Craig Chaquico

Craig Chaquico is an American guitarist, songwriter, and composer. From 1974 to 1990, he served as the lead guitarist for the rock bands Jefferson Starship and Starship, contributing to a string of multi-platinum albums and hit singles. Since 1993, he has built a successful solo career as an acoustic jazz guitarist and composer, releasing albums that blend new age, smooth jazz, and contemporary instrumental music.

Chaquico is a GRAMMY-nominated artist whose work spans five decades. He is known for his fluid electric guitar solos on classic rock anthems and his later, more contemplative acoustic compositions. His current projects include performing, recording, and engaging with fans through his official website and social media channels.

Fans appreciate his technical skill, melodic sense, and the breadth of his musical range, from the high-energy rock of the 1970s and 1980s to the intimate, nature-inspired tones of his solo albums. [edit]

Craig Clinton Chaquico was born on September 26, 1954, in Sacramento, California. He grew up in the Bay Area, where he developed an early passion for music. By the age of 16, while still attending high school, he had already established himself as a sought-after session guitarist in the region.

His talent caught the attention of established musicians, leading to opportunities that would shape his future. He once recalled recording with Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead, a session that had to be balanced with his schoolwork. His parents threatened to confiscate his guitar if his grades slipped, a motivating factor that kept him focused.

Chaquico's early experiences as a session player gave him a strong foundation in various styles, from rock to blues. This versatility would later prove essential when he joined Jefferson Starship in 1974, at the age of 19, marking the beginning of his professional career in a major rock band. [edit]

Craig Chaquico joined Jefferson Starship in 1974, becoming the lead guitarist at a pivotal time for the band. He contributed to the album Spitfire (1976), which featured songs like "Cruisin'" and "Dance with the Dragon." During his tenure, the band evolved into Starship, achieving massive commercial success with hits such as "We Built This City" and "Sara." His guitar work became a signature element of the band's sound.

In 1990, Chaquico left Starship to pursue a solo career. He shifted from electric rock to acoustic jazz, releasing his debut solo album in 1993. Over the years, he has released several albums, including From the Redwoods to the Rockies (1998), which featured the track "Riders of the Ancient Winds." He has collaborated with artists like Russ Freeman and has performed extensively.

In 1996, the Washburn guitar company released a limited-edition EA26 Craig Chaquico model, a thin-body jumbo acoustic-electric guitar. He has also contributed music to film and television, including the soundtrack for Youngblood (1986) and the movie Wet Hot American Summer (2001). [edit]

Craig Chaquico is widely regarded as a skilled and versatile guitarist, respected for his work in both classic rock and acoustic jazz. His public image is that of a dedicated musician who successfully reinvented himself, moving from the loud, electric world of arena rock to the intimate, nuanced realm of instrumental acoustic music.

Fans admire his technical proficiency and his ability to craft memorable melodies. He is seen as a down-to-earth artist who values his connection with his audience. His social media presence, including his official Facebook page and YouTube channel, allows him to share his music and interact with followers, maintaining a loyal fan base that spans generations. [edit]

Craig Chaquico's career has placed him in the public eye for over five decades, yet his current global fame is not formally ranked. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Chaquico but he does not hold a placement in any published ranking, including the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This status reflects a level of recognition that, while substantial among classic rock and acoustic guitar enthusiasts, does not currently translate into the measurable global metrics that define the upper echelons of fame.

Chaquico's fanbase is similarly informal, with no documented collective name. His audience engages through standard channels, including his official Facebook page and website, but has not coalesced into a formally organized fandom with a distinct identity or coordinated campaigns. This absence of a structured fandom is consistent with his reputation as a musician who connects through his music and personal interactions rather than through a highly visible fan culture.[edit]

Craig Chaquico's surname is pronounced "chə-KEE-soh". He was credited in the 1978 TV special The Star Wars Holiday Special. A young Metallica once praised his guitar solo on a Jefferson Starship track, and the band nearly cut it down due to its length, but it was saved by a vote. After leaving Starship in 1990, he reportedly put away his electric guitars and amps, focusing solely on acoustic music. He was inducted into the San Juan Education Foundation Hall of Fame.

A story fans still retell is his teenage prodigy legend: at 19, he played lead guitar for Jefferson Starship while his own band opened, and he was still in high school. He recalled recording with Jerry Garcia while having to ride his bike to school and keep his grades up, or his parents would throw his guitar in the trash. He was also the only member to appear on every Jefferson Starship and Starship recording, tour, and video from 1974 to 1990. More recently, his legal battles over royalties and the use of the band name have become part of his public narrative.[edit]

Craig Chaquico is married to Kimberly, whom he met in Mill Valley, California. The couple has kept their personal life relatively private, but they have been together for many years. He has spoken about the importance of family and the support he received from his parents during his early musical career. His parents once threatened to take away his guitar if he didn't keep his grades up, a story he has shared in interviews. [edit]

Jefferson Starship, Starship, Russ Freeman, Jerry Garcia. [edit]

Craig Chaquico married Kimberly, whom he met in Mill Valley. The couple has been together for decades, and their relationship has remained stable and out of the spotlight. They have shared a life centered around his music career, with Kimberly often supporting him at performances and events. As of 2026, they are still married. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Craig Chaquico's net worth at $10 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his long career in the music industry, including his time as a lead guitarist for Jefferson Starship and Starship, which produced several multi-platinum albums and hit singles. Royalties from these recordings continue to provide a steady income stream. In addition to his work with the bands, Chaquico has earned money from his solo albums, which have sold well in the new age and smooth jazz genres. He has also generated income through live performances, collaborations, and merchandise sales. The signature Washburn guitar model bearing his name was a limited edition, adding to his revenue and recognition. His financial standing has grown steadily over the years, reflecting his sustained relevance in the music world. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, his net worth is consistent with that of a musician of his stature and experience.[edit]