Navarro started playing guitar early on after listening to Jimi Hendrix. He later joined "Jane’s Addiction" with lead singer Perry Farrell in 1986. After the band split and Dave promptly went on to form another band called "Deconstruction" releasing a single self-titled album.

Jane’s Addiction then started to do concert dates in the late 90s before officially reforming which resulted in their "Strays" album.

Dave Navarro guitar playing can also be found on records including Alanis Morissette and Marilyn Manson. He also recently did a pre-recorded performance appearance on Janet Jackson's concert "Rock Witchu" Tour. He is currently also doing selected club engagements and playing in The Panic Channel featuring former band mates, Stephen Perkins and Chris Chaney.