Danny Wacker
About
ELITE ROCK & METAL GUITAR INSTRUCTOR — 30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE
Learn guitar directly from a veteran international touring artist and former faculty member at the American Institute of Guitar in NYC, with over 30 years of experience helping students master the instrument. I am a professional guitar instructor specializing in rock, metal, pop, acoustic, and electric guitar.
Beyond my deep roots in music education, I offer students a rare rock and metal industry pedigree, including major label recording experience and decades of international stage success. In 2003, I was signed to Atlantic Records as the lead guitarist for New Blood Revival, tracking a major studio album under legendary producer David Kahne (Paul McCartney, Sublime) and completing extensive live touring throughout the United States and Canada. This included a massive 52-show tour as direct support for legendary ska band The Toasters, a 13-show tour as direct support for Sugar Ray, and additional high-profile opening slots for Blues Traveler, Everclear, Gavin DeGraw, and Authority Zero. Following this, I stepped in for a 5-year tenure starting in 2006 as the lead guitarist for Jesse Blaze Snider (frequent MTV/VH1 personality and son of Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider), tracking and self-releasing a full-length album and performing on major arena dates as direct support for Twisted Sister on their iconic Twisted Christmas tour.
In 2013, I joined the heavy metal band Liege Lord as their active live guitarist, spending over a decade performing at major international heavy metal festivals across Europe, including headline appearances in Germany, Greece, France, Poland, and the Czech Republic. As a celebrated Metal Blade legacy artist, the band's historic catalog was recently honored with an official box set release.
My current professional studio work includes tracking a brand-new Liege Lord song under producer Richard Corsello (Joe Satriani, Eddie Money) for an upcoming video game developed by a co-creator of Guitar Hero. My studio history also includes tracking and working directly with other iconic industry producers and artists like George Marshall (Dream Theater, Cheap Trick) and Denny McNerney (Sevendust, Twisted Sister).
Teaching Style
My teaching style is patient, highly adaptive, and completely tailored to each student's personal musical goals. Whether teaching a young beginner or an advanced player, I focus on building a supportive environment that prioritizes clean hand mechanics, proper ergonomics, and musical confidence. My goal is to make learning an exciting, rewarding experience that gives students the independence to comfortably enjoy the instrument for a lifetime.
Curriculum
I use a highly engaging, song-first methodology. Instead of assigning dry or repetitive exercises out of context, I integrate essential technique, rhythm work, and music theory directly into the actual rock, metal, pop, and acoustic songs my students love from day one. This makes every lesson feel practical and immediately rewarding.
• Custom song charts and accurate chord or tablature sheets tailored to the student's level.
• I break down complex techniques into manageable step-by-step pieces for easy home practice.
• For acoustic and beginners: Custom fretboard and chord diagrams focusing on physical efficiency.
Credentials & Affiliations
Faculty Alumnus and Certified Graduate – American Institute of Guitar, New York City (NYC)
Former Atlantic Records Recording Artist – Signed with New Blood Revival (2003); extensive US and Canadian touring circuits.
High-Profile Support Billing – Performed on major tours as direct support for Twisted Sister (Twisted Christmas Tour), Sugar Ray (13-show tour), The Toasters (52-show tour), with additional supporting slots for Blues Traveler, Everclear, Gavin DeGraw, and Authority Zero.
Lead Guitarist for Jesse Blaze Snider - 5 year tenure (starting 2006) tracking, independently releasing a full-length album, and performing with high-profile rock artist and television personality (son of Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider).
Active International Live Guitarist – Guitarist for Metal Blade legacy artist Liege Lord (2013–Present), headlining major European and domestic metal festivals.
Video Game Soundtrack Guitarist – Tracked custom guitar work as Liege Lord under producer Richard Corsello for an upcoming video game developed by a co-creator of Guitar Hero.
Professional Studio Affiliate – Experienced session guitarist specializing in rock and metal production under major-label producers David Kahne (Paul McCartney), Richard Corsello (Joe Satriani), George Marshall (Dream Theater), and Denny McNerney (Sevendust).