Thanks for a great review. Here are my own ‘two cents’ worth on TAC, as a current paid subscriber. Personally, I absolutely love it. It is exactly what I needed; fairly short lessons that have really advanced my guitar playing (AND my understanding of the fret board). Previous to signing up for TAC I focused on learning to play complete songs (…on that note, I would highly recommend Desi Serna’s program). I think it goes without saying that actually playing songs is what most budding guitar players want to be able to do. But I think what any beginner guitarist will soon realize (…as I did) is that playing complete songs (with all of the inherent individual skills required for them to actually sound good) requires a solid foundation. I think it’s like trying to learn how to drive a car - without wanting to first learn what the brake and gas peddles do, how to steer the car, etc. That’s not the fun part - but of course, you can’t learn to drive without it. I’ve found learning guitar to be the same. We just want to ‘get in and drive’ (play songs) - but to be any good at it, we need a good foundation. TAC has got me excited to pick up my guitar again every day, whereas before I felt like is was in a bit of a ‘slump’ and not enjoying playing as much. However, I would recommend TAC in addition to another learning program (or perhaps private lessons) that DO have more of a focus on learning full songs. But as above, I really feel that TAC will help me enormously with the fundamentals needed to play full songs well. As such, I have no regrets whatsoever and feel TAC was well worth the cost. Again, just my ‘two cents’…
Light bulb moment ! As soon as i read cult, i went right on this is what TAC is like. I got very little out of how the program was run. I tried speaking with his close staff and ended up almost being pushed out. I have thought about going back ,but not after reading this review. Good job on supplying the straight goods on TAC, For me i have found Shut up and Play to be a better way to go for songs. Thanks for this review it is very accurate.
Thanks Paul. Very interesting review. I have gone back and forth on TAC. Full disclosure, I am currently a paid member, but have been less than diligent about the daily challenges, fo many of the reasons you mention. Frankly, one of my biggest issues is that the 10-minute challenges don't ever get you to the point you are playing songs. Different daily exercises only teach you snippets that, maybe, you can use later somehow.
Found Active Melody recently. Haven't gone too far, yet.
Have you looked at anything from Desi Serna? Just curious.
Great review! What would you suggest for a senior who is musically inclined and played woodwinds at a high level many years ago but is a true baby beginner at guitar. Is there an online program that would be a good first start? I know that there are many out there and eventually I will move in to others but I’m frankly a little anxious about starting and just spinning my wheels and losing my momentum. Any suggestions?
I am so pleased I read the review Paul, problem I have is I don’t know what I am in terms of guitarist. Firstly I am elderly as in 62, I am a home carer so I do have much time little cash, therefore important that I use cash more wisely than time. Thing is two years past when I was a spritely 59 I found two things, firstly Justin Sandercoe who as well as being a great teacher, is also a huge philanthropist, helping me with the cash issue although I subscribe to his app. Secondly I found Chordify and this is the fun part in playing guitar with the greats. So over these two years I play every day maybe up to several hours I have a list of 1700 songs I try and learn new things all the time but in reality I don’t know if I am a beginner intermediate or what. So I looked at TAC thinking it was for me but after reading your review I’ll save my pennies, I feel that it would be a bit slow for me , I have probably reached the stage where I have to find things to learn, my next target has to be lead improv I can play all the scales so now need to do something with them. The thing I did get from TAC or rather Tony was don’t practice. I don’t I just love playing music.
If you are an intermediate or late beginner player this program is unworthy of your time. The word play is actually more interesting than the lesson. I remember one week Tony concentrated on Mississippi John Hurt, a great blues player. Candy Man is one of favorites blues pieces of John hurt. In fact, I still have his album I bought years ago. I thought we were going to get somewhere that week, but it was tease. Every weekly themed lesson is fragmented in small bits rather than significant substance and no follow up. It’s one size fits all approach. It felt frustrating. I wanted Tony to give me a song to play after so many months in TAC. In fact, I remember writing in the comment section, “Are you kidding me” after a ridiculously simple lesson after seven months in the program. Doesn’t Tony think I’m making progress? Why are you giving me such a simple lesson? I’m a solid intermediate player who needed a real challenge.
But let’s move forward. Let me recommend some names for your guitar playing. I couldn’t do without these wonderful teachers. Here’s my list: Paul Davids, Rob Swift, Beto Lacaze, Paul Tran and TrueFire. Most have beginner lessons. And there’s always a great and consistent challenge. TrueFire has all levels and styles with some of the greatest guitarists players and it’s fun and serious. And the price for their programs or Patreon aren’t costly. When you realize you can keep up with these guitarists you’ll feel real good.
I really would like to know what is going on in the guitar world. I thought TAC was the answer but all of a sudden I am not sure. I will take Paul's recommendation on the 30 days from TAC. Money is not the problem but I do hate to waste it. I think I will be viewing this site for a while to , hopefully, not waste any money.
Enjoyed your review. Reading through these comments, I agree that Active Melody, Desi Serna and David Potts are all great resources. I have also liked Tomo Fujita’s Guitar Wisdom. Been really tempted to try David Hamburger’s Fretboard Confidential too.
In the end, anything that gets you playing the guitar more should help you grow somewhat. Thanks again for your review.
Just happened to find this review now. I've been a member of TAC for 7 months, and for the most part have felt very satisfied with the return on my investment. I wasn't a raw beginner when I joined, fortunately, as I'm not sure the program would be much help to someone just starting out. It's true as well that you won't be happy with TAC if your main goal is to learn songs. But for honing skills and gaining musical knowledge, it's a great resource. Best of all, the daily challenge feature gets you to commit to playing every day, which is a habit I never managed to nail down before TAC. Paying the extra amount to take the Fretboard Wizard course was very much worth it for me. Tony P has a way of explaining music theory principles that I found much easier to grasp than on many other sites I've tried to learn from. Of course there are a multitude of other great learning resources on YouTube and the web generally. Two of my faves are Truefire, where you can buy and download individual courses for very affordable amounts (watch for their promotions), and one that another commenter mentioned, Songnotes.net, which is great for learning songs and technique/practice ideas. But the best part of Tony's Acoustic Challenge is the member forums, as you can develop a real connection with fellow guitar geeks and get advice and encouragement as you go along.
Thank you for peeling marketing hype from the TAC program by candidly sharing your actual experience. I appreciate Tony’s perspective in many of his YouTube videos, but the internet is full of “just do this 10 minutes a day” programs that lure new guitar players into false or misleading promises of guitar god status.
In another review you recommended “Country Guitar Online.” You nailed that one. I don’t care to “play” bluegrass, but Devin is, without a doubt, one of the best online guitar instructors.
Anyway, thank you for taking the time to share these experiences!
Your practice will depend on your goals. If your goal is playing songs then that's what you'll need to practice. It sure sounds like you've got enough songs to keep you busy. How do you group them? By artist or style?
Last year I purchased a 12-month membership in TAC thinking it would be a motivator for me to play again after 10 years away from the guitar. Prior to that I had played guitar for 10 years or so picking up and putting down the instrument over the years. Like many comments here I found TAC to be disjointed and uninspiring. Don't waste your money on this. The daily challenges didn't build on each other and didn't improve my playing. The exercises themselves weren't musical and rather simplistic phrases which in theory you were suppose to improvise with. No guidance given. Very much a cult environment that alienated me. Let's face it at the end of the day want we really want is to be able to play the songs we love better. There was none of that with TAC. After 8 months I stopped using it even though I has paid for annual membership with intention of not renewing. At end of 12 months they auto renewed me without any prior notification. I contacted them and they said they couldn't refund my money since that's their policy even though my membership was less than a month past due. I was stuck with membership for another year. Never used it. Thankfully my membership is now cancelled. I found ActiveMelody.com to be better. My favorite is PlaySongNotes.com since David Potts combines learning songs with technique to play them. His focus is acoustic guitar.
I recently stumbled upon TAC on facebook and succumbed to watching the video which, of course, costs nothing, and I was intrigued. However, I decided to find a review of TAC and after reading Paul's review and some of those who agree with him, I think I'll stick with Artist Works. I'm on my second year with them and it has me playing actual songs. Plus, because of what I've learned I've been able to join two other guitarists on Sunday morning for worship. Even though they've been playing longer than me, there is still room for a beginner to play rhythm and Artist Works helped me get to that point. Artist Works is video-based and also self-paced: you practice and study as much or as little as you desire, but it's cool to do video exchanges with your instructor. Hence, like Scott Yates, this is my two cent contribution. Thanks.
Read the fine print, they will auto renew at $197/year if you don't cancel prior to your renewal date. Renewals are made without express permission or notification.
Thanks for a great review. Here are my own ‘two cents’ worth on TAC, as a current paid subscriber. Personally, I absolutely love it. It is exactly what I needed; fairly short lessons that have really advanced my guitar playing (AND my understanding of the fret board). Previous to signing up for TAC I focused on learning to play complete songs (…on that note, I would highly recommend Desi Serna’s program). I think it goes without saying that actually playing songs is what most budding guitar players want to be able to do. But I think what any beginner guitarist will soon realize (…as I did) is that playing complete songs (with all of the inherent individual skills required for them to actually sound good) requires a solid foundation. I think it’s like trying to learn how to drive a car - without wanting to first learn what the brake and gas peddles do, how to steer the car, etc. That’s not the fun part - but of course, you can’t learn to drive without it. I’ve found learning guitar to be the same. We just want to ‘get in and drive’ (play songs) - but to be any good at it, we need a good foundation. TAC has got me excited to pick up my guitar again every day, whereas before I felt like is was in a bit of a ‘slump’ and not enjoying playing as much. However, I would recommend TAC in addition to another learning program (or perhaps private lessons) that DO have more of a focus on learning full songs. But as above, I really feel that TAC will help me enormously with the fundamentals needed to play full songs well. As such, I have no regrets whatsoever and feel TAC was well worth the cost. Again, just my ‘two cents’…
Light bulb moment ! As soon as i read cult, i went right on this is what TAC is like. I got very little out of how the program was run. I tried speaking with his close staff and ended up almost being pushed out. I have thought about going back ,but not after reading this review. Good job on supplying the straight goods on TAC, For me i have found Shut up and Play to be a better way to go for songs. Thanks for this review it is very accurate.
Thanks Paul. Very interesting review. I have gone back and forth on TAC. Full disclosure, I am currently a paid member, but have been less than diligent about the daily challenges, fo many of the reasons you mention. Frankly, one of my biggest issues is that the 10-minute challenges don't ever get you to the point you are playing songs. Different daily exercises only teach you snippets that, maybe, you can use later somehow.
Found Active Melody recently. Haven't gone too far, yet.
Have you looked at anything from Desi Serna? Just curious.
William
Great review! What would you suggest for a senior who is musically inclined and played woodwinds at a high level many years ago but is a true baby beginner at guitar. Is there an online program that would be a good first start? I know that there are many out there and eventually I will move in to others but I’m frankly a little anxious about starting and just spinning my wheels and losing my momentum. Any suggestions?
I am so pleased I read the review Paul, problem I have is I don’t know what I am in terms of guitarist. Firstly I am elderly as in 62, I am a home carer so I do have much time little cash, therefore important that I use cash more wisely than time. Thing is two years past when I was a spritely 59 I found two things, firstly Justin Sandercoe who as well as being a great teacher, is also a huge philanthropist, helping me with the cash issue although I subscribe to his app. Secondly I found Chordify and this is the fun part in playing guitar with the greats. So over these two years I play every day maybe up to several hours I have a list of 1700 songs I try and learn new things all the time but in reality I don’t know if I am a beginner intermediate or what. So I looked at TAC thinking it was for me but after reading your review I’ll save my pennies, I feel that it would be a bit slow for me , I have probably reached the stage where I have to find things to learn, my next target has to be lead improv I can play all the scales so now need to do something with them. The thing I did get from TAC or rather Tony was don’t practice. I don’t I just love playing music.
If you are an intermediate or late beginner player this program is unworthy of your time. The word play is actually more interesting than the lesson. I remember one week Tony concentrated on Mississippi John Hurt, a great blues player. Candy Man is one of favorites blues pieces of John hurt. In fact, I still have his album I bought years ago. I thought we were going to get somewhere that week, but it was tease. Every weekly themed lesson is fragmented in small bits rather than significant substance and no follow up. It’s one size fits all approach. It felt frustrating. I wanted Tony to give me a song to play after so many months in TAC. In fact, I remember writing in the comment section, “Are you kidding me” after a ridiculously simple lesson after seven months in the program. Doesn’t Tony think I’m making progress? Why are you giving me such a simple lesson? I’m a solid intermediate player who needed a real challenge.
But let’s move forward. Let me recommend some names for your guitar playing. I couldn’t do without these wonderful teachers. Here’s my list: Paul Davids, Rob Swift, Beto Lacaze, Paul Tran and TrueFire. Most have beginner lessons. And there’s always a great and consistent challenge. TrueFire has all levels and styles with some of the greatest guitarists players and it’s fun and serious. And the price for their programs or Patreon aren’t costly. When you realize you can keep up with these guitarists you’ll feel real good.
I really would like to know what is going on in the guitar world. I thought TAC was the answer but all of a sudden I am not sure. I will take Paul's recommendation on the 30 days from TAC. Money is not the problem but I do hate to waste it. I think I will be viewing this site for a while to , hopefully, not waste any money.
Enjoyed your review. Reading through these comments, I agree that Active Melody, Desi Serna and David Potts are all great resources. I have also liked Tomo Fujita’s Guitar Wisdom. Been really tempted to try David Hamburger’s Fretboard Confidential too.
In the end, anything that gets you playing the guitar more should help you grow somewhat. Thanks again for your review.
Just happened to find this review now. I've been a member of TAC for 7 months, and for the most part have felt very satisfied with the return on my investment. I wasn't a raw beginner when I joined, fortunately, as I'm not sure the program would be much help to someone just starting out. It's true as well that you won't be happy with TAC if your main goal is to learn songs. But for honing skills and gaining musical knowledge, it's a great resource. Best of all, the daily challenge feature gets you to commit to playing every day, which is a habit I never managed to nail down before TAC. Paying the extra amount to take the Fretboard Wizard course was very much worth it for me. Tony P has a way of explaining music theory principles that I found much easier to grasp than on many other sites I've tried to learn from. Of course there are a multitude of other great learning resources on YouTube and the web generally. Two of my faves are Truefire, where you can buy and download individual courses for very affordable amounts (watch for their promotions), and one that another commenter mentioned, Songnotes.net, which is great for learning songs and technique/practice ideas. But the best part of Tony's Acoustic Challenge is the member forums, as you can develop a real connection with fellow guitar geeks and get advice and encouragement as you go along.
Thank you for peeling marketing hype from the TAC program by candidly sharing your actual experience. I appreciate Tony’s perspective in many of his YouTube videos, but the internet is full of “just do this 10 minutes a day” programs that lure new guitar players into false or misleading promises of guitar god status.
In another review you recommended “Country Guitar Online.” You nailed that one. I don’t care to “play” bluegrass, but Devin is, without a doubt, one of the best online guitar instructors.
Anyway, thank you for taking the time to share these experiences!
Your practice will depend on your goals. If your goal is playing songs then that's what you'll need to practice. It sure sounds like you've got enough songs to keep you busy. How do you group them? By artist or style?
Last year I purchased a 12-month membership in TAC thinking it would be a motivator for me to play again after 10 years away from the guitar. Prior to that I had played guitar for 10 years or so picking up and putting down the instrument over the years. Like many comments here I found TAC to be disjointed and uninspiring. Don't waste your money on this. The daily challenges didn't build on each other and didn't improve my playing. The exercises themselves weren't musical and rather simplistic phrases which in theory you were suppose to improvise with. No guidance given. Very much a cult environment that alienated me. Let's face it at the end of the day want we really want is to be able to play the songs we love better. There was none of that with TAC. After 8 months I stopped using it even though I has paid for annual membership with intention of not renewing. At end of 12 months they auto renewed me without any prior notification. I contacted them and they said they couldn't refund my money since that's their policy even though my membership was less than a month past due. I was stuck with membership for another year. Never used it. Thankfully my membership is now cancelled. I found ActiveMelody.com to be better. My favorite is PlaySongNotes.com since David Potts combines learning songs with technique to play them. His focus is acoustic guitar.
Does TAC course work for left handed newbie?
I recently stumbled upon TAC on facebook and succumbed to watching the video which, of course, costs nothing, and I was intrigued. However, I decided to find a review of TAC and after reading Paul's review and some of those who agree with him, I think I'll stick with Artist Works. I'm on my second year with them and it has me playing actual songs. Plus, because of what I've learned I've been able to join two other guitarists on Sunday morning for worship. Even though they've been playing longer than me, there is still room for a beginner to play rhythm and Artist Works helped me get to that point. Artist Works is video-based and also self-paced: you practice and study as much or as little as you desire, but it's cool to do video exchanges with your instructor. Hence, like Scott Yates, this is my two cent contribution. Thanks.
Read the fine print, they will auto renew at $197/year if you don't cancel prior to your renewal date. Renewals are made without express permission or notification.