What’s Your Guitar Story?
Submit your true story. Inspire someone. Become part of something lasting.
Why Guitar Stories?
In the decade since starting Tony’s Acoustic Challenge, one thing has stood out again and again:
The stories.
Not just the songs you’ve learned.
Not just the skills you’ve built.
But the real-life moments where guitar changed something for you — and helped you change something in yourself.
Every week, we share true Guitar Stories that encourage players to keep going. These stories have quickly become one of the most meaningful parts of our entire TAC community.
Your story could be the one that inspires someone else to begin, to continue, or to pick the guitar back up after years away.
How Will My Story Be Used?
Approved stories may be featured:
In our Friday Guitar Stories email series
On our website and YouTube channel
In a future Guitar Stories book or published collection
Your story becomes part of something lasting — a growing library that will inspire guitar players for years to come.
Submission Guidelines
We’re building a lasting collection of true guitar stories — personal, emotional, and thoughtfully told.
The best stories are honest, specific, and focused on one powerful experience. They pull the reader into a real moment of change, challenge, or discovery.
You don’t need fancy writing. You don’t need big words.
You just need to share one moment that mattered.
If you’ve ever had an unexpected spark that lead to a new life of guitar, played through self doubt, or rediscovered your voice after years away — that’s your story.
✅ What We’re Looking For:
One true, personal story about how guitar changed, healed, or deepened your life.
First-person storytelling (tell it like you’re sitting across the table from someone you care about).
Structured storytelling with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Vivid details and emotional moments (make us feel it, not just hear it).
Length: Around 600–1,200 carefully chosen words (tight and powerful).
Originality: Your story must be unpublished, and written in your own voice.
- An accompanying photo: Your submission should include a photo of you smiling and holding your guitar. See example photos.
Guitar Stories We’ve Featured
Before you submit, we encourage you to read a few published stories. These will give you a feel for the tone, depth, and kind of storytelling we’re looking for.
“The Hummingbird Returns” — Kate’s story of a childhood guitar spark leading to a three-generation guitar jam. Read Story
“At 77, I Finally Sang” — Bernie’s breakthrough moment that changed everything. Read Story
“The Guitar Under the Stairs” — The story of Tony’s dad pulling his old guitar out, leading to the spark that started Tony’s guitar journey Read Story
❌ What Won’t Be Accepted:
A life timeline or general overview without a focused story.
Political, divisive, or controversial content.
Fiction, poetry, advice piece, or sermon
🎸 Tips for a Compelling Story:
Start in the action: Grab us from the first line.
Use vivid imagery: Let us see and feel your experience.
Include a moment of change: Show us what you felt, learned, or overcame.
Focus on one powerful moment: Zoom in on a true experience that shaped you. One story, one heartbeat.
🎯 For Best Results
We recommend:
✅ Write your story offline first.
Use a document editor (Google Docs, Word, or Notes App) so you can take your time, save your progress, and revise thoughtfully.
✅ Revise at least once.
A powerful story often comes from a second look. Tighten it, deepen the emotion, and make sure it flows.
✅ Paste only when you’re proud.
When your story feels true, meaningful, and complete—then paste it into the submission form.
✅ Don’t forget the photo.
Attach a smiling photo of you with your guitar (see examples!) before hitting submit.
Every story that touches a heart strengthens our community.
Every word you write can become a bridge for someone else.
True stories, well told, change lives.
We can’t wait to read yours.
Questions or thoughts? Let’s hear them…
Responses
Funny how the progression grows regardless if we are gaining or learning or just progressing, If I never get to where I want to be its ok, its the journey and learning and fellowship of trying to make music.
I have to admit, I am stuck, every time i try to learn a song it just dose not ring clear. I will keep on trying.
This was emotional tobwrite
Sorry this might not be for this site area, but im new 1 week in. Bought my guitar from a guitar store in my area, know one offed to help so i asked a person that was playing a guitar which one he suggested. So heres what i bought an Epiphone accoustic electric. In my head it sound tinny. is this me or do i need a different set of strings or is it just because i new.
I play an Epiphone jumbo acoustic/electric. To keep it from sounding too bright (tinny) I back off the treble adjustment on the preamp. If you do that and it still sounds too bright go to a heavier gauge set of strings, preferably medium gauge like .011 or .012.
The stories have so far been awesome, I look forward to them every week now and share with my older brother. Keep them coming please.
Loraine Smith, I really enjoyed your Guitar Story. I think you should add 1 more to the list of the things you are. You, Loraine, are a darned good writer!
You are so sweet. While the story was mine, the magic was in the editing by whoever is helping TAC out with the stories. I did not expect my story to be chosen. It was done as more of a spiritual and therapeutic cleansing. I’m glad it spoke to others. That means the world to me.
You all have great stories! I would also like to submit if you are still taking submissions, but mine isn’t as earth-shattering as most. I still think it could be inspirational for many, for the way it helped me change my outlook in life. I will have to figure out how to get a photo of myself with a decent background, though!
Congratulations to Leighnae Hanley! Your words hit home and were beautifully written. It was exciting to think about winning a guitar, and may this guitar add to your voice that was left in the case for years!
Peace,
Barth
was the winner announced ? I missed it. Love all the stories – so inspirational !
Any updates on the results???
Tony, I’m sure I’m not alone when I say how moved I am by all of the therapeutic and inspirational guitar stories that you’ve published, and how grateful I am for your brilliant idea to start this project, but Dude, you’re killing us – the results? (laugh laugh)
Oh yeah, I’m right there with you Bernie!
Eagerly awaiting results!
Any idea when the results will come out? Super excited to read others stories!
Just in under the wire. Thanks Tony! Great idea and some fun! Looking forward to reading everyone’s stories and hope I win that guitar
Thanks for sharing, Tony!
Playing guitar has always been a rough going but writing has always been the hardest thing I do.
I have nevered been able to strum a guitar but love playing. Time just flew
I submitted my story. I hope I did it right. Thank you for doing this. It is a nice idea and is a good way to connect with others about our journeys.
Just tried to submit my story, and for the life of me, I can’t figure out how to get a photo into the submission. I have photo in my iPhone 16, any tips?
I also struggle d trying to figure out how to do that. Then I put my photo on my desktop. Then just transferred it from there. I hope that helps.
I submitted my story. It’s only around 400 words. Hopefully that is okay.
Just wondering if my story was OK?
Hi Colleen – Your Story was successfully submitted and we are sure that it’s great! Thanks for submitting it and good luck!
I would, be happy to share my story, but there is a real downer to begin the story, and I haven’t figured out a way to keep from depressing others who might read it. Maybe by the next time around I’ll have solved the way to gently handle the beginning of my story.
I totally understand! But if there’s a bright spot in your story that can inspire others, I’d recommend trying your best and submitting. Our editor is great at making light edits that will help the structure and elevate your story to it’s highest potential.
I have resubmitted mine and hope it is more inline with the expected storyline. Will I be notified if/when it is submitted? Thanks!
Your story was submitted successfully, Rob!
I am not ready for a story. I have made progress but I am still working on improving, I have had improvement. I will keep working. Thank you Toni, glad I found you
Hey Tony. When I first heard about the writing challenge, I assumed I had no story to share but I do. After spending the better part of a morning typing while wiping away the tears, I got the story out and on paper. I’m thrilled and could stop right there but I would like to share it. Of course it is way over your limit so I’m double checking because yours was much longer than mine. Mine comes in at 3,000 some odd words. I need to cut it to under 1,200. Correct?
I’m all set with the word count. Perhaps I was reading characters
Do we get an email confirmation after submitting the story? I tried to upload mine yesterday but I’m not sure it got through…
We got your story, Efka. Thank you!
wow…… that was cathartic… thank you for the prompt!
I had a problem getting to 600 and started rambling but hope it works, If I randomly won a guitar I will donate to your Vet program, Thanks Tony.
Thanks for submitting, John! No worries. Take your time, review our updated guidelines (we’ve added examples and tried to give more story tips) then feel free to submit a story if you think you have one that fits the requirements.
Just an update here, John. Your story is great! Our editor was able to do a light edit to help with flow and to fit the ideal structure. And if anyone else is reading this wondering if their story is “good enough”. Just try your best to follow the guidelines, but know that we can help you shape your story even if you don’t feel like you’re a great writer. If you’re in doubt, just submit.
That’s a great idea and I’m on board as well as I have a Taylor 314ce!
I absolutely love this idea. It nearly brought tears to my eyes because this will definitely be therapeutic, as well as inspirational for so many.