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
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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.
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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 a 1969 Guild D25 I bought new. Also have a newish M-20 Guild that feels the same and sounds great.
Taylor 214ce
Is it possible to show the fingering, as it’s not easy to see which strings you’re actually playing. As a beginner, I still have to think which strings is d, g etc. I’ve completed day 1, not great, but day 2 I’m really struggling with. I’m in my 70’s and new to this.
I am playing a Zager ZAD-900CE
Trying to learn guitar on and off for several years. Sometimes this journey has been a “love / hate” relationship. However, honestly it has never been truly “hate”. I love guitar and i love music period! This journey has been very frustrating at times. Have spent most of my energy learning cords and trying to learn strum patterns. What you are teaching is very much a challenge. Very little time spent picking like this lesson. Challenging indeed! I need to be more patient with myself!
Martin DC Aura
I’m playing a Seagull S6 Original – my one and only guitar. Got it off ebay many years ago and have just been dabbling since then. Kids are old enough now that I have a little spare time to try to dedicate to it.
The tag on the inside of my guitar says it’s a Custom Built Classic Guitar by The Harmony Company of Chicago, IL. I got it in 1967 and took lessons for a while, learning primarily how to play the notes. My first exposure to reading tablature is your course. I’m also having a little trouble with fingerings, as my 4th fretting finger was injured and has no bend in the last joint. I’m trying to substitute another finger but my pinky needs a lot more strength!
I’m playing the Yahama FG800J. Just got it. Loving it
Tony
I have a PRS Santana. It’s beautiful.
Today was tough.
A lot to remember.
I am playing a Taylor. My kids bought it for me 4 yrs ago. I just recently decided enough is enough I have got to learn!
I’m playing a Alvarez PF2005.
I am playing a Simon Patrick Pro
Playing a Seagull S6 tonight. Also have a 1965 Epiphone Texan
Almost got it. My first Martin LX1E, my size!
Yamaha nx series
Pretty tough today. a lot to remember
Maybe I’m just tired tonight.. rough day
I am playing a new guitar, an Acoustic Greisch, Jim Dandy 24” Guitar. I am trying to play guitar after not playing for a while. I used to play and want to play again my 12 String Guitar, it is a Seagull 12 String (#12047) made in Canada.
Playing a D’Angelico semi-hollow (Premier SS Boardwalk), since my acoustic (Taylor 414) is upstairs in a more controlled-humidity environment.
Art Lutherie Spruce not sure of the year
Yamaha CS40. I also play my Washburn semi-acoustic from time to time.
My acoustic is a 51 year old Yamaha FG200 dreadnought. 🙂
Washburn guitar
Today’s licks were ok individually for me but challenging to follow/keep up with you while putting them together.
Playing a Mitchell(what is says on the top of the guitar. No clue the year or where I brought it from. I have several l low end guitars.
Orangewood Morgan Live Grand Auditorium Cutaway.
Laurel canyon LD100
I’m playing a 95 Gibson Gospel or a 2022 Martin Dread Junior sapelle
Tonight, i was playing with my Martin HD28 Standard, also have a Martin D18 1933 reissue it’s a 2021 love this one.
the lick was easy for me, got it no problem.
Guild D25M
Taylor 25th -anniversary Grand Auditorium
Mine is a Seagull S6 Original. Bought it a couple years ago. I liked it’s bright sound. Goes well with my partial hearing loss and slight tinnitus.
An acoustic and sometimes a electric peavey predator, am a mostly beginner.
Martin 000X1
I’m playing my 1963 Gibson electric/acoustic hollow body
D-18 1969. My first
A 2019 Martin HD-28 standard.
I also have a couple more Martins, a couple J45s and a couple Guilds. Nothing vintage. Most bought for me by my wife. Lucky me!
Lesson 2 sounds like frarajaca!
Almost got it—playing a small Bob Thompson
Zager acoustic
I play a Cordoba Iberia Series C7
Fender DG20s from 2000
Almost got it.
Ibanez GC Dread
Did the best I could with the drill. DIdn’t get it down, but tried my best. Couldn’t always tell where to go with the fingers.
Rogue Dreadnaught RA-101B
Martin 000-15 m
The TAB is Below the screen on the right-hand side
Gibson j45 standard
I’m using a Martin 000 Junior.
Iris OG
Hi Tony,
I’m playing a Yamaha APX500 that I got for my daughter years ago. I’m also babysitting a Taylor 810 for a friend but I never paly it as the action on the Yamaha seems a lot better(although that could use some work too). I think I need to find a Luthier.
I play a Gretsch Cowboy Series and love it.