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.
Fender FA-135ce acoustic/electric
I call it my car guitar and take it with me.
I also have a Fender Strat HSS.
Fender – Classic Design … Model CD-60 Dread. Purchased new in December 2025.
Martin D-1
I’m playing a Taylor 517e
playing an Ibanez semi acoustical guitar
Washburn AD5CPACK-A-U
Yamaha APX 600
I’m 68. Playing a Huss & Dalton — can’t remember the model.
I’m playing a Yamaha F335.
Playing a Tacoma Roadking RM6C
I’m playing a Clark original (built by me) patterned after a Martin D28 dreadnaught
Playing Taylor GS Mini
I’m playing a Taylor dreadnought similiar to the one Sarah Mclachlan plays
I play a 2018 Taylor 314ce
Yamaha FG335
Yamaha Compass purchased 20 years ago in New York. First brand new guitar.
I play a Martin Sc-13ce and a Taylor 214ce
I am playing a Yamaha FG360
Ovation folklore
I,m 69 now but when I was 16 I bought my first guitar. It was at a music dept inside a general merchandise store. They had a big cardboard box with several guitars in it. I picked out one I liked for $12.50. It had some fret buzz but overall I liked it. I have no idea what the brand was nor do I remember what happened to it. Today I have an Alvarez AG610EC that I absolutely love.
Martin D45 Harvey Leach, just kidding, Martin D35 50th Anniversary but all guitars are lovely. If I had the cash, the space and the arms I would have them all 😉
I’m 82 and play a Taylor 814 CE
Thank you, Tony. I’ve followed you for a long time, but this is the first time I’ve jumped in to get my feet wet. I’m 71 and play a Fender FA-100 and a Yamaha FG-735S.
Im playing a Luna electric acoustic which i got 2 weeks ago ! At 75 figured i would try something new !!! Not easy fingers seem to be to big . Hits other strings more practice !
Today I’m playing my Art & Luthrie Roadhouse. Thank you!
I am playing a Yamaha FG335
My ovation guitar went up in a fire , so this year I treated myself to a new Ovation guitar for Christmas and I want to learn to play . PS I turned 70 this month
John borak
Sorry…. Fender Redondo
I’m playing a Squire Stratocaster through a Fender amp set at acoustic simulator.
A Fender dreadnought acoustic left handed beginner $200 guitar.
Hey not sure (even though your encouragement is great) if I am getting this for more than one reason wow there’s a lot of stuff and I do not class myself an absolute beginner but find I am getting confused…… Also cannot combine tab with play ? Would this be because I am using a tablet not a computer..?
Martin DCPA4. My first “real” guitar, made in Nazareth, PA. My wife bought if for me approx 15 years ago. Far cry from my Bently acoustic with the aformentioned 1/2″ action height.
Martin 000-15
I’m playing an Epiphone J200 EC, just had it set up and a bone nut put in. I love it.
Today I took out the Martin 00015 to challenge my huge fingers. Much more used to my 1971 Gibson D45 I bought in college, then, a giant step up from the “Old Craftsman” inherited from my Swedish immigrant grandfather when he passed. (strings a Half inch off the fretboard as you described). I admire your marketing skill making this connection with us. You Rock!
In my young days I played piano, clarinet, and saxophone. I bought a guitar for these lessons, and it looks like it is not for beginners. Not sure how to hole hand on the neck and would like to know what the notes are on each string .. At 79 I will give up. Is there a beginner’s section>
Very challenging! and my finger tips are tender. My guitar is a Guild cut away.
My guitar is a Hohner HG07. Got it in mid 70’s.
My regular guitar is in the shop for a setup, and I cannot WAIT to get it back: Yamaha FG730S (the last gift I got from my guitarist dad before he died). In the meantime, I’m playing an Ensenada CG107 classical that I bought for 80 bucks.
I’m 41 and I have been playing guitar on and of for more than 20 years and I really want to learn to play better. I’m playing my uncles guitar that I inherited it’s a classic concert guitar older than me so I don’t know the brand unfortunately. But it’s the best guitar in the world for me.
Just started playing at 53. Martin Jr. Thanks Tony!
I just turned 63, total beginner. I do not even understand the foreign language you are speaking, let alone follow along here. I just got my Yamaha FG800J for my birthday and want to learn, but this is too far advanced for a total beginner. Where is the beginner training?
Hey Tony, I’m playing a Takamine EF508KC
Playing a Taylor 310
I’m playing a 2018 Alvarez AG610 electro acoustic guitar. You are right! Once I got it professionally set up it was a big difference, it became easier to play and allowed me to enjoy playing it longer.
lol-my first guitar when I was 13 was a Gibson Epiphone. I had a love hate relationship until I got a really good set up when I picked it again several years back. I also play electric guitars, but for this I’m playing a Taylor acoustic electric that I absolutely love’
Oscar Schmidt OH2
Yamaha Guitalele
Playing a Fender beginner dreadnought acoustic guitar I got about a year ago.