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’m playing an Ibanez AW417
I’m playing a Collings Ovation. I also have a Taylor 214ce, a Pavan TP-30 (classical), a Barrington BGW-400 (electric), a National Delphi (resonator), and my very first guitar a Washburn dreadnaught. But nothing sings like the Collings!
I’m trying to play a Fender Gemini 11 acoustic with steel strings
I’m playing on that old Epiphone AJ-10 out of Indonesia i think! Thanks Tony
Martin SC-13E Special
I have a Ibanez AEG70 Flamed Maple Top Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar and a Ibanez PC54E Grand Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar.
I have an ancient Kona that I’ve played since I was 10!
I am using a PRS McCarty 594 SE and an Eastman DLX acoustic.
I use a GRETSCH G5655T Electromatic upstairs and a Fender Newporter Electro Acoustic downstairs.
Right now I’m traveling for work and I take along a Martin backpacker that I’m going thru your videos with. Thanks!
Taylor GS mini koa
Hello, Tony,
I’m playing a 6-string Carvin Cobalt 750 acoustic. I believe that Carvin was purchased by another company some years ago- I don’t know if they still produce acoustics.
I started in the late 80’s with a Yamaha FG 430 strung left handed. The action was horrible! Small E laying in the slot of the big E of the nut. Played a few years, (camp fire strummer) never any good. Now I’m retired, kids are grown. Bought a new, Left hand, 🙂 Ibanez Talsman.
Using an Seagull Artist electric acoustic I got around 2011. Started with a nylon string Yamaha from Costco around 2007. Have an electric guitar from Costco (Kelly?) that I use occassionally as each has a different neck width.
Playing a Taylor 12e right now. Having the action lowered on my Gibson I’ve had for 25 years.
I have a Guild D-140, a PRS Angelus and a Tacoma (also have Seagull 12 string)
Playing a Yamaha (model ?). Purchased about 20 years ago, in my early 40s, at a Guitar Center I was driving past. The thought entered my mind that I always wanted to play, bummed was bummed to be too old. That thought lasted about as long as it took to make the u-turn.
I’m playing a Kentucky-made Cotten.
This web site doesn’t work at all well using safari browser on the latest iPad with latest os, having to fight to get the page working is making the learning painful
I play a Serenity acoustic, and a squire telecaster CV electric
Love my Martin D10e.
1979 YAMAHA FG-75
I am playing a Martin Special 16 Rosewood. Previously and still sometimes a Taylor 210e Deluxe.
Right now I’m playing a Martin Backpacker because I’m on a trip, at home I have a Yamaha FG-800 and a 1990s Squire Strat that I’m borrowing from my son.
I’ve been playing since young but,fell off for about 15 years because of 2 torn rotator cuff about 6 years apart.I own quite a few guitars but,my favs to play are an epiphone goth set up by a pro luthier and my fender classical.Just had the classical set up because I broke a tuner.
I’m playing a Yamaha FD01S
Martin dredknot great practice guitar
I mostly use my Gibson harmony pro
I play an Alvarez MFA70WCEARSHB (phew, that’s a mouthful!)
I have a Yamaha FS800 and a 1949 Gibson LG
To start I fill like I am trying to drink from a fire hose…. Playing a Yamaha G100 bought off FB with strings off the neck 1/2” like the one you described.
Recording King . Acoustic electric guitar
I’m playing a Yamaha FS800
I’m playing a Yamaha FS800
This is great!
1995 Martin D35 and a 1995 Taylor 420.
Takamine G series Its going to take me 3-4weeks to get through 5 day challenge
Martin J-15
I started with a Washburn Oscar/Schmidt accoustic small body, but I was given a new Yamaha 800J Dreadnought when I graduated the Guitars for Vets program in Pa last week, which is what I’m pl,aying now. Sounds SO much better, though my W/OS is still fun.
Martin D-15M StreetMaster
Gibson J45, got others love em all.
Lyle F-510 from 1974
Yamaha G-55A
Trying out a Fender Highway Series Dreadnought right now. I have been playing a Takamine dreadnought since 1996.
I’m playing a ‘85 Martin D-16K. I bought it in ‘96.
I use a guitar I built in 2020 with the mentorship of a luthier. The following is a list of woods used. It took about 200 hours over a 1 year period.
Back and Sides – Black Walnut
Top – Engelmann Spruce
Neck – Mahogany
Neck Block – Mahogany
Bindings – Birdseye Maple
Fingerboard- Macassar Ebony
Heel Cap and Bridge – Gabon Ebony
Bridge Plate – Mahogany
Headstock Laminate – Flame Maple
Butt Cap – Maple
Bracing – Spruce/Mahogany
Bone Nut and Saddle
Bone Dust for Fret Markers
I’m playing a Yamaha classical guitar. I’m also finger picking not using a pic. I have an acoustic but it feels too big for me and my fingers hurt when I play it. :/
1970 tokai cates eye ce 300
Hi Tony. I am currently playing a Cordoba Mini II MH. It has a wide neck like a classical guitar ,which is what I started on, many years ago.
Playing on a Taylor 314ce. It’s awesome!
Tony, my acoustic guitar is an Ibanez exotic wood series (6 string) , I bought the guitar in 2008, and I have a Fender Strat 57 vintage series I bought in 1984. I may need to restring the acoustic again and have the neck checked because I get a harmonic ring out of it whether I use a capo or not, and it doesn’t matter if I play notes or chords.