successfully. Will take a break as you suggest and let my fingers experience it again.
Yamaha FG700S
Second day and I am loving it. I have an Ibanez acoustic electric.
Considering the one year deal but concerned about automatic renewal at the end…..
Hey Tony,
I’m enjoying your challenge, I play a Martin re-issue 1934 HD28 that I bought in 1980, it had to have a neck reset a couple years ago, and plays much better now. I also play a Takamine EF-360S that I bought in 1977. My wife and I visited the Thompson guitar factory back in October and was able to play a couple of their guitars, very nice.
I am playing a Larrivee D40E, which I have had for about 30 years! Still love it!
Playing a Simon & Patrick guitar in snowy Canada!
I watched the video and thought there is no way I am going to learn this today. It took me three 10 minute sessions and now I can do it about 3/4 speed.
It took a while to figure out where to comment 🙁 I play a Takamine guitar.
Taylor 712ce
One piece of advice to others. I found it easier to follow by printing off the music/TAB sheet for the lick. Doing so made it a little easier to follow Tony’s instructions.
hi tony im playing a vintage 1940s Kalamazoo guitar and an ibenez
I am playing a (cheap!) JN Guitars BES, sometimes referred to as a Bessie. In part that’s because it was cheap (around £250 3 years ago) but of more relevance, I wouldn’t (yet) do credit to a Taylor or a Faith
I play with a 2025 Yamaha AC5R
Martin HD-28
Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500MCE
Yamaha FG-160 that I got when I was 12, my first guitar.
I play Zagger 900 , at least I try to play it.
this lesson seems like alot. Im totally new but you said it was going to be a challenge… My guitar is a Epiphone
I use a Mitchell acoustic guitar I bought used for 75. It was in great condition
Hi Tony,
I am playing a Yamaha FG400A which I have had for a very long time and have not really played in the last 30 odd years. I’m doing better than I expected although ends of my fingers are a bit sore not being used to playing.
1990 Taylor 615 jumbo maple and an Alvarez AJ80 12 string
Art & Lutherie Wild Cherry
1965 Levin Goliath – had it for 60 years – refurbished a few years ago with an added pick up and improved action
Orangewood Dana M
3/4 size
Taylor 214ee DLX
Hi,
I’m playing an Epiphone Acoustic-Electric Hummingbird Pro.
Frank
Hi Tony,
I have a La Petrie, Etude, and an Orangewood, Oliver M.
40 year old yamaha fg-410