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.
Celebrity by Ovation, been plugging away for 50 years and still just plunking a little, so far I really like the way you are doing this.
I messed around with guitars a few times in my life, but decided to focus on music this year. I now have a PRS SE studio standard. I’m also retiring and going traveling in a few months, so I picked up a Taylor mini to take with me. I use both daily at present.
Take mine EG520S
Taylor 214 ce
This morning I’m playing my new Zager 900CE through my Fender Acoustic GO amp.
I have a little Fender Mini Redondo for my acoustic. I got it because it was inexpensive and easy for me to transport.
Playing a Taylor GS mini hog! I love it but I can’t seem to play songs
Good morning. I’m playing an Ibanez PC15VS Performance Grand Concert. I chose it specifically for the narrower and thinner neck. I just got it last week and I’m having so much fun with it!
I am Playing a Fender Acoustasonic
1975 Yamaha FG-160
I’m playing a Guild F-30 NT
I’m playing on a rosewood Taylor GS mini. Definitely a struggle to get the pull off notes to play cleanly but fun challenge on Day 2.
Zager ZAD50CE Acoustic Electric Orchestra Model (smaller). It’s easier for chord reach than my classical guitar due to the neck shape.
Fender Newporter
Playing on a Taylor
I have a Fender Sonoran SCE which is an acoustic/electric.
I’m using a Decca. I’m struggling with getting my fingers only on one string and not on the one below me.
So far so good. I’m using a Takamine and an Epiphone Les Paul. Stuck on playing basic chords and looking forward to moving on to better playing. At 69 I need to get it in gear!
This is my fourth guitar: Yamaha CG192C Classical Guitar – Natural. I have not played seriously since 1974. My other guitars sounded dull compared to this Yamaha CG192C, what a beautiful sound!! It will make it easier to put in the practice time! Enjoying your daily inspirations, ok teachings!
I’m playing on a 6-string baritone ukulele
For acoustics I’m using a Martin Custom, a Lâg Tramontane HyVibe THV30DCE, and Fender DG-6.
For electric I have an almost 50 year old D’Agostino Benchmark Series (made 1977).
I’m playing an Ovation Ultra acoustic/ electric
Hi Tony. Missed yesterday so worked Day 2 today. I own several guitars. For the purpose of this challenge I am using a Yamaha Compass Series CPX 8. Enjoying this a lot. Thanks.
Presently own a Taylor 314ce. I also own and play a Seagull Entourage . Also have a Fender Stratocaster American Professional and a Epiphone Les Paul. The lesson today took a lot more time to comprehend.
using a highly modified Epiphone Les Paul Electric, Unplugged, Thanks for the drill, the Tags and your video are are real blessing… Very best regards, Blair
Old Harmony electric through a Fender Frontman 15 G. I will be reunited with my Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500M this weekend.
Day two question, guitar I am playing is a Martin D-10e
Yamaha CG111C
I play a Collings 01 Mahogany
Yamaha GG122MS
Martin HD 28
Eastman E10OO/SSV and a Martin Golden Era D-18. Both make me very happy.
Taylor Mini Acoustic
Other comments – there doesn’t seem to be a way to slow it down for me. I dont see the 1x you are describing to slow it
Yamaha G-55. Got this from my father. Made me panic to see all those techniques combined so fast. I managed after 45 Minutes with the help of the TAB. But I am still not able to follow the play, even on the lowest speed. Although I like your material. I guess, I am challenged a lot. Thanks.
Hi Tony, this is kind of crazy, but I’ve got my mom’s old ‘classical’ styled Martin 00-16C, from the late 1960’s. I’ve found it described online as “producing a ‘folky’ balanced tone popular for fingerstyle, folk, and bossa nova, in addition to traditional classical music.” She always said how special it was but I didn’t pay much attention to it until recently, and it’s really nice! 🙂 Sounds great, made on smaller side and light so good for learners.
To give some context for yesterday’s question as well, I probably didn’t pay much attention to it as I could have because I got into playing electric bass playing in a couple of bands in the 80’s. I’ve had a few fits and starts with guitar in the years since then, so your course is perfect for me – THANKS!
Guild dv4, gibson j45
Hi Tony,
having a great time on this course thank you.
I treated myself to a Alvarez Artist Little Jumbo Travel Guitars, which is really good to play, I would be interested in your thoughts on my choice of guitar.
I’m playing a 1979 Takamine F-349. I got it new haven’t played in 20 years time to make some noise.
Playing a Zager Travel I bought off FB Marketplace.
I’m playing a cheap Tanglewood travel guitar that I bought on impulse at Frailers in Runcorn a couple of years ago. Tried several more expensive ones but this one just chimed with me,
Yamaha FG30LTD Red Label
While I have a mid 90’s Seagull that I really like, I’m currently playing my Traveller Ultralight because I am on work related travel and the hope I can use your lessons on the road.
My guitar is a Martin D 18. Not yet doing it justice but I love it!!
I live in Oregon and am familiar with Thompson. SUPERB! I was once stopped in and was treated to a tour by Gareth Jenkins, before he started Jenkins guitars. (I’m enjoying your course btw)
I have a Gretchen Jim Dandy Deltoluxe concert, which I absolutely love! Very bluesy!
Yamaha FC 700s, Orangewood Echo are my guitars…. with a started way back when with a yamaha FG160
I’m playing with a ‘Breedlove’ if that means anything to you. I hope it does.
I am playing a Fender acoustic guitar that I got as a gift from a special ticket package at an Alabama concert 8 years ago.
I know this is Tony’s “Acoustic” Challenge, and I don’t want to be an outcast, but I’m playing an Epiphone Les Paul 1960’s Tribute. It’s what I have and it keeps the noise in the house down. BTW, Life happens, and I’m having issues getting the time this week. How long will the lessons be up?
I’m playing an inexpensive beginner classical guitar, Jimenez Ranchero LGR100N. I have, and tried to play for years Yamaha FG160, which I lent to my son. The Yamaha sounds way better but the action is high and uncomfortable. I’m trying out the classical but might return to the Yamaha someday.
Haven’t received the Wednesday session, yet…maybe because I’m doing poorly. Did everyone else get the session for today?