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.
Larrive
PRS 408
Taylor 414ce
Silly question, “Acoustic” as far as the Challenge goes, is it preferable to use an acoustic or will any Gibson Les Paul do?
Thanks
I’m playing on a Gretch Resonator 9220. I just liked the way it sounded and got a good deal on it.
Yamaha FG-400, FG-411, Squire Strat
I play a Fender Stratocaster that I bought in the ‘90s. I used to play a Harmony Sovereign but the neck snapped off.
I’m playing a Fender Gemini II. I’ve had it for 30 years, and used to play much more. My husband and son have taken it over, but I’m now taking it back!
Playing a Seagull S6 Cedar. Bought it 30 years ago. Took it to a guitar store a couple of days ago and had it tuned up/strings replaced. I was embarrassed but guys in the store said it was a nice instrument.
I’m using a SigmaGuitars DM3
I have stagg acoustic guitar
Orangewood Florence parlor acoustic. I’m digging the smaller size, it’s really comfy. My first guitar is an Alvarez DI which I still have and use when I want to sound louder
Gibson Les Paul – 50’s Blueberry burst. On “Acoustic mode” lol
Jasmine S35 beginner. I got it in a charity auction and its my first attempt to play anything! What do you mean by getting it “set up” and it’ll make a difference?
Yamaha fsx800c
Playing a Breedlove Passport with a cedar top (C250/CMe)
Playing a Parkwood
Yamaha FG-110
Martin GPCX2AE Macassar
Zager 50CE OM
Taylor 214
1993 Martin D-16
Crafter D-8
Fender CD140SCE
Martin 00-28
Martin
Playing a 1970’s (80’s?)Yamaha fg430
I’m playing a left handed Froggy Bottom D12 Deluxe 12 fret slope shoulder dread adi/mahog today
1980 Yamaha 6 string
I am playing a Stanford Radiotone Studio 69 D, a not very expensive dreadnought – but I like the sound a lot.
I’m playing a Takamine GD51CE-BSB
Yamaha FS830. I love it!
I am playing Yamaha FS800
Taylor 310
I’m playing a Taylor 114e for this but the guitar I use most is a Taylor GS mini
Playing on a mid ‘70’s Harmony Stella short scale made in Korea. Think they used some kind of mystery wood for the top, sounds a tad crappy actually.
It’s a thrift store bargain, ( under$10 )Harley Benton HBD120 NA. Action is a little high but intonation is OK
I’m playing a Yamaha KUA 100.
Playing an 1968 Epiphone Cortez built in the Gibson plant in K Zoo
epiphone IBG custom hummingbird deluxe EC
I’m playing a Ventura V-10 from the 1970s. I am struggling with the pace of these lessons. How do I find out if your beginner series is any easier?
Playing with the family Yamaha FG-200. It was my Father-in-Law’s and when he passed went to my Step-son who has loaned it to me. I like it.
I have several, but the only acoustic I have is the one I’m using. Guild D4-NT HR – believe its 95-96 model year
For anyone getting frustrated out there, it’s okay. When I started for the first time almost 30 years ago (where does the time go), I thought my fingers were too small to do chords and jumped ship. I played bass for a while but kept returning to the guitar. There are certain things I can’t do with my relatively smaller hands, BUT there are ways I adjust.
I tend to want to run a marathon before I can crawl and get disappointed when I can’t do something. A support system is amazing in times like these, so please don’t get discouraged. Adjust the video’s speed and remember, the goal isn’t to be perfect. Breaking it down slowly is also a great tool.
I don’t know you, but I’m rooting for you!
I’m playing a Fender Squier Standard Series Stratocaster HHS.
Yamaha FG830
Yesterday went well but my ADD brain noped out around the 6 and a half minute mark. Might try it again when I have more time to pause the video every few notes.
I’m playing a Takamine EG5403S. I also play very sparingly a Squire Stratocaster. My attempts at electric haven’t been too successful which makes me focus mostly on the acoustic.
I’m playing a 10 year old Gibson that I bought 2nd hand. This exercise is quite a challenge for me. After watching the 12 minute video, It took me more than half an hour to capture the details of all the steps from day 2. It consisted of 4 measures times 8 counts ( 1&2&…4&) per measure x 4 details per step (finger, string, fret, action) which makes a total of 128 details to follow. It seems more than a little unrealistic to advertise this as a “10 minute” acoustic challenge when that would allow about 4.7 seconds to grasp each detail or, more charitably, less than 19 seconds per count. That’s my frustration showing, I did have a small win, when I went back and played yesterday’s challenge a little more smoothly today than yesterday.
Tony I Play both a Carbon Acoustic (CA) and a Larrivee.