Between 1967 and 2003, Wayne has played gigs in just about every musical style, playing in a wide variety of musical settings, including concert acts, clubs, cruise ships, big bands, musical theatre, coffeehouses, duos and solo guitar.
Music critic Bart Mendoza said it best in December, 1999, about Wayne Riker's versatile guitar abilities . . . "Fans of great guitar playing would do well to check out Wayne's current stint with singer Shelle Blue. It's clear to me he has become a master of the instrument in all genres."
He has conducted joint workshops/concerts with many well respected technique guitarists over the years, including Larry Carlton, Robben Ford, Will Ray, Marty Friedman, Luther Guitar Johnson, Dave Grissom, Red Volkaert and Duke Robillard.
During 1979, Wayne took a year's hiatus and studied with Howard Roberts, Pat Martino, Ron Eschete, Howard Alden, Joe Diorio, and Don Mock at the Guitar Institute of Technology.