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.
Playing on a Yamaha XG700S.
EKO ranger 6
Furch Vintage 1 D SR
I do not have an acoustic guitar. I have a Gretsch electromatic semi hollow body eletric guitar.
A Yamaha FS830
I am playing a Harmony H106B. I want to get a new one. I don’t need the best, but I feel I need an upgrade. I don’t want to break the bank. Any recommendations?
Fender Acoustisonic (jazzmaster body).
I have been playing a Martin D-35. Got it a couple of years ago. Love it. Just need to learn all i can to do the guitar justice!
I learned to play decades ago in college but stopped playing after college. Now I find myself retired and hoping by using TAC I can relearn and play while enjoying retirement. I’m finding the first session challenging but I enjoy the ability to stop and replay the video while I am attempting to learn. As I find myself starting to get frustrated I can stop and return at a later time to pick up where I left off
Can you play this without using a pick?
I play a Fender Paramount PM-1 Deluxe Dreadnought, Solid Mahogany back and sides
Solid Sitka spruce top (natural), Ovangkol fingerboard with built in Fender®/Fishman® PM System pickup/tuner/preamp.
I used to play professionally but after the theft of my Ibanez 540R and SRV Signature Series Stratocaster I stopped and didn’t play again for 10 years.
I’m trying this course to see if 10 minutes a day will help push me through the negative association I have with music after the theft of those beautiful instruments.
martin 000-16, just got it and it sounds great!
I can play the scale but I can’t figure out the one and two…. sometimes you don’t strum but you’re still counting. There must be a way around this. I have a Yamaha acoustic. I have come across other songs by instructors that use this counting method. I never figured it out.
Playing the tab is not musical.
Help, Steve Hamilton
I’m playing the guitar I made based on Martin OO all mahogany.
I’m playing a Taylor GS Mini-E Koa Deluxe. A retirement treat to myself to help me along my guitar learning journey.
Fender Newporter
Martin Dreadnought Junior
I play a dreadnought from Art & Lutherie (Godin family). The full name is kinda fancy)) It’s Americana Bourbon Burst CW QIT. This is my first guitar ever and I really enjoy playing it
Hi Tony,
I have three guitars. I practice with my new Big Baby Taylor (left handed). I also have a Martin OM28 and a Gibson Guitar (not sure of the model on that one. My biggest problem is to try to run before I can walk. I have been “Dabbling” with the guitar for 41 years. I found it difficult as whatever I played sounded awful. I had a nylon strung classical guitar that \i paid around £40 for. I had to string left handed as I cant play right handed (according to my wife, can’t play left handed either )
My wife bought me a proper left handed Crafter guitar which I had for a long time but still felt a bit tinny. Then I was treated to buy first of all, A Fender Tele (Japanese) and then I wanted a Taylor ( That’s when I got the Martin. Beautiful sound). I still wanted a Taylor, so back to the store and this time, came away with the Gibson. So 3rd time lucky, I got the Big Baby online. Guitar lesson is ok but my problem is up and down picks. I keep wanting to do all down strokes but I am trying .
I’m playing a Martin 000-16GT.
Hi Tony. Im playing a new Candy Cola Fender Strat that just arrived Yesterday, along with a Marshall practice amp. It’s the first time Ive picked up a guitar in 30 years, so the fingers are soft, and the tendons tight, and Im very rusty but loving it. Having to limit the practice time until the hands toughen up. Best wishes Roger
50-year-old Ibanez 645 (beginner for 50 years)
I have a Tayler 416 CE
I’m playing a LAG Tramontaine parlour style accoustic.
Hudson Black Falcon
Hi Tony
I am playing a Yamaha A1M
Mahogany sides and back, with
spruce front .
Along with my tonewood2,
I’m having a blast.
I’m playing a Stagg SCL60.
Martin 000-28 — my 60th birthday present to myself. Traded up through the years from Washburn to Alvarez to Takamine.
So circumstance has put me a day behind the challenge. I am playing a Yamaha AC4K.
I am playing Fender CP 100
Hey Toni,
I am playing 2 acoustic guitars, a very old and quite cheap Suzuki with nylon strings on it and a Takamine EF 341 SCB with steel strings on it. I love them both, the Takamine for its sound and the Suzuki for the memories.
I enjoy your 5 Day challenge and think it is a very good concept. Curious what we will be doing the next days.
Regards,
Walter from Germany
I am playing a Taylor 322ce
I play a semi acoustic Godan, Its beautiful, but I do it no justice
Hi, I’m playing a Simon & Patrick, parlor sized guitar made in Quebec. Love the challenge!
My guitar is a Godin Seagull. From the land of the Blue Jays
This 5-day challenge is AWESOME! I’m playing my 27 year old Larrivee C-10 which is finally getting the love it deserves.
Hey Tony. Playing a Martin SC 13-ce. Love it. Can’t wait to get into more licks down the fret board.
A Harmony Stella… is that a thing?
Martin D-9…I’m a constant beginner…very slow learner…the techniques you are showing are great, but difficult for me to pick up at each daily lesson…mixing hammer-ons/slides with half-note pauses (rhythm challenges) makes playing the notes with alternate picking that much more difficult. I feel like learn these techniques way slower than others…
I have a 2012 Tanglewood Discovery Deluxe Dreadnaught. It has a Spruce top and Mahogany back and sides. Rosewood fretboard and bridge. Love the voice on this guitar.
Playing a Seagull S6 acoustic- if you’re not familiar, Seagull is a Canadian guitar company
just bought a brand new teton sta105 yesterday
Thanks Tony. Taylor Mini GS (Lefty)
Playing a black Zager D80-CE.
I have a Silverton (don’t know year) that I bought at a flea market about 3 years ago.
Playing a Gretsch Jimdandy and a Vintage V300. Tried a few guitars including electric, but these 2 are forever.
I’m playing an Ibanez G70. Sweet guitar. Slow learner. Fingers aren’t very dexterous.
Well I normally play an entry level Artist dreadnought, but am on holiday and borrowing a friends Taylor 114e – I was happy with the Artist before playing the Taylor!
i play a gibson J50 i bought in NYC in 1969
I am playing a new Yamaha acoustic. My husband gave it to me in August and I am sort of teaching myself how to play – Nylon strings. A professional guitar player here in LA said it was a great starter guitar – much better than than the one I started with a few months ago – it was Mexican made with a hole in the back and top. Action was terrible. LOL This is so much better.