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.
Hi Tony…strumming a Martin HD28
Gretsch Jim Dandy Dreadnaught Deluxotone
Needs set up
First act electric
A Seagull Maritime SWS-CW-SG-QIT I bought used this past Sunday. Love it!
Martin HD28
Yamaha FG700MS
On vacation. I take a Traveler UltraLight. I don’t love it. Very awkward. But it’s better than nothing.
Hi Tony,
Thanks for the opportunity to reconnect with my guitar, it’s a Martin 00-15 Mahogany.
Thanks again,
Robin.
I’m playing a 335 copy by Harley Benton
Fender Acoustatonic
Zager 80ce
I’ve collected seven guitars so far 🙂 my favourite, which I play every day, is an Ibanez mahogany top acoustic which had it’s neck broken by a clumsy delivery guy. I brought her back to life with my carpentry skills, titebond and clamps and she’s lovely.
I play a Fender Acoustasonic Standard Jazzmaster and a Santos Martinez SM500CE (classical). I’ve been playing classical guitar (learning myself) for about two years and I purchased the Acoustansonic a month ago to learn songs – I’ve never really used a pick before and I only know the basic chord shapes.
Ok, immediately upon hearing the lesson I thought, “Pal, you’re high!” But, I tried it on .5 speed. I couldn’t tell which strings were being played open. So I went to the tabulature. Yes, this girl needs MUSIC! I continued but kept dropping my pick. I tried again, played with the video (without the pick) and voila. I did it. I still needed more repetition but was ready enough for Day 3!
Nancy Jean
Epiphone humming bird pro
What guitar am I playing? I have a bonkers guitar story. As I type I’m picking thru these 5 days on my Taylor GSmini, but my every Sunday acoustic is a Cole Clark Angel 3 with a Maton Messiah 12 string showing up once in a while.
Now to learn to play to their potential!
I’m alternating between a La Patrie and Fender Redondo acoustics, both 30+ years old
Yamaha APX500
Playing a Recording King RO-318.
I just figured out where the link to the tab is hidden.
I’m playing an Epiphone Les Paul standard Bob Marley signature model.
Cheers Tony! Playing my Fender mexi-strat through a Vox amplug and headphones while my wife sleeps. Was playing Fender T-bucket 300CE earlier. Thanks for the opportunity to sample your course.
Taylor 110e
My original guitar is a Regal which I purchased around 1972 from a pawn shop for under$100.
The bridge broke last summer. I also have a Yamaha, a Seagull, a Washburn rover, and a Regal resonator slide dobro. You can never have too many guitars.
I’m hanging in there through day 2, despite some tech challenges on my i-pad. Playing the trusty old cheap Yamaha, which seems fine. Haven’t received Day 3 lesson yet…
Telecaster / partscaster that I built.
I have a horrible time trying to strum the correct string. Is there a trick for positioning your hand?
Halifax Model 130
Dreadnaught from the 1970’s during my high school years. Made in Japan.
Ibanez Inter City
Yamaha F-340
Martin 000-18
I’m really enjoying this so far,thank you for taking the time to help!! I’m playing a Greg Bennet Samich D-6 and it sounds great. Thanks again!!
Alvarez Pro acoustic.
I play a Taylor 814ce.
I have been playing/dabbling in guitar for 25 years but always seem to get stuck in a rut at the end of the same road. Piano is my main instrument. I’m tired of four chords in 6/8. Trying this to see what happens. Thanks for offering this challenge.
I am playing a Martin 00-28vs.
I am playing a Yamaha FG800J entry level guitar. I did take to a guitar shop and had it set up.
Hi Tony:
I play a Japanese made 1980’s Fender Stratocastor, a fairly new Gibson Les Paul Studio and a Yamaha 12 string.
I saw your challenge while I was away on holidays and didn’t want to miss it. I couldn’t do much while I was away but I latched onto it so I could try it when I got home. I am trying to make this commitment. I have played and dabbled for years. I won’t make excuses as one makes time for things they are passionate about. I work too many hours and am trying to adjust my schedule to accommodate this new approach. I am looking forward to making this a “Guitar” winter!!!
I’m playing a Carvin Colbalt 750 series acoustic cutaway
I’m playing a dreadnaught Martin x series special acustic/electric. It’s a hard stretch so I’m picking up an inexpensive Fender parlor size. Hope it helps play longer while learning.
I been playing a ashthorpe c85 with D’Addario light gauge strings….
I’m playing a Yamaha F355 Natural color (looks a lot like yours:) that my husband bought me during COVID. I haven’t used a pick much before and played on a Yamaha classical. So far, i really like this lesson.
Actually playing my PRS DTG SE electric into headphones so as not to disturb anyone!
nice, gold top or burst?
Playing on a yamaha APX500
I have an Acadian acoustic guitar and a jackson electric with a peavey amp. I have played on and off since i was 16. I was starting to actually learn from my brother in law before he took his own life. I learned by myself feom tab.
I’ve got a Yamaha F310P, TY for doing these little sessions!
I have a Taylor 1996 422-K all Koa
Hi Tony. This is a fun little intro. I am currently learning on a GK s39c. I bought it for my son 20 years ago. It’s beat up. Been broken and fixed, but sounds OK and stays in tune.
indian rosewood back and side ebony fret board dreadnaught
Hey,
I am using a cheepo Jay Turser that I bought off of marketplace. My goal is that if I can actually get to where I can play a couple of songs, I will reward myself with something better!
Thanks
I’m with you on that. I bought a nice electric guitar from a shop when I was 16 and it’s mostly sat for 30 years so this time I found the lowest price acoustic from Wallmart. I got a BP something… but I think it sounds and looks good. It came with a case and all the accessories for $105. If I stick with it for more than a season I’ll upgrade!
I’ve been trying to play a purple Ibanez acoustic guitar circa 1994, a champaign electric Gretsch, a Fender short scale electric, and a Fender strat for over 6 years and still suck. Got my eyes on an orange Gretsch because it can’t be me – it must be the guitar.
Am I right? LOL.
I’m not crazy, just 65 and frustrated.
Tony I’m still having trouble getting the tabs from the first lesson to come up. Could you help me with this
Hi Ronald. Please reach out to us in TAC Support. We will be happy to troubleshoot that with you. Email: support@tonypolecastro.com
I just bought an Irin Chinese Gretsch Electromatic double cut copy complete with Chigsby trem. Its very pretty and cost me $275 CAD delivered to my door in rural Alberta. I’ve built a couple of kits and have learned a few things about setting up a guitar properly but this one came out of the box pretty well done. Maybe down the road I’ll change a few things but for right now, these cheap kits and Asian copies are enough guitar for me. At heart I’m an Ibanez guy and have an old ST80 and a GXR40 factory builds. I amp through either a Blackstar ID:30 or a Marshall CODE 100 head and cab setup.