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 rocking a Jasmine SD35-U. If/when I treat myself to an upgrade, it will be a personal reward for progress.
Another good session – I’m liking the guidance and knowing there’s a path forward.
Thanks T
Thanks for the free lessons. Im playing a Godin metropolis. Solid wood dreadnought. My other, and first acoustic is an early 1990s Yamaha apx 6.
1974 folk Yamaha model FG-160
Epiphone les Paul studio
Sigma DR-41
Really enjoyed learning this lick today! Thanks.
I am playing a Taylor mini Koa, which I got to take places so I can keep a more regular practice schedule. It has a nice sound and is quite a bit smaller than a full size acoustic.
Takamine Jasmine
Takamine G Series
Eastman PCH1
Having fun with the song. Playing a Zager ZAD900CE
I play a Martin SC-13E
I alternate between a Taylor GS Mini and a 2013 Martin HD28.
I started with a Takamini G series but now I play a Taylor 324ce. Love the sound and feel of my Taylor
That’s a neat little lick. Can’t wait to learn the whole song. I’m playing a Fender Dreadnought, BTW.
First guitar was a Yamaha. My second guitar is what I guess would be called a “knock-off” D-45, which I built from a kit almost 40 years ago (essentially a Martin “factory second”). For flat-picking (and for this 5-day challenge), I’m using a Zager 900CE. I also have a nylon-string classical guitar, a Cordoba C5-CE, probably my favorite, for its beautiful tone.
All that said, you’d think this 5-day challenge would be a breeze, but I’m struggling a bit, because I’ve only come to flat-picking recently and all the “down up down down up [etc]” patterns are COMPLETELY counterintuitive for me. I want to play the next string, rather than pass over it and come back to pick it.
I started with a cheapo Fender I bought just because it was a cool red color. It hurt to play but I suffered through. When I decided I was good enough to deserve a nicer guitar I got a Breedlove. Love this guitar. My only problem is I travel a lot and have a POS travel guitar that I don’t care what happens to it so I spend a lot of practice time suffering through yet again! Can’t wait to try these challenges again when I get home to the Breedlove.
I enjoyed day one and two but never received day three lesson?
cab i finger pick this or should i stick with the pick
I have a martin x series
i play a fender cd140 for an acoustic I like it it has good action and a real clean sound for electric I have a Steve Vai Ibanez jem it’s a real nice guitar really like playing it
I am playing a Seagull S6 Original. All Seagull guitars are made in Canada from start to finish. They are made
” in the small village of LaPatrie in the Eastern Townships of Quebec, where for more than a quarter century the crafting of Seagull guitars has been a true passion for the many devoted guitar makers who call LaPatrie home. Today, LaPatrie has a population of about 475 and about half of these people are guitar builders. These folks take a great deal of pride in the guitars they build.”
Yamaha APX600, Squier Strat (gifted to me), Ovation Celebrity (from the 1980s). It is time to learn to play.
I have three guitars:
Kimbara classical nylon strung I bought in 1977
Camps 5S Flamenco nylon strung bought in 2017
Ibanez AEG8E steel strung acoustic electric that my daughter got me in 2022 …needs setting up but I know a guy who’ll do that
I’m play9ing a mid-70s vintage Martin D-28 that I’ve owned for about 30 years. That was before they were making them with adjustable truss rods and the action has gotten so high some friends of mine call it “unplayable.” Luthiers have told me that short of replacing the neck (for about $1,300) there’s nothing that can be done. But the tone is just so lovely and I rarely play above the fifth fret anyway, so I just keep strumming and picking away … and building robust calluses.
gbriers0@optusnet.com.au. Im playing a Martinez MDC311MG.and I sometimes use my Mini Martin depending on my mood
I’m late doing this challenge, but I’m playing a Yamaha AC3R Acoustic Electric guitar purchased at my local music store.
Playing a Washburn guitar purchased from Costco and trying to learn with online videos.
I purchased a 2nd hand 2008 Breedlove Pro Series with Sitka Spruce top and Rosewood back and sides. I was deciding between a new Taylor 214 CE and the used Breedlove with a limited budget. Once I strummed the Breedlove, I was hooked. Nice resonance on this older guitar.
1971 Silvertone 1217. 000 size body with Gibson scale and radius. Ladder braced, moustache bridge and an engraved pickguard. Weird little guitar that set me back fifty dollars. I have nicer guitars, but this one doesn’t have to live in a case. Although, I’d be really sad if it ever falls apart. Sorry I’m late getting here. Enjoyed the lesson.
Taylor 710ce from 2004
played one of these new back in that era at GC but could not justify the price at the time. In 2020 when we recived our covid “bonus” money – well both my wife & I were employed in essential trades, that money was truly a bonus so I fed it back into the economy when I found it used for 1k. needed a refret but it plays great now !
Tony, I took your challenge about 2 1/2 years ago. I was overwhelmed by the weekly challenges. I’m looking forward to work on the five day challenge you have. I’m playing a Martin D 28 and also guild Guitar built in 1956.
Hi I am playing a Martinez MTFC-1B-NGL made in Australia and a Valencia VC204tbu
I have a Martin 000 X series special
Playing a Deniser hand made 2nc classical guitar. Found it at a resale store 3 years ago. Just now trying to learn.
I’m playing on my Godin Session because I need quiet after the kids are in bed. Otherwise it’s my Martin CEO 7, which really inspired me to start learning how to add in some picking and licks to my fairly comfortable strumming.
Taylor GS Mini-e QS LTD
I’m playing a Larivee OM-40R
I play a Cort guitar
I’m playing a Taylor T5z. I also have a Seagull concert hall acoustic and an electric that my uncle made for me. My dream guitar is one of the Taylor Builder’s Edition guitars. I’m not sure which one yet – if I ever win the lottery I’ll figure that out.
Aria
I’m playing on a sigma made by Martin
Did you have it set up or playing right off the rack?
I have a sigma purchased in 1980 but needs set up.
I am alternating between a Seagull Entourage (folk size sort of thing) and a Fender Paramount. The Seagull kind of fits me better, but am trying to “stretch” a bit and get used to the bigger size instrument.
Playing a 2024 Yamaha AR1M and 1975 Ventura (V-23B; Japan; Gibson Dove knowck-off). Can’t beat a Gibson/Epiphone neck, the Yamaha has great sound)
It’s my son’s guitar. We purchased maybe in 2015. Kadence slowhand series M01. Keys and Steel strings recently changed.
Martin OM28 custom shop with adirondack spruce top.
I am taking the challenge using my BODHI BG10M. Once I’m comfortable playing along with you I switch to my Harmony dreadnought. The BODHI is an African okoume mahogany top concert body acoustic guitar. It was a gift from Justin Sandercoe that I will forever cherish. I am enjoying the challenge and I like how you have this all setup. I just might have to subscribe to the program once this challenge concludes. Thanks for this opportunity here!
I am also playing a Harmony dreadnought (H166) given to me by a friend who learned to play on it several decades ago.
Playing a Cordoba FCWE. Having fun!!
2018 Taylor 224ce-K dlx, the all Koa 200 series.
Fender CP 605 parlor. I also use a 30+ year old Ovation Celebrity that has amazing tone. However, I’ve been using the Fender more because it is smaller and easier to hold. It sounds better the more I play it.
Washburn Bella Tono Allure SC56S Acoustic-electric Guitar