Chris DeGarmo was one of Queensr˙che's founding members and primary songwriter during the original lineup eras. Growing up in the Seattle area, playing in various bands with fellow guitarist Michael Wilton throughout high school (including Joker, Cross+Fire, and eventually The Mob, which turned into Queensr˙che) DeGarmo was heavily influenced by Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and of course, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement that included Judas Priest and later, Iron Maiden.

Penning some of Queensr˙che's most memorable songs, including "Take Hold of the Flame," "The Mission," and of course, the smash hit "Silent Lucidity," DeGarmo is known for a playing style reminiscent of Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, but with a heavier edge and more speed (when the song requires it). A perfect compliment to Michael Wilton's more traditional heavy metal approach, DeGarmo's broad use of layering and nuance added a distinct flavor to Queensr˙che's overall sound. DeGarmo also served as a very necessary bridge between lead singer Geoff Tate's musical ideas and those of the rest of the band, acting as the glue to put everyone's eclectic tastes together to make Queensr˙che.

After EMI Records folded in 1997, DeGarmo left Queensr˙che, leaving the band without its primary songwriter. He took a gig playing second guitar for Alice in Chains's guitarist/singer Jerry Cantrell's solo tour in 1998 and contributed slide guitar to a track called "Anger Rising" on Cantrell's second album, Degradation Trip in 2002. In 2001, DeGarmo formed a band called Spys4Darwin with Mike Inez (bass) and Sean Kinney (drums) of Alice in Chains and Vin Dombrowski (vocals) of Sponge. The group released one EP, Microfish, in 2001.

During this time, DeGarmo also began a non-musical career as a corporate jet pilot -- a career he continues today. Having acquired a pilot's license during Queensr˙che's most commercially successful years, DeGarmo holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, Hawker (HS125) and Lear Jet type rating from the FAA.

In 2002-2003, DeGarmo reunited with his Queensr˙che bandmates to write and record Tribe. Writing or co-writing five tracks and recording on more, after it was initially announced DeGarmo would tour with the band, and promotional photos were taken, DeGarmo once again departed the group.

In 2005, DeGarmo performed with a reunited Alice in Chains at the Tsunami Continued Care Relief Concert in Seattle. DeGarmo played lead guitar in an Alice in Chains acoustic set, and rhythm guitar for an electric set. He also has worked with the band dredg on songwriting, arrangements and productions of its album Catch Without Arms (DeGarmo has writing credits on "Spitshine" and "Ode to the Sun" on the album) and has written a few movie soundtrack songs with dredg's lead singer, Gavin Hayes.

DeGarmo's last work (as of April 2009) with Queensr˙che was finishing up the track "Justified," which was written and partially recorded for 2003's Tribe but not finished, which was released on the deluxe edition of Queensr˙che's "Best of" album, Sign of the Times in early 2007.