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 am using an Epiphone Humminbird Pro
Ok, so it’s not acoustic but, I’m playing a Max Music Les Paul copy. The reason being, I can stick my headphones on and not annoy the rest of the household. I’ve also got an old Eko acoustic that I’ve had for about 30 years that comes out when there’s no one else in
Martin D-2R
20th Anniversary Squier by fender
2009 Yamaha FG730S set up with a bone saddle and Gotoh tuners (OEM tuners were replaced as they rusted while it was in storage. Oops!)
I have guitar single O that my friend made for me. Wiemer guitars in Hawaii. Sitka top and I’m not sure what the back and sides are, but it’s beautiful and sounds great! I am going to learn how to play it.
I have a Yamaha FS720S that I bought for myself one Mothers Day about 15 years ago. I had a Yamaha Classical that my dad had bought me for my 15th birthday but I could never get my hands around the neck properly (and again I didn’t just pick it up and piddle around with it) so that Mothers Day I stopped in a small guitar shop in Houston and saw the most beautiful blue guitar and the sound was soooo sweet that I went home and picked up that Classical and traded it in for my new Yamaha (+ cash)
I am playing an Ibanez Artcore AK85 and I have not played in years and my fingers are killing me 🙂
Saw the lessons on Facebook and thought I will give this a try as I am a forever beginner from lessons back in grammar school. I am using a Sigma DM2-CBE that I picked up used off Craigslist around 1990. I put some light weight strings on it but after day one my middle and ring fingertips need a vacation so will have to go a bit slow at this time. I’m also thinking I should take it to local luthier since it has been living in its case for most of the time. Liking your instruction.
Taylor 814e Gold Label (Honduran Rosewood version).
Taylor 214ce in Walnut.
Had to have a guitar shop shave the bridge saddle down some as the action was too high – it was above the Taylor spec. Also adjusted the neck relief. Now it plays really nice I love the Taylor neck carve! ☺️
I highly recommend taking your guitar to a trusted guitar shop or guitar tech/luthier for a setup after you purchase it.
Many times you can ask the shop to do it for you if you’re buying it from them and they’ll throw it in for free – just ask!
Gibson Epiphone
I play an Ibanez PF2MH 3/4 Scale natural. I’m 5’0 tall with small hands. A full sized guitar is huge to me, hehe.
Hi,
I’m playing a Taylor 412CE.
Among many, at this time I am using my Yamaha FS800
Playing a Fender CT140se one of a few.
Taylor Swift Baby Taylor
Breedlove Passport
I’m playing a Simon & Patrick Luthier Songsmith Folk that I bought from a guy in a park. A friend adjusted the neck and it works really well for me with my small hands.
I was reluctant to give a response on the first lesson and decided to wait and view another lesson first. I play the fiddle, guitar, banjo and mandolin ( some ) but lack the control I have desired to achieve. Your lessons have refined my method of learning. I am greatly enjoying your lessons and believe I will see a real improvement in my playing. This will increase my willingness to participate more in the jams I attend. I plan a Composite Acoustic Legacy HG CBR ELE which in my opinion is one of the finest Guitars made, especially for traveling and playing outdoors in ever changing weather. It does not know hot,, cold, humid or dry.. Absolutely nothing changes the tuning.
Gibson J45
Yamaha APX600. recent acquisition, been great since I’ve mostly had horrible acoustics in the past
I am playing on a guitar passed down to me from my Great Uncle. It is a 1933 Gibson, Carson Robison signiture guitar. I had it looked over by a luthier before starting to play it, and it sounds so sweet. I am enjoying the lessons and learning a lot about breaking down a song into managable pieces. Thank you so much.
I’m playing a Taylor 214ce DLX – the nicest acoustic I’ve owned, well set up for me.
I am almost 68 and have been playing for decades, but never licks. It’s fun to learn and I like your method. I have a Taylor 714 from the 90s but my brand new pride and joy is a Martin 0000 Grand Auditorium with sinker mahogany on neck, back and sides on Adirondack spruce on top.
I’m playing a Guild D4-NT (maybe NI? hard to read). I’ve been playing for over 50 years, not professionally but in various garage bands through the years. I am enjoying seeing the philosophy and techniques you are showing. Plus, helps me add some new licks to my soloing. Have been very impressed so far.
78 years old playing on a fender strat
Still can’t do lesson 1. Just looking at this one I am overwhelmed.
Finger tips hurt a lot because of no calluses.
a
Stick with it…you can do it
Loving these lessons! I play an Martin OM 28 VR. Bought it used at a local shop.
Martin road series special
Samick Greg Bennett OM-5CE/N acoustic electric. It’s the same guitar I had when I first started learning. I’m hoping to get an electric guitar one day but don’t have my eye on a specific model or brand yet.
Those Greg Bennett series are pretty nice especially the value for money.
I have the D-2 dreadnought and very easy to play – I sometimes go back to it even though I have a Taylor 214ce as well.
breedlove discovery concert
I’m playing a Taylor 210ce Plus left-handed guitar
Guild D-55
Ibanez AEG6TN-BKF
Zager Dreadnought
Hi, I’m 72, long time bass player here. Always just a strummer on guitar. My six-string acoustic is a Yamaha FS830. I also have a Fender Telecaster electric guitar.
I’m 56, self taught starting at age 10. I’m rotating between a Taylor 410, a Taylor T5, and a Luna Henna series.
Hi.
I am a 67 year old forever beginner, I’m playing a 2002 Gibson Standard.
Allan Hutchinson. UK.
Really enjoying the lessons! Been playing for over 40 years, and this is a technique and lick I have never tried before.
My guitar is a Samick acoustic.
Larrivee OM-40
Tony! Having a ton of fun learning your 5 day free trial; Friend of the Devil. I play several different guitars. Mostly inexpensive. Banged on a classical for decades. My favorite became a Recording King that someone gave me in need of repair. I fixed it and it became my ‘magical guitar’. I was doing things I had not done before. Now that my wife(on Bass) and I are gigging for money every now and then, I decided to upgrade to a very used, Gibson Songwriter Deluxe studio acoustic/electric I bought in Bozeman. It is LOUD! Great sound and action although, Gibson has a pretty ‘chunky’ neck. Thinking of finding something a little thinner. But six guitars might be enough! hehehe
Yamaha FG-110
I am playing a Zagrer 900 OM, with a Sika Spruce top, Indian Rosewood back and sides
Journey Puddlejumper.
Santa Cruz OMG bear claw top and fiddle back mahogany back.
Gary Bennett Samick D-7CE Acoustic Electric
Greg Bennet Design (S) 6-string (Acoustic-electric)
1960’s vintage Kay Dreadnaught (Acoustic)
Taylor 210e
My acoustic is an Ovation and then a Les Paul electric