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30 Days To Play
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Course Overview & Your First Guitar Win!
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Primer: Tuning, Technique, & Tab4 Topics
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Week 1 - Learn The Basics Of Guitar With The Blues3 Topics
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Week 2 - Building Your Chord Library5 Topics
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Week 3 - Learn Strumming Patterns3 Topics
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Week 4 - Simple Steps To Your First Guitar Solo3 Topics
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What Should I Do Next?
Lesson 1 of 7
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Course Overview & Your First Guitar Win!
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I am new to playing. Let’s go!
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Switch to full screen. It’s down in the right bottom corner, next to the ‘settings’ icon.
Fun to play Smoke on the Water
I am glad to join- let the fun begin.
I started playing guitar 52 years ago, and have been on and off for long periods. I find it extremely difficult to stretch my fourth finger to hold the A string onto the fifth fret while holding down the low E string on the third fret with my index finger… so, instead, I used my index finger and third finger.
I’m enjoying the course. At 73 I don’t have too many years to play the guitar with any sort of proficiency but I’ve made a commitment with myself to go for it. The blues boogie is a challenge and the C chord likewise, but I’ll get there. Thanks Tony
My ring finger will not do that! Help
I have completed day one. I am starting over after not playing for 40 years. I was shocked that I remembered some basic stuff. I really think this is going to help
Little bit of a stretch, changed angle slightly and could reach
Still having trouble with the C cord
My fore finger and ring finger do not stretch enough to press the 3rd and 5th fret on the 2 lowest strings.
So far I am liking the process. 5 year beginner and finally getting somewhere. Thanks Tony
I have neuropathy from having chemotherapy today, and trying this on the Taylor acoustic was challenging so I am switching to Mr. Les Paul. Day 3 of TAC, after doing the 30 day challenge. This still doesn’t seem appropriate for true beginners like me.
Hi,
I have not yet been able to start the program because of scheduling issues. Where can I start with lesson 1 ?
Hi Daniela, Please reach out to TAC Support for assistance with this. EMail: support@tonypolecastro.com They will be happy to help!
Working on these basics has been fun, and it simultaneously has helped me begin to build up callouses on my fingertips. Playing should be even more fun and the learning curve a little faster once I get my fingers/fingertips in better shape.
Having a heck of a time getting my ring finger to stretch that far. I tried some of the finger stretching exercises mentioned by one of the students below. I can’t believe that anyone could have each of the four fingers on a separate fret! I think my hands are of fairly ordinary size, but I am really struggling with that.
Perhaps some instruction on exactly where the thumb should be on the back of the neck would help.
Not too good. I can barely get the ring finger where it needs to go.
Me too. I used my pinky. Worked just fine.
Let’s Go
Excellent start. Gaining confidence!
My new guitar has just arrived today and I’m ready to get going.
Ok I completed the 30 day as well as the 5 day. Where do i go from here? THANKS
What’s next?
my fingers are not bending like that and my palm is hitting the bottom E string
Interesting approach. Will provide feedback in 35 days. Will use the extra days to go through my notes and ensure that all comments/questions have been addressed.
Enjoyed this
mjewellexactflat – thanks for the recommendations. Had unexpected surgery on my left thumb Friday – hoping the surgery doesn’t impede the progress I’ve been able to make over the past few weeks. Fortunately, I’m wise enough to know where to draw the line – not going to sacrifice the long term for short term gratification.
Downloaded and printed. I’m a bit slow on the computer side of things. I’ll get there!
I also find that left hand warm ups really help. My hands get shaky and feel weak. I just go through the motions and trust that progress will be made.
Can’t wait to finally be able to pick up the guitar and play well.
I’m having the same issue with the index finger not stretching. I found a couple of exercises to help:
1. Finger “Spider Walk” (great for stretch + control)
Place all four fingers on one string (one finger per fret).
Play 1–2–3–4 slowly.
Then move to the next string and repeat.
Focus on keeping each finger curved and close to the fretboard.
2. 1–3 Stretch (targets ring finger specifically)
Put your index finger on a fret (e.g., 5th fret).
Try placing your ring finger two frets higher (7th fret).
Hold for a few seconds, relax, repeat.
Do this across different strings.
3. Finger Independence Drill (hard but effective)
Put all four fingers on the fretboard (one per fret).
Lift only your ring finger, keep others down.
Then place it back.
Repeat slowly—this directly trains that stubborn tendon issue.
This is very helpful! Thank you mjwellexactflat
It looks easier then it is, for I have carpule tunnel in both wrists. Have any exercises to stretch my fingers.
Guitar and tuner arrived today. Some pain in left hand and fingers when reaching around with the ring finger stretching to the fifth fret and the index finger on the third fret. I believe it will decrease over time. Eager to practice this week to see the progress.
I really enjoyed the thirty day’s to begin playing! I think I made a lot of progress. But sadly, I have had a few weeks of traveling when I was not able to practice. I am looking forward to getting back into the course!